Increased participation to global podium finishes: India's sporting transformation between 2014-2025

FROM increased participation to global podium finishes, India’s sports journey between 2014 and 2025 has been marked by vision, inclusivity, and execution. Key flagship programs like Khelo India, TOPS, and KIRTI have provided the critical infrastructure and financial support necessary to identify, train, and nurture talent at every level.

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Under the Khelo India movement, the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), the Khelo India University Games (KIUG), Khelo India Para Games and the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) were set up as annual national sports competitions

The initiative began with the Khelo India School Games in 2018 held in New Delhi and consequently the Khelo India School Games were renamed to the Khelo India Youth Games from 2019.

The KIYG began in 2018 with 18 sports. In 2025, when the 7th edition of KIYG was held in Bihar, it featured 27 sports. So far, 17 editions of the Khelo India Games have been conducted, with participation from over 50,000 athletes. More than 1,300 athletes each took part in Khelo India Para Games 2023 and 2025.

KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification) is a nationwide initiative to identify and nurture sporting talent among children aged 9 to 18. It aims to create a sustainable pipeline of athletes to help India become a top-10 sporting nation by 2036 and top-5 by 2047

The government also provide assistance to India’s top athletes for their preparations for Olympic and Paralympic Games under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Selected athletes are supported with funding from National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for customized training and other support not available under normal schemes of the Ministry. Out of pocket allowance (OPA) is paid at Rs. 50,000/- per month to Core group athletes.