The Khelo India Program: A Significant Boost in Budget for 2025-26
The Indian government has made a remarkable commitment to sports and youth affairs, as reflected in the recent Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Khelo India program, a flagship initiative aimed at promoting sports and physical fitness among the youth, has received a substantial budget increase to Rs 1,000 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, up from Rs 800 crore in the previous year. This increase of Rs 351.98 crore demonstrates the government’s dedication to fostering a sporting culture across the nation.
Key Allocations in the Budget
The Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports will be allocated a total of Rs 3,794.30 crore. This budget encompasses various aspects essential for the development of sports in India, including:
– **National Sports Federations**: Funding has increased from Rs 340 crore to Rs 400 crore to support various sports federations.
– **Sports Authority of India (SAI)**: The budget allocation for SAI has been raised from Rs 815 crore to Rs 830 crore, aimed at improving national camps and athlete training.
– **Anti-Doping Initiatives**: The National Anti-Doping Agency’s budget has grown to Rs 24.30 crore from Rs 20.30 crore, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity in sports.
Focus on Future Events
The budget increase is noteworthy, especially considering that there are no major sporting events scheduled in the coming year. However, India’s intent to host the 2036 Olympic Games has been formally submitted to the International Olympic Committee, highlighting a long-term vision for sports excellence.
Support for Youth Development
While funding for youth development programs has seen a reduction, the support for multilateral bodies and youth exchange programs has increased significantly. This demonstrates a balanced approach, ensuring that both sports and youth development receive attention in the allocation of resources.
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