Khelo India Games catalyst for creating global champions

Seven years ago, we ignited a movement with the launch of the Khelo India School Games (KISG).

- Mansukh Mandaviya

Today, as I look at how far we've come, I am filled with pride—not just for the medals won, but for the way Khelo India has transformed the very fabric of sports in our nation.

Conceptualised under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Khelo India was never just about winning medals—it was about igniting a nationwide movement for sports, fostering a culture where every child has the opportunity to play and develop holistically.

Today, this movement has evolved into a multi-faceted national programme spanning 16 editions of Khelo India Games, creating an ecosystem that nurtures talent, builds world-class infrastructure, and promotes inclusivity in sports—laying the foundation for India's ambitious goal of becoming a dominant global sporting nation.

The inaugural KISG in 2018 set the tone for India's grassroots sports revolution.

Recognising the immense potential within school-level competitions, KISG created a structured pathway for young athletes to transition from inter-school competitions to national and international sporting events.

Over the years, this initiative has identified and nurtured thousands of athletes, some of whom have gone on to represent India at the Olympics and Asian Games.