The Union Budget 2026 delivered a major boost to Indian sport with the announcement of the Khelo India Mission, an ambitious long-term initiative aimed at transforming the country’s sporting ecosystem over the next decade.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the mission as a natural evolution of the Khelo India programme, which was first launched in 2018 to revive grassroots sport and identify young talent. The new mission expands that vision significantly, shifting focus from isolated talent discovery to a structured, end-to-end athlete development system.
At the heart of the Khelo India Mission is the creation of a strong and integrated pathway for athletes, starting from the grassroots level and extending all the way to elite international
competition. The government plans to back this with modern training infrastructure, regular competitive exposure, and access to high-quality coaching across disciplines.
A key emphasis will also be placed on coach education and support systems. By strengthening the pool of trained coaches, sports scientists, physiotherapists, psychologists and performance analysts, the mission aims to ensure that athletes receive professional guidance at every stage of their journey. The integration of sports science and technology is expected to play a crucial role in improving performance and injury management.
Beyond medals and podium finishes, the government highlighted the economic potential of sports as a growing sector. The Khelo India Mission is expected to generate employment opportunities across multiple areas, including coaching, sports management, event operations, sports medicine, analytics and equipment manufacturing. The initiative also aligns with the broader “Make in India” vision by encouraging domestic production of high-quality sports equipment.
The timing of the announcement is significant, as India gears up for major global ambitions in sport. With preparations underway to host the 100th Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030 and a long-term aspiration to host the Olympic Games in 2036, the mission is seen as a foundational step toward sustained international competitiveness.
Overall, the Khelo India Mission signals a shift from short-term schemes to long-term planning and structural reform. By investing consistently in talent, infrastructure and human resources, the government aims to build a sporting culture where excellence is not an exception, but a standard developed over time.
