Seven years ago, we initiated a transformative movement with the establishment of the Khelo India School Games (KISG). Reflecting on our journey thus far fills me with immense pride—not solely for the medals achieved, but for the profound impact Khelo India has had on the sports culture within our country.

Under the insightful guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Khelo India was envisioned not merely as a quest for medals, but as a catalyst for a nationwide sports movement, aimed at cultivating an environment where every child is afforded the chance to engage in sports and develop comprehensively. This initiative has matured into a comprehensive national programme, encompassing 16 editions of the Khelo India Games, which has fostered an ecosystem that nurtures emerging talent, establishes world-class facilities, and champions inclusivity in sports—thus laying the groundwork for India’s aspiration to emerge as a leading global sporting power.

The inaugural KISG in 2018 marked the beginning of a grassroots sports revolution in India. By recognizing the vast potential inherent in school-level competitions, KISG established a structured pathway for young athletes to progress from inter-school contests to national and international events. Over the years, this initiative has successfully identified and developed thousands of athletes, many of whom have proudly represented India at the Olympics and Asian Games. A notable example is Khel Ratna awardee Manu Bhaker, who advanced from School Games to University Games, ultimately achieving double bronze medals at the Paris Olympics.

With the integration of KISG into the broader Khelo India Games framework, the identification of grassroots talent has become increasingly effective. Since its launch, Khelo India has hosted 16 editions—comprising six Youth Games, four University Games, five Winter Games, and one Para Games. Each edition has contributed new dimensions to India’s sporting landscape, ensuring a smooth transition for athletes across various levels of competition and reinforcing the country’s sporting pipeline.

Khelo India has transformed into a comprehensive initiative that extends beyond merely identifying athletes. It now involves a diverse array of stakeholders, including corporate entities, state governments, private training academies, and grassroots organizations. The involvement of the private sector has markedly increased, with corporations contributing to sports development through sponsorships, infrastructure investments, and mentorship programs for athletes. The introduction of the “One Corporate, One Sport” initiative aims to further strengthen corporate participation in sports by facilitating targeted collaborations with the Government, National Sports Federations (NSFs), and corporate partners.

State governments have also taken proactive steps by proposing the establishment of Khelo India Centres (KICs) tailored to regional sports priorities, thereby ensuring that sports development aligns with local requirements. Furthermore, there are plans to create Olympic Training Centres across various regions of the country. These high-performance centres will offer elite training for athletes, including those in para-sports and traditional sports, and will be equipped with cutting-edge sports infrastructure, sports science, and sports medicine facilities.

Inclusivity remains a fundamental principle of Khelo India, with initiatives such as the ‘Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action’ (ASMITA) League playing a vital role in empowering women in sports. Since its inception in 2021, ASMITA has successfully organized over 880 competitions, positively impacting more than 100,000 women athletes.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi has consistently highlighted the significance of supporting athletes from rural areas and smaller cities. Through Khelo India, we have ensured that financial limitations do not hinder the potential of talented individuals. Women’s football leagues under Khelo India have successfully reached remote locations such as Monigong in Arunachal Pradesh, promoting sports participation in regions that were previously unexposed to organized sporting events.

The Khelo India Para Games have established an inclusive platform for para-athletes, enabling numerous competitors to qualify for prestigious global events such as the Paralympics. This initiative has actively championed traditional sports, including Yogasana, Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Thang-ta, and Gatka, thereby ensuring their preservation and development through their incorporation into the Khelo India Youth & University Games.

To enhance the professionalism of the coaching framework, we have integrated Past Champion Athletes (PCAs) as mentors across more than 1000 Khelo India Centres (KICs). Additionally, through complimentary certification courses offered at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala, these former international and national athletes enrich India’s coaching landscape, ensuring that the upcoming generation benefits from their invaluable experience and knowledge.

As India progresses, the Khelo India movement transcends a mere sports development programme; it represents a strategic initiative that aligns with the nation’s long-term aspiration of hosting the Olympic Games in 2036 and achieving a position among the top 10 sporting nations. As we approach 2036, the success of Khelo India will be evaluated not solely by the medals earned but by the countless lives it has influenced, the grassroots transformation it has inspired, and the enduring culture of sports and fitness it has instilled within Indian society.

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