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Khelo India

Posted on: June 04, 2026 | Back | Print


Khelo India, meaning "Play India," is a Government of India initiative launched in 2017–18 with the goal of transforming India's sports culture from the grassroots up. The programme focuses on structured talent identification, competitive sporting platforms, and the development of world-class infrastructure — nurturing the next generation of Indian champions for national and international competition.

A special emphasis is placed on reviving traditional Indian games, bringing them back into the spotlight alongside mainstream disciplines.

About the Programme

At its core, Khelo India is a grassroots talent hunt. Every year, the top 1,000 young athletes identified through the programme receive an annual scholarship of ₹5 lakh (approx. USD 5,900) for a period of eight years, giving them the financial support needed to train, compete, and excel at the highest levels of sport.

The programme encompasses two flagship annual competitions: the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), open to under-17 school students and under-21 college students, and the Khelo India University Games (KIUG), a national multi-sport event bringing together athletes from universities across the country. These events draw participation from over 37 states and Union Territories.

Sports included in Khelo India

The sports featured under the Khelo India programme include:

  • Badminton
  • Table Tennis
  • Chess
  • Carrom Board
  • Kabaddi
  • Volleyball
  • Kho-Kho
  • Satolia / Lagoti

Learn More

For more information about the Khelo India programme, visit the official website at kheloindia.gov.in.

                                                                                                                       
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