Mumbai : 18 August 2026

The Sports Authority of India (SAI), Regional Centre Mumbai, organised a press interaction on the Khelo India Revamped Scheme (2026–31) at Mumbai Press Club today, highlighting the Government’s expanded vision to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem and create a seamless pathway for athletes from grassroots participation to national and international excellence.

The interaction was attended by SAI Regional Director Shri Pandurang Chate, Assistant Director Shri Ankit Patil, and distinguished sportspersons, including Padma Shri and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awardee and Paralympic Gold Medallist Shri Pramod Bhagat, BWF World Championship Gold Medallist Shri Sukant Kadam and Asian Games Gold Medallist Ms. Rutuja Sampatrao Bhosale.

The revamped Khelo India Scheme has an outlay of ₹36,441 crore for 2026–31, approximately eight times the previous allocation. It aims to expand the number of athletes supported by nearly ten times and strengthen the sporting ecosystem from grassroots talent identification to high-performance sport.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pandurang Chate said the revamped scheme represents a shift towards developing a complete sporting pathway, connecting schools and grassroots centres with structured training, competitions and high-performance opportunities. He expressed confidence that Maharashtra, with its strong sporting culture and talent base, can significantly benefit from the expanded framework.

The scheme covers nine key components, including sports infrastructure, competitions and leagues, talent identification, Khelo India Training Facilities, coach and support staff development, the Fit India Movement and Sports Technology. Its infrastructure strategy focuses on Sports Infrastructure for Medal Strategy, Strengthening Strategic Sports Assets and State Action Plan for Sports Infrastructure Development.

Under the framework, existing infrastructure across Olympic, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games disciplines will be mapped and assessed to identify gaps, upgrade requirements and the need for new facilities. The State Action Plan will provide States a greater role in developing and strengthening sports infrastructure.

The revamped framework also envisages Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas, Khelo India Feeder Schools and Khelo India Centres to widen the talent identification and development network. Support will be provided to Khelo India Athletes (KIA) and Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIA) across major sporting disciplines.

Sharing their perspectives, Shri Pramod Bhagat emphasised quality coaching, facilities, competition exposure and sports science, particularly for para athletes. Shri Sukant Kadam highlighted early talent identification and sustained support, while Ms. Rutuja Sampatrao Bhosale stressed regular competition, quality coaching and access to facilities closer to athletes’ homes.

The revamped scheme seeks to integrate talent identification, infrastructure, coaching, sports science, technology and competition opportunities to enable athletes to progress systematically from the grassroots to the national and international stage.

PIB Mumbai | Nitin Fulluke/ Priti Malandkar

 

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