India's sports budget increased by over Rs 350 crore for FY 2025-26
Khelo India has received Rs. 1000 crore for the financial year 2025-26 as India eyes 2036 Olympics bid.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Photo Credit: PTI)
The Indian government has significantly increased the allocation for sports in the Union Budget 2025-26, with the flagship Khelo India program emerging as the biggest beneficiary.
The Khelo India scheme, India's flagship scheme on talent identification and development at the grassroots level, has been allocated Rs.1000 crore, a Rs.200 crore hike from the previous financial year.
The program continues to be a vital cog in India's efforts to nurture young athletes into various sporting disciplines.
Despite no major global sporting event in 2025, the government's hike in the sports budget is a further commitment towards bettering the country's sporting infrastructure and athlete support systems.
Additionally, there is an increase in the amount for assistance to the National Sports Federation from Rs.340 crore to Rs.400 crore for the financial year 2025-26.
The hike in the sports budget is also reflective of India's ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympics, with India already submitting a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
At the opening ceremony of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again made clear India's aspirations to host the Olympics.
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