The Union Cabinet has approved the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, a comprehensive initiative designed to propel India into the top five sporting nations by 2047. This new policy supersedes the National Sports Policy of 2001, marking a significant revamp in the approach to sports development in the country.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the Prime Minister's commitment to nurturing sports talent, especially in rural areas, over the past 11 years. He described the Khelo Bharat Niti as a "strategic roadmap" for elevating India in the global sports arena. The policy aims to create world-class systems for coaching and athlete support, alongside a robust administrative structure to strengthen India's bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.
Key Objectives and Components
The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 is built upon five key pillars:
The policy document seeks to align with the National Education Policy by integrating sports into the school curriculum. It aims to equip educators and physical education teachers with specialized training to promote sports education. The Niti also focuses on establishing a strong regulatory framework for sports governance and developing innovative financing mechanisms, including private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The Khelo India Scheme, a key component of this initiative, was launched in 2016-17 with the dual objectives of promoting mass participation and fostering excellence across the country. It has been revamped and extended for an additional five years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The scheme comprises several components:
The Road to the 2036 Olympics
India is actively bidding to host the 2036 Olympic Games, and the Khelo Bharat Niti is a crucial step in preparing the nation for this endeavor. The policy aims to create the necessary infrastructure and attract international sporting events to the country. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has stated that India aims to be among the top 10 sporting nations by the time it hosts the 2036 Olympics and among the top five by 2047.
One India One Goal
Complementing the Khelo Bharat Niti is the 'One India One Goal Programme', launched in 2023. This multi-year program focuses on grassroots sports development, aiming to broaden sports participation and enable the sporting ecosystem to grow. It seeks to create a participatory sports development model, increasing the involvement of stakeholders from participants to policymakers.
Current Sporting Landscape
Cricket remains the most popular sport in India, deeply ingrained in the nation's culture. Other popular sports include kabaddi, football, badminton, and tennis. India has achieved success in cricket, field hockey, and other sports at the international level. The country has also hosted several major sporting events, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Cricket World Cup.
The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 represents a significant step towards transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse. By focusing on grassroots development, infrastructure improvement, athlete support, and strategic partnerships, the policy aims to create a vibrant sports ecosystem that fosters excellence and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for all citizens.
