Latest news with #KheloBharatNiti2025
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Decoded: Khelo Bharat Niti & its vision to reshape Indian sports ecosystem
After 25 years, we are finally getting a dedicated national policy for sports, the 'Khelo Bharat Niti,' said Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse after felicitating the victorious Special Olympics Bharat football team in New Delhi on Monday. 'The 'Khelo Bharat Niti' will strengthen the sporting ecosystem and infrastructure in the country and pave the way towards realising our dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics,' she added. VIDEO | Here's what MoS Sports Raksha Khadse (@khadseraksha) said on the National Sports Governance Bill: "It is a proud moment for all of us indeed, as after 25 years, we are finally getting a sports-related policy that will be known as the 'Khelo Bharat Niti'...this will boost… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2025 During her speech at the event, Khadse highlighted how platforms like the Gothia Cup reflect the transformative role of sports in fostering health, education, and leadership. She noted that this vision resonates with India's national priorities of improving sports infrastructure, expanding inclusive training, and building platforms that support athletes from all backgrounds. "Central to this push is the 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025,' a government initiative aimed at strengthening sports at the grassroots level and ensuring nationwide talent identification and development," Khadse further said. What is Khelo Bharat Niti 2025? Launched on July 1, the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 represents the most ambitious restructuring of India's sporting landscape to date. Replacing the National Sports Policy of 2001, the new framework aims not only to produce elite athletes but also to use sports as an instrument for economic development, social inclusion, and national progress. For decades, sport in India received limited attention and investment, often viewed as secondary to academic achievements. However, government schemes like Khelo India helped shift this mindset by introducing youth leagues, sports scholarships, and training centres. Now, the Khelo Bharat Niti builds upon these efforts and positions sport as a legitimate profession and an essential tool for development. The policy aligns with the government's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision and underscores India's intent to host the Olympic Games in 2036, marking its emergence as a global sporting contender. The 'Five Core Pillars' The Khelo Bharat Niti is structured around five strategic focus areas: Global Sporting Excellence: Early talent spotting, elite coaching frameworks, and integration of sports science and technology form the foundation of this pillar, aiming to make Indian athletes internationally competitive. Sport as an Economic Engine: The policy acknowledges the financial potential of the sports sector. It promotes sports-related tourism, startup innovation, and global event hosting, supported by public-private partnerships and CSR initiatives. Social impact through sport: By promoting participation among women, tribal communities, underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities, the policy seeks to make sports a vehicle for social inclusion and empowerment. Mass participation and fitness: Khelo Bharat Niti envisions turning sports into a nationwide movement. This includes grassroots programmes, local access to facilities, and fitness benchmarks in schools and colleges to encourage healthier lifestyles. Linking with NEP 2020: In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the policy emphasises structured physical education in schools and improved training for physical education teachers to nurture young talent early. Budget and infrastructure push For the 2025–26 financial year, the government has allocated ₹3,794 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports — a significant increase from previous years. Of this, ₹1,000 crore has been dedicated to the Khelo India programme, signalling strong commitment to infrastructure and talent development. Notable achievements under Khelo India include: 326 sports infrastructure projects worth ₹3,124 crore 1,045 Khelo India Centres and 34 State Centres of Excellence Support for 2,845 athletes with coaching, equipment, and financial aid Over 50,000 participants across 17 editions of flagship events like the Youth, University, Para, and Winter Games Aiming for the 2036 Olympics A key target of the Khelo Bharat Niti is India's preparation to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics — albeit with limited slots — has highlighted the importance of strategic planning and athlete readiness for the global stage. Partnering with the Diaspora and Industry The policy adopts a forward-looking approach by encouraging: Engagement with the Indian diaspora to enhance international branding and athlete support Greater private sector participation through corporate funding and sports-focused start-ups Alternative financing models such as CSR support and public-private collaborations A Vision for India's Youth With more than 65 per cent of India's population under the age of 35, the policy taps into the country's demographic advantage. It seeks to create an environment where young people can pursue sports not just for recreation but as a viable career path. By supporting holistic development and expanding access across the country, the Khelo Bharat Niti marks a generational shift in how sport is valued — from a pastime to a national priority.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Khelo Bharat Niti 2025: Transformative Blueprint To Redefine India's Sporting Landscape
