Ludhiana, December 19, 2023: Currently, a total of 2752 Khelo India Athletes (KIAs) receive financial support, with the highest representation from the State of Haryana, boasting 467 KIAs, and 169 KIAs from the State of Punjab. The Khelo India Scheme identifies talented sportspersons nationwide.

This fact has been revealed by the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur in an answer to a question on allocation of funds to various states under Khelo India Scheme asked by MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora on the ongoing winter session of Rajya Sabha.

The Minister further stated in his answer that each KIA receives an Out-of-Pocket Allowance of Rs.10,000 per month. Selection of these athletes is based on their outstanding performance in events such as the Khelo India Games, National Championships, and through open and transparent selection trials organized by the relevant National Sports Federations and the School Games Federation of India. This highlights the scheme's geographical neutrality, as it supports talented athletes solely based on their performance, without any preference for a specific geographical region.

Arora had asked about the details of the criteria and methodology employed in determining the Khelo India funding allocations to different States. He had also asked about the manner in which the government intends to ensure transparency and equity in this process. He had also asked about the measures which are being considered to refine the funding allocation system for better alignment with actual sports performance, given the significant disparity between State's funding and its performance, as well as the notable achievements of States like Punjab and Haryana with limited financial support.

The Minister further mentioned in his reply that ‘Sports’ being a state subject, the responsibility of development of sports, including funding for development of sports across the country, rests primarily with the State / Union Territory Governments. The Central Government supplements their efforts by bridging the critical gaps. However, this support implements ‘Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports’ with its twin objectives of mass participation and promotion of excellence in sports across the country. The scheme has five components namely Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure; Sports Competitions and Talent Development; Khelo India Centers and Sports Academies; Fit India Movement; and Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports.

Further, the Minister stated that the Khelo India Scheme is a demand-driven scheme. The proposals received from the State/UT Governments and other eligible entities are considered for financial support, subject to their completeness, technical feasibility, and availability of funds under the Scheme. The Minister also provided details of sports infrastructure projects sanctioned under the Khelo India Scheme in the country, including in the States of Punjab and Haryana. He added funds are allocated Scheme-wise, not State-wise in this Ministry.

Details of Infrastructure Projects Status Under Khelo India Scheme reveals that a total 11 projects have been undertaken in Punjab. Of these projects, 1 project of Replacement of Synthetic Athletic Track with allied works at NS NIS, District Patiala is to be started. Three projects are under progress. These projects are: Laying of Synthetic Athletic Track at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium, District Ferozepur; Construction of Multi-Purpose Hall at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Technical University, District Bathinda; and Construction of Centralized Kitchen and Food Court at National Institute of Sports, District Patiala. Seven projects have been completed. These projects are: Construction of Multi-Purpose Hall at Smt. Lajwanti Sports Complex, District Hoshiarpur; Construction of Multi-Purpose Hall at War Hero’s Stadium, District Sangrur; Construction of 300 Bedded (Triple Occupancy) Hostel at National Institute of Sports District Patiala; Creation of 200 Bedded Hostel (1 for Women and Men) including furnishing at Guru Nanak Dev University, District Amritsar; Construction of Synthetic Hockey Turf at village Marar District Gurdaspur; Construction of Multi-Purpose Hall at Nawanshahr, District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar; and Construction of Synthetic Hockey Turf Ground at Border Security Force (BSF) Campus Jalandhar HQ BSF.