Khelo India Mission Launched in Budget 2026 to Transform Nation's Sports Culture

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has praised the launch of the 'Khelo India Mission' under the Union Budget 2026-27. The mission, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, focuses on creating a structured talent pathway and integrating modern technology into sports. It aims to nurture young athletes, develop coaches, and build robust infrastructure nationwide. The initiative seeks to transform India's sports culture over a decade, providing new opportunities for the youth.

Key Points: Khelo India Mission: Budget 2026's Sports Push

  • Integrated talent-development pathway
  • Training for coaches and support staff
  • Incorporation of sports science and tech
  • Enhanced national sports infrastructure
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"Khelo India Mission will elevate nation's sports culture": Uttarakhand CM Dhami on Union Budget 2026

Uttarakhand CM Dhami praises the Khelo India Mission in Union Budget 2026-27, aimed at elevating India's sports culture through talent and tech.

"will become a powerful medium to elevate the nation's sports culture to new heights - Pushkar Singh Dhami"

New Delhi, February 1

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised the launch of the 'Khelo India Mission' under the Union Budget 2026-27, describing it as a transformative step for India's sports ecosystem.

In an X post on Sunday, Dhami said, "Under the visionary leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, the Khelo India Mission, presented under the Union Budget 2026-27, will become a powerful medium to elevate the nation's sports culture to new heights by connecting the country's youth with talent, technology, and training."

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the mission in Parliament, highlighting its focus on creating an integrated talent-development pathway; training coaches and support staff; incorporating sports science and modern technology; organising competitions and leagues; and enhancing sports infrastructure nationwide.

The initiative aims to provide a structured framework to nurture young athletes and create opportunities for employment, skill development, and sports-related careers.

Dhami noted that the mission would benefit the youth of Uttarakhand as well, stating that it would "bring new opportunities, new flights, and new confidence" to aspiring sportspersons in the state. He emphasised that strengthening training centres, developing coaches, integrating modern sports science, and building robust infrastructure would help India compete more effectively on the global sports stage.

The Khelo India programme, launched in 2017, has been pivotal in identifying and developing young talent, supporting athletes financially, and expanding sports infrastructure. Under the new mission, competitions such as the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), Khelo India University Games (KIUG), and Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) will continue to provide platforms for young athletes to showcase their skills.

The mission seeks to institutionalise talent development at foundational, intermediate, and elite levels, creating a long-term pathway for sports excellence in the country. By systematically nurturing athletes and supporting staff, integrating technology and science into training, and providing competitive platforms, the Khelo India Mission is a decade-long effort to transform India's sports culture.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
The focus on sports science and modern technology is crucial. We can't just rely on raw talent anymore; we need to give our athletes the same scientific backing that other sporting nations do. Hope the implementation is as good as the plan.
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Rohit P
Budget announcements are one thing, but will the funds actually reach the ground level? We've seen many schemes fail due to corruption and bureaucracy. I hope this mission has strong monitoring. Still, a step in the right direction.
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Priya S
Developing coaches is key! We have so much passion for sports, but often lack the quality training. If my brother had a good coach in his school, he might have pursued badminton professionally. This gives me hope for the next generation.
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Michael C
The emphasis on creating sports-related careers is smart. It's not just about producing champions, but also physiotherapists, nutritionists, and sports managers. This can be a real engine for job creation.
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Nikhil C
Khelo India Games have already done wonders. I competed in the University Games last year. The exposure was incredible. A 10-year mission with more funding and focus? This is exactly what we need to become a sporting powerhouse. Let's go! 💪

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