The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 is a visionary policy with the potential to elevate India's sporting stature and societal fabric Launched on July 1, 2025, by the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, this policy replaces the 2001 National Sports Policy and aligns with the ambitious vision of making India a global sporting powerhouse by 2047, with a specific eye on hosting the 2036 Olympics. The policy outlines a strategic roadmap built on five pillars: Excellence on the Global Stage, Sports for Economic Development, Sports for Social Development, Sports as a People's Movement, and Integration with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Khelo Bharat Niti – 2025 emerges as a bold initiative, marking a significant evolution from its predecessor by recognising sports as a multifaceted tool for nation-building. Unveiled just a week ago, on a date that aligns with India's growing global aspirations, this policy leverages the country's youthful demographic—median age 28 years—as a foundation for holistic development. With the 2036 Olympics bid in sight, the policy's comprehensive framework aims to address historical shortcomings in talent development, infrastructure, and inclusivity. The policy's timeliness resonates with India's current momentum, offering a roadmap to transform sports into a catalyst for economic growth, social cohesion, and educational reform by 2047. The first pillar focuses on achieving international sporting excellence by strengthening the ecosystem from grassroots to elite levels. The policy's emphasis on talent identification through national platforms and equitable infrastructure development is a critical step, given India's modest Olympic medal tally. By integrating community engagement at the block level with regular talent scouting camps, it seeks to unearth champions from remote areas. However, the success of this pillar depends on overcoming logistical challenges, such as ensuring consistent funding and trained coaches. The policy's alignment with the 2036 Olympics goal is ambitious, but without a clear timeline for infrastructure rollout, it risks echoing the uneven progress of past initiatives like Khelo India. The second pillar positions sports as an economic driver, with initiatives like sports tourism, equipment manufacturing under 'Make in India,' and a Sports Startup & Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme. Hosting international tournaments could boost tourism revenue and create jobs, while a robust manufacturing sector promises innovation and employment. As Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has stated, 'We are committed to building a sports ecosystem that not only produces world-class athletes but also drives economic growth through private sector collaboration," reflecting his vision for leveraging the involvement of over 40 companies adopting Olympic disciplines, signaling a strong private-public partnership (PPP) model. However, the financial sustainability of sports assets and the scalability of startups remain untested. Effective oversight and incentives for private investment are essential to realise this economic potential by 2047. The third pillar prioritises social inclusion, targeting underrepresented groups—women, tribal communities, and persons with disabilities—through dedicated facilities and leagues. The promotion of indigenous games and international sports exchanges enhances cultural preservation and diplomatic ties, aligning with India's soft power goals. This inclusive approach could foster a sense of belonging and empower youth, but its implementation requires addressing cultural barriers and ensuring equitable resource distribution. The policy's success in this area will hinge on sustained community engagement and policy enforcement to eliminate discrimination, making it a cornerstone for social progress. Pillar 4: Sports as a People's Movement The fourth pillar envisions sports as a mass movement, promoting physical and mental well-being through initiatives like the 'Khelo Bharat Steps a Day Challenge' and Fitness Ranking systems. By integrating sports into leisure and education, it aims to reduce chronic health issues and foster community bonds. The involvement of National Sports Federations (NSFs) with schools and the development of social sports hubs at block levels are promising steps. Yet, the challenge lies in overcoming urban-rural disparities and underutilised facilities. A participatory approach, with regular community events, could cement sports as a cultural norm by 2047. Pillar 5: Integration with NEP 2020 The fifth pillar integrates sports with the NEP 2020, mandating its inclusion in school curricula and teacher training. This move could cultivate a sports-centric culture from an early age, blending academic and athletic growth. By fostering partnerships with local sports organisations and developing talent within educational settings, it addresses the need for early intervention. However, rural schools lack the infrastructure and trained educators to implement this effectively. A phased rollout with adequate resources is crucial to ensure this integration enhances both education and sports development by 2047. GROUND-LEVEL SUGGESTIONS 1. Talent Scouting Hubs To operationalise the policy, establish district-level talent scouting hubs in collaboration with schools and NGOs. These hubs should conduct quarterly camps using mobile sports vans equipped with basic gear to reach remote areas. A pilot in 50 districts, focusing on tribal and rural zones, could be launched by the end of 2025, with data tracked via a digital platform for transparency. This would ensure early talent identification, aligning with the grassroots focus of the policy. 2. Mini Sports Hubs Enhance infrastructure by converting underutilised public spaces into mini sports hubs. Local governments should partner with corporate CSR funds to install multi-purpose courts and provide maintenance grants. Quarterly 'Community Sports Days" involving local athletes and volunteers could sustain engagement and identify maintenance needs. Initiating this in 100 blocks by mid-2026 would improve accessibility and participation rates. 3. Teacher Training Programme Empower teachers through a decentralised training programme, conducting regional workshops led by certified coaches. These workshops should focus on physical literacy and indigenous games, with incentives like credits or stipends to ensure 80% of physical education teachers are trained within two years. Starting this in 2025 across 500 districts would build local capacity and support NEP 2020 integration. 4. Inclusive Sports Leagues Launch 'Inclusive Sports Leagues" in every block, targeting women and differently-abled individuals with adapted sports like wheelchair basketball. Prizes funded through local sponsorships and a mentorship programme pairing retired athletes with participants could boost morale. Rolling this out in 2026 across 700 blocks would foster inclusivity and talent development. 5. Vocational Training Promote economic benefits by training youth in sports equipment repair and manufacturing through state-level vocational centers linked to 'Make in India'. Six-month courses starting in 2025, followed by annual 'Sports Bazaar' events in each district, could create micro-entrepreneurs and link local talent to markets, enhancing economic impact. 6. Monitoring Committees Establish block-level sports committees comprising panchayat representatives, educators, and athletes to submit quarterly reports on participation, infrastructure use, and talent progression to a national dashboard. An annual 'Khelo Bharat Review" with public feedback sessions, beginning in 2026, would ensure accountability and adaptability. CONCLUSION: A PATH TO 2047 top videos View all The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 is a visionary policy with the potential to elevate India's sporting stature and societal fabric. Its multi-pillar approach addresses excellence, economy, inclusion, mass participation, and education, setting a robust foundation for the 2036 Olympics bid. However, its success depends on meticulous grassroots execution, overcoming governance challenges, and fostering sustainable partnerships. By implementing these suggestions, India can transform its sporting dreams into reality, positioning itself as a global leader by 2047. Hemang Joshi is a BJP MP from Vadodara. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : Vadodara, India, India First Published: July 15, 2025, 19:53 IST News opinion Opinion | Khelo Bharat Niti 2025: Transformative Blueprint To Redefine India's Sporting Landscape Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
‘To become a sporting powerhouse, we must make sports a people's movement'
I am thrilled to see that the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 incorporates, along with all the crucial ingredients needed to build a sports ecosystem that can carry India towards becoming a sporting powerhouse, the aspect of turning sport into a people's movement. P. V. Sindhu (HT Photo) On the face of it, this may not sound as important as identifying talent, building sports infrastructure, creating transparent sports governance policies, etc. But the truth is that unless we involve the masses to participate in sports, no country can become a sporting superpower. The reason is that unless people feel attached to sport and think of it as an important aspect of their life and well-being, they will neither support their children to play sport at the grassroot or higher levels nor step out to support sport as fans and fill up the stadiums, which in turn brings in corporate sponsorships to fund sporting events and build careers for athletes. When I started playing, sports was not considered a career option at all. My parents made great sacrifices to ensure that I continued playing badminton as a youngster, till I reached the elite level, and didn't have to quit midway. But that was because my father was an athlete and understood the importance of playing sport. But this is not the case with everyone. Therefore, if we have to ensure that a large number of youngsters play sport and we have a large pool to identify talent from, getting people involved in sport is important. I think Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 underlines with great care the need to create more access to sports facilities at all levels so that people of all age groups, and from different economic strata and regions, can take up sport as a regular