The Khelo Bharat Niti-2025 seeks to expand equitable access to sports facilities across the country, with a specific emphasis on Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, rural communities and economically weaker sections, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has said.
According to details shared in a written reply by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the Rajya Sabha, the policy outlines the creation of inclusive sports programmes from grassroots to elite levels. It includes provisions to establish dedicated facilities equipped with services tailored to the needs of women, persons with disabilities and athletes from marginalised backgrounds. The framework also calls for the introduction of regular sporting leagues designed for these groups to ensure sustained participation.
The policy aims to reduce the rural–urban divide by improving access to training centres and sports infrastructure nationwide. It also emphasises integrating sports with school curricula, expanding community involvement and partnering with stakeholders to reduce training costs. The government is already supporting women’s leagues in underserved regions under the ASMITA – Sports for Women initiative.
While sports fall under the jurisdiction of state governments, Mandaviya said the Centre supplements their efforts through financial assistance, which includes expert coaching, equipment, boarding and lodging, competition exposure, educational expenses, insurance cover and travel support as per approved norms.
Under the Khelo India programme, selected athletes receive an annual support package of ₹6.28 lakh, which includes a monthly out-of-pocket allowance of ₹10,000. Assistance is also provided through the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations for participation in international competitions.
The minister said the initiatives under Khelo Bharat Niti-2025 are aimed at building a more inclusive and accessible sporting ecosystem across the country.
