Cabinet approves revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced aid to sports federations with Rs 36,441 crore
On 31 July 2026 the Union Cabinet approved an expanded Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations with a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for 2026–27 to 2030–31.
Summary
The Union Cabinet approved a revamped Khelo India Scheme together with enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs), with a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for 2026–27 to 2030–31 – nearly eight times the previous Khelo India Scheme. Aligned with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and NEP 2020, it introduces Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV) and a new Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category that will expand the athlete pool nearly ten-fold. It is linked to India's preparation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and its Olympic bid.
Key facts
- Outlay
- Rs 36,441 crore (Khelo India + ANSF)
- Period
- 2026–27 to 2030–31
- Size
- Nearly 8 times the previous scheme
- Aligned with
- Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and NEP 2020
- New school initiatives
- Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS), Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV)
- New athlete category
- Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What is the combined outlay approved in July 2026 for the revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations for 2026–31?
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Correct answer: B — Rs 36,441 crore
The Cabinet approved a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for 2026–27 to 2030–31.
Under the revamped Khelo India Scheme (July 2026), which two new initiatives were introduced to strengthen school sports?
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Correct answer: A — Khelo India Feeder Schools and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas
The scheme introduced Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV) to integrate sports with education.
Consider the following statements about the revamped Khelo India Scheme approved in July 2026: 1. Its outlay is nearly eight times that of the previous Khelo India Scheme. 2. It creates a new category called Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB states the outlay is nearly eight times the previous scheme and that a new Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category is created.