Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 1: The Union Cabinet has approved an expanded Khelo India Scheme and enhanced financial assistance for National Sports Federations (NSFs), with a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31.

Announcing the decision in New Delhi, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said the approval reflects the government's continued commitment to using sports as a tool for youth development and nation-building.

He said the expanded scheme aims to provide every talented sportsperson in the country with a clear pathway to achieve excellence at the national and international levels.

Vaishnaw said the initiative would strengthen sports infrastructure across the country by developing training facilities from the grassroots level up to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which supports elite athletes preparing for international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

The enhanced financial support for National Sports Federations is expected to improve athlete training, coaching, competition exposure and overall sports governance, while the expanded Khelo India programme will focus on talent identification, infrastructure development and nurturing young athletes across the country.

The government said the initiative is aimed at creating a stronger sporting ecosystem and improving India's performance in major international sporting events in the coming years.