activity. This is the starting point for making sports a people's movement in the country. Our honourable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi has time and again spoken about the importance of leading a fit life which includes daily exercise, the right diet and mental wellness. His recent clarion call to fight obesity by reducing oil consumption by 10 per cent and including exercise in daily life is a reminder yet again. In fact, his vision of the Fit India Movement that he launched in 2019 has already paved the path for that change. There is a growing consciousness among people to stay healthy and fit, and the time is right to motivate them to pick up a sport as part of their fitness journey. One way of incentivising the adoption of a sport as an everyday activity is creating a sense of community by organising sporting events that are meant for families. The Sundays on Cycle initiative launched by honourable union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, is a classic example of this. Along with it, fitness ranking systems can be put in place, a suggestion already made in the policy, which can motivate institutions such as corporates, schools and government organisations to incorporate sport as part of their organisational structure. A nation of fit people will create a higher GDP, a key requirement as we move towards becoming the third largest economy in the world and a Viksit Bharat. Indeed, 'Fit Hai, Toh Hit Hai' is not just a slogan, it is what forms the crux of a nation which has the ambition of being a global leader.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Khelo Bharat Niti 2025: A New Playbook for India's Sporting Future
In a country where the spirit of sport has long outpaced the systems that support it, the Cabinet's approval of the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 (National Sports Policy 2025) marks a timely and transformative moment. Coming more than two decades after its last revision in 2001, this policy is a purposeful recalibration of India's sporting vision. It is a playbook that seeks to reimagine India's sporting ecosystem — from playgrounds in villages to podiums on the global stage. For the first time, a national sports policy articulates a strategic and structured roadmap that is both comprehensive and has a long-term vision. The Khelo Bharat Niti is built on five core pillars: excellence on the global stage, with a renewed emphasis on building high-performance centres and international competitiveness; economic development through sport by promoting sports manufacturing, tourism, and job creation; social inclusion by empowering women, tribal communities, Divyangjan, and reviving indigenous games; promotion of a nationwide fitness culture through community-based initiatives and integration with campaigns like Fit India; and integration of sport with education, including curriculum reforms, teacher training, and dual career pathways in line with the National Education Policy 2020. What makes this policy particularly significant is the timing of its arrival. India's stated aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games is both audacious and inspiring. It requires more than rhetoric; it calls for deep reforms, systematic planning, and a grassroots-to-global pipeline of athletes and infrastructure. The Khelo Bharat Niti provides that scaffolding. It signals a shift from viewing sport merely as recreation to recognising it as a powerful instrument of nation-building. A particularly novel feature of the policy is its framing of sport as a driver of economic growth. Khelo Bharat Niti goes beyond medals, aiming to unlock jobs, boost tourism, and attract investment through sports infrastructure, manufacturing, and start-ups. This economic lens is a strategic shift, positioning sport as both a public good and a growth sector. Beyond the Centre In a federal polity like India, the real test of any national policy lies in State-level convergence. While sport is constitutionally a State subject, only about a dozen States have formal sports policies — from early movers like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to recent efforts in Gujarat, Haryana, and Uttarakhand. Mizoram has gone further by granting industry status to sports. Many others still lag behind. To achieve meaningful outcomes, State policies must align with the broader goals of the Khelo Bharat Niti, supported by coordination, fiscal backing, and shared political will. The policy also outlines a strategic framework for delivery, and central to this vision is the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024. Once enacted, it is expected to bring much-needed transparency, accountability, and professionalism to India's National Sports Federations (NSFs) by setting up a Sports Regulatory Board, athlete commissions, and a Safe Sport framework. If Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 sets the vision, this bill could be the mechanism that enables its delivery. That said, even a well-intentioned and well-structured policy like NSP 2025 is not without its limitations. There are critical areas that need urgent attention if India is to build a truly world-class sports ecosystem. What's missing First, while the policy rightly emphasises athlete development, it lacks a structured framework for post-retirement support such as pensions, career counselling, or mental health services. India can take inspiration from