Page 24 - NIS English 16-31 August 2025

The sports budget increased constantly in 10 years
For the financial year 2025-26, the central government has allocated a record Rs 3,794 crore to the Ministry
of Youth Affairs and Sports, while Rs 1,643 crore was allocated in the financial year 2014-15. Out of this, Rs
2,191 crore is earmarked for central sector schemes, while Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for the Khelo
India program, underlining the government’s special focus on building India’s sporting future. 3794

3442.32
3397.32
3062.60

2025-26
2024-25
2023-24
1643 1541.13 1,592 1943.21 2196.35 2217 2019-20 2020-21 2827 2021-22 2596.14 2022-23 (*Note—Figures in crores of rupees)

2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

However, a concerted effort is needed to improve in- with the new National Education Policy 2020.
frastructure, funding, governance, and inclusiveness In the last few years, India has achieved significant
to overcome the current challenges and help India achievements in the field of sports at the domestic
perform at its best at the 2036 Olympics and beyond. and international level because with a transforma-
The sports policy is based on five key pillars. First- tional approach to sports in India, the Government
Excellence on the Global Stage, Second- Sports for has prioritised sports education to foster a strong
Economic Development, Third- Sports for Social De- sports ecosystem. It is rightly said that champions are
velopment, Fourth- Sports as a People’s Movement, not born overnight, but they are made over years of
and Fifth- Integration with Education in alignment dedication, discipline, and most importantly, support.

22 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || August 16-31, 2025