Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 3: The Union Cabinet has approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme with a total financial outlay of ₹36,441 crore for the period from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31, marking one of the country’s most ambitious investments in sports development. The revamped programme aims to strengthen grassroots sports, expand athlete development pathways and improve India’s competitiveness on the global sporting stage.
Alongside the revamped Khelo India Scheme, the Cabinet has also approved a strengthened Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) scheme for the 2026–31 period. The enhanced framework will provide comprehensive funding for coaching, sports science, modern equipment, training camps and international exposure for athletes. It also includes support for engaging foreign experts, facilitating participation in major international competitions and promoting sports cooperation with countries of the Global South.
A key feature of the revamped scheme is the creation of the Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category, which is expected to expand the structured athlete development ecosystem by nearly ten times. The initiative seeks to identify and nurture talented young sportspersons through systematic training and long-term support.
The Cabinet has further approved the establishment of the National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB), which will standardise coaching qualifications across the country, improve professional standards and strengthen the capacity of coaches and support staff.
The revamped Khelo India Scheme is designed to build a stronger sporting ecosystem by integrating scientific training methods, improved infrastructure and institutional support while strengthening the role of National Sports Federations in talent identification and high-performance sports.
For the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the revamped scheme is expected to open new opportunities for talented athletes, who have often faced challenges arising from geographical isolation, limited sports infrastructure, high travel costs and restricted exposure to national-level competitions. The enhanced funding for coaching, sports science, equipment, training camps and international exposure could help bridge these gaps and enable more athletes from the Islands to compete at higher levels.
The introduction of the Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category is expected to provide a structured pathway for promising sportspersons from the Islands to enter the national athlete development ecosystem at an early stage. Likewise, the National Coach Accreditation Board could benefit local coaches by offering standardised qualifications and professional development opportunities, ultimately improving the quality of coaching available in the Union Territory.
Sports stakeholders in the Islands have consistently advocated for greater investment in sports infrastructure, regular national-level competitions and improved connectivity to reduce the logistical challenges faced by athletes travelling to the mainland. The revamped Khelo India Scheme is expected to complement these efforts by strengthening institutional support and creating wider opportunities for athletes from remote regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