initiatives like those by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), which recently launched an initiative to help athletes transition into life after sport through career planning and wellbeing programmes. Such support systems are essential to ensure athletes are not forgotten once their peak years are behind them. Second, the mention of KPIs and benchmarks in the policy is encouraging, but it lacks specificity. There is no clarity on what indicators will be used, how often progress will be measured, or whether performance data will be publicly accessible. For a mission of this scale, transparent and time-bound tracking will be critical to ensure accountability and sustained momentum. Third, although the policy highlights the role of technology and AI in performance monitoring, it lacks clarity on how a centralised, nationwide athlete database will be developed and sustained. For data to truly drive decisions — whether in talent identification or resource allocation — all stakeholders, including State governments, federations, and NGOs, must work together to build and maintain an integrated digital ecosystem. Without this, the promise of a data-driven sports system risks remaining unfulfilled. Blueprint with promise These limitations, however, do not take away from what the National Sports Policy 2025 fundamentally gets right. It brings clarity where there was once ambiguity, lays out structure in place of scattered efforts, and replaces symbolic gestures with long-term institutional thinking. By fostering collaboration across government, federations, the private sector, and citizens, it lays the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient sporting ecosystem. As India sets its sights on the 2036 Olympic Games, Khelo Bharat Niti can serve as the engine powering that ambition. But aspiration must be matched with execution. This policy offers the blueprint: what follows must be a collective commitment to turn that vision into sustained sporting success. The author is a Public Policy professional.
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
'When women lift, nation rises': Union MoS Raksha Khadse at Weightlifting Warriors Academy
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, on Wednesday paid a significant visit to the Weightlifting Warriors Academy in Modinagar, a premier training centre recognised under the Khelo India Accredited Academy initiative. Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu joined her, Chief National Coach Vijay Sharma, Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) President Sahdev Yadav, and CEO Ashwani Kumar. The Weightlifting Warriors Academy, founded by the Chief National Coach Shri Vijay Sharma, is a state-of-the-art facility meticulously designed to cultivate future champions. Operating with robust support under the Khelo India Scheme and from various sporting bodies, the academy offers a holistic environment for athletic development. Khelo India Accredited Academy - a game changer component of the Khelo India Scheme: For a facility to be accredited as a Khelo India Accredited Academy, it is required to conform to the norms of the Khelo India scheme. The Weightlifting Warriors Academy features a modern, fully equipped gym, a dedicated food service ensuring optimal nutrition, and cutting-edge training equipment and sports science facilities. This isn't just about traditional coaching anymore. Athletes here benefit from scientific training methodologies, advanced performance analysis, targeted injury prevention programs, and comprehensive rehabilitation support. Its residential wing boasts 30 comfortable rooms, capable of housing up to 60 athletes. Currently, the academy is a vibrant hub for 40 promising young athletes, aged 8-14, who are taking their first steps towards sporting greatness. They train alongside 15 elite athletes, including none other than India's celebrated Olympic medalist, Mirabai Chanu, whose dedication and prowess serve as a constant source of inspiration within these walls. Addressing the enthusiastic young athletes, coaches, and staff, Khadse said, 'Under 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025', we are building an ecosystem that not only discovers talent but also sustains it through world-class coaching and community engagement. I have realisedthat when women lift, the entire nation rises, and we pledge to leave no talent undiscovered and no aspiration unfulfilled.' Khadse's visit highlighted the pivotal role of these academies in identifying and nurturing talent from the grassroots, equipping them with world-class facilities and expert guidance. Such institutions are crucial to realising the ambitious goals of 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025,' a visionary policy aimed at transforming India into a formidable global sporting powerhouse by creating a comprehensive and sustainable sports development framework. The presence of an iconic athlete like Mirabai Chanu at the academy serves as a potent motivator for the young trainees, vividly demonstrating the heights that can be achieved through dedicated training and access to the premier facilities provided by the Khelo India initiative. As per the statement, Khadse commended the academy's efforts in fostering a culture of excellence and reaffirmed the government's steadfast resolve to continue investing in such vital institutions, thereby securing a brighter, more glorious future for Indian sports. (ANI)
