New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme and an enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) Scheme, aimed at strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem, nurturing talent, and improving the country’s performance in international competitions.
Announcing the Cabinet decisions, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the revamped initiatives are designed to transform India’s sports landscape through greater investment in infrastructure, athlete development, sports science, and institutional support.
Revamped Khelo India Scheme
The Minister said the Khelo India Scheme has been restructured to create a comprehensive framework for sports development across the country.
According to the government, the revamped scheme will focus on:
- Strengthening sports infrastructure across the country.
- Promoting inclusive identification and development of sporting talent.
- Integrating sports with the education system to encourage participation from an early age.
- Expanding the use of sports science, technology, and modern training methods.
- Implementing data-driven governance to improve planning, monitoring, and performance evaluation.
The initiative aims to create a robust grassroots sports ecosystem while providing aspiring athletes with better access to training facilities, coaching, and competitive opportunities.
Enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations
The Cabinet also approved enhanced financial assistance under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) Scheme.
Ashwini Vaishnaw said the enhanced support will enable National Sports Federations to strengthen athlete preparation, improve coaching and training standards, and enhance India’s competitiveness at major international sporting events.
The scheme is intended to nurture sporting champions, promote a culture of fitness among citizens, and provide greater institutional support for the development of various sports disciplines across the country.
Strengthening India’s Sporting Ecosystem
The government said the twin decisions reflect its commitment to building a world-class sporting ecosystem by investing in infrastructure, scientific training, athlete welfare, and effective governance.
The revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced ANSF Scheme are expected to accelerate talent identification, improve high-performance training, encourage greater participation in sports, and help India achieve stronger performances at global sporting events while fostering a nationwide culture of fitness and excellence.
