Page 44 - NIS English 16-30 April, 2026

FLAGSHIP | Khelo India
A Decade of Khelo India
Fostering a
Fostering a
Sports Revolution
Sports Revolution
In India, sports were once merely
a recreational pastime for
children—something confined TDevelopment Programme. On
to the brief interludes between
homework and school. The
notion that sports could not
serve as a viable career path
was a widely held belief. This
mindset stemmed from limited
sports infrastructure and a
societal inclination to prioritize
education over athletics. Against
this backdrop, the government
led by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi set out to transform this
perception, igniting career
aspirations among the youth
within the realm of sports. Today,
whether it is Ladakh’s cyclist
Tsewang Norboo, Nagaland’s
para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe
Sema, or the more than 2,900
athletes groomed under the
Khelo India initiative, it is
propelling these athletes to
unprecedented heights.
42 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || April 16-30, 2026
he Khelo India Scheme was
launched as the National Sports
April 22, 2016, to promote widespread
public participation and excellence in
sports, the competent authorities were
sent an approval letter for it. On Sep-
tember 27, 2016, certain modifications
were introduced to the program. Under
this initiative, work commenced with a
focus on the creation and upgradation
of sports infrastructure, the organization
of sports competitions and talent devel-
opment, the Fit India Campaign, and the
promotion of inclusivity through sports.
Consequently, sports have emerged
as an organized and structured sector.
Over the past decade, the nation has
not only achieved numerous milestones
in these areas but has also successfully
scouted sporting talent on a massive
scale through this scheme. Empowered
by access to world-class infrastructure,
rigorous training, and financial assis-
tance, the youth of India are now making
their presence felt on both national and