Khelo India Mission is set to become the cornerstone of India’s long-term sports development strategy, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a comprehensive 10-year roadmap during the 2026 Union Budget. The initiative aims to overhaul the country’s sports ecosystem by strengthening talent development, coaching standards, infrastructure, and manufacturing, while positioning India as a future global sporting hub. The announcement comes at a crucial time as India prepares for major international sporting ambitions, including hosting marquee global events.
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A Decade-Long Vision for Sports Development
Presenting the budget, Sitharaman highlighted the sports sector’s growing role in employment generation, skill development, and economic opportunity. She said the proposed Khelo India Mission would build on the existing framework of the Khelo India programme to deliver systemic and sustained reform over the next decade.
“The sports sector provides multiple avenues for employment, skilling and job creation. Building on the systematic nurturing of talent already set in motion through the Khelo India programme, I propose to launch a Khelo India Mission to transform the sports sector over the next decade,” the Finance Minister said.
Integrated Talent Pathways and Coaching Reforms
The mission will focus on creating an integrated talent development pathway supported by a network of foundational, intermediate, and elite training centres. Key components include structured development of coaches and support staff, integration of sports science and technology, and expanded competitions and leagues to promote a strong sports culture and provide performance platforms.
The emphasis on coaching aligns with recommendations from a Sports Ministry-appointed task force led by former India badminton star Pullela Gopichand. The panel had called for building a larger pool of high-quality coaches and proposed extending the Target Olympic Podium Scheme to offer financial support to coaches, similar to elite athletes, to boost India’s medal prospects.
Infrastructure Push Ahead of Global Events
The renewed focus on sports infrastructure and talent development coincides with India’s preparations to host the 100th Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030. The country is also bidding to host the 2036 Olympic Games in the same city, adding urgency to the need for world-class facilities and athlete support systems.
Strengthening Grassroots and Traditional Sports
Launched in 2017, the Khelo India programme has aimed to strengthen sports culture at the grassroots through structured infrastructure development, talent identification, and competitive opportunities. The programme has also placed special emphasis on reviving and promoting traditional Indian games, a focus expected to continue under the expanded mission.
Boost for Sports Goods Manufacturing and Innovation
Sitharaman also announced a dedicated initiative to enhance high-quality sports goods manufacturing and research. The plan includes innovation in equipment design and material sciences, with the goal of strengthening domestic production capabilities.
“I propose a focused initiative for high-quality sports goods manufacturing, research and innovation in equipment design and material sciences,” she said, adding that India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for affordable and high-quality sports goods.