2,781 athletes identified under Khelo India Scheme: Sports Minister

Indian Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Monday that the Khelo India Scheme has identified a total of 2,781 athletes across 21 different sports, including para-athletics, as part of its Talent Development Programme.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Mandaviya highlighted that the Khelo India Talent Development Programme is designed to identify and nurture promising athletes through a structured support system.

This support includes coaching, sports equipment, medical care, and a monthly Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA), aimed at enabling athletes to focus on their training and performance.

"Under the Khelo India Scheme, 2,781 Khelo India Athletes (KIAs) have been identified, who receive comprehensive support based on specific guidelines and performance benchmarks," Mandaviya said.

Earlier last week, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the Sports Minister said nearly 323 new sports infrastructure projects worth Rs. 3073.97 crore have been approved under the Khelo India Scheme, along with the addition of 32 new Khelo India State Centers of Excellence (KISECs), and accreditation for 302 academies.

The Khelo India initiative, launched in 2018, continues to play a key role in the identification and promotion of young talent across the country, with a focus on both mainstream and para-athletic disciplines.

The government remains committed to strengthening the nation's sporting ecosystem and ensuring that athletes are given the necessary resources to excel on the global stage.

This announcement underscores India's ongoing efforts to elevate its athletes through world-class facilities, training, and financial backing, as the nation seeks to build a strong foundation for future international sporting success.