Khelo India Programme, Motto, Objectives, Eligibility

Khelo India Programme

In the dynamic landscape of Indian sports, the Khelo India Programme emerges as a beacon of hope and transformation. With its inception in 2018, this initiative has carved a distinct path to nurture the budding sporting talents of the nation. The programme’s resolute commitment to enhancing grassroots sports participation, promoting fitness, and unearthing hidden potentials has ignited a wave of enthusiasm across the country. As we delve into the facets of this programme, its impact becomes clearer through the numbers: thousands of young athletes, numerous sporting disciplines, and a resounding shift towards a healthier, more competitive India.

What is Khelo India Programme?

The Khelo India Programme, introduced in 2018 under the guidance of the then Sports Minister Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in Delhi, is a significant national initiative aimed at revolutionizing the sports landscape in India. Its inception marked a pivotal step towards fostering a stronger sports culture within the nation.

With the objective of integrating sports as a catalyst for holistic growth encompassing national development, economic progress, community engagement, and individual advancement, the programme amalgamates several existing initiatives, including the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan,’ the ‘Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme,’ and the National Sports Talent Search System Programme. The core principles of the programme revolve around promoting both “Sports for Excellence” and “Sports for All.” You can also check here all about National Sports Day of India.

Objectives of Khelo India Programme

The Khelo India Programme has the following key objectives:

• Central Sector Scheme: Implemented and funded by the Central Government for nationwide impact.
• Sports Scholarships: Awarding scholarships to 1000 deserving athletes annually, across various disciplines.
• Long-term Development: Creating an eight-year pathway for athletes’ growth and progress.
• Balancing Sports and Education: Promoting education alongside sports, identifying 20 universities as sporting centres.
• Technology for Promotion: Utilizing technology like GIS, websites, and apps for sports promotion.
• Quality Competitions: Encouraging schools and colleges to organize high-standard competitions.
• Physical Fitness: Fostering fitness through a National Physical Fitness Drive for youth aged 10-18.
• Comprehensive Impact: Aiming to influence the entire sports ecosystem, from economy to infrastructure.
• Engagement in Deprived Areas: Involving youth from disadvantaged areas in sports to steer them away from disruptive activities.

Who can Participate in Khelo India?

Participation in the Khelo India Programme is open to individuals who meet the following age-based criteria:

• Under-17 Category: Candidates who are below the age of 17 are eligible to participate in the under-17 category.
• Under-21 Category: Candidates who are below the age of 21 are eligible to participate in the under-21 category.

These age brackets determine the eligibility for athletes to engage in the various categories and events under the Khelo India Programme.

Khelo India Youth Games 2023

The Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) is a prestigious national sporting event in India that focuses on nurturing and showcasing the talents of young athletes across the country. The 2023 edition of the event marked its fifth iteration and was held in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The games commenced on January 30th and concluded on February 11th, 2023.

The event brought together more than 5,000 athletes from all 36 states and Union Territories of India. These athletes competed across a diverse range of 27 sports disciplines, including athletics, wrestling, boxing, shooting, swimming, basketball, hockey, badminton, and more. The extensive list of sports reflects the event’s commitment to promoting a holistic development approach for young athletes.

Spread across eight cities in Madhya Pradesh and New Delhi, the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 took place at a total of 11 venues. These venues provided the ideal settings for various sporting competitions, encouraging athletes to give their best and showcasing the rich talent pool that India possesses.

The primary objective of the Khelo India Youth Games is to identify, nurture, and groom young sporting talents, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills at a national level. The event not only serves as a stepping stone for athletes but also as a catalyst for the development of sports culture in India.

Medal Tally

The Medal Tally of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 saw Maharashtra emerge as the overall champions. Maharashtra secured a remarkable 161 medals in total, consisting of 56 gold, 55 silver, and 50 bronze medals. Haryana claimed the second position with 128 medals, including 41 gold, 32 silver, and 55 bronze medals. Madhya Pradesh, the host state, secured the third position with a total of 96 medals, comprising 39 gold, 30 silver, and 27 bronze medals.

Khelo India Programme UPSC 

The Khelo India Programme holds significant relevance for UPSC aspirants due to its alignment with key areas of the UPSC syllabus, including government policies, sports and cultural initiatives, and social development programs. Aspirants preparing for UPSC can benefit from UPSC Online Coaching and UPSC Mock Tests that cover this topic, as they offer insights into government schemes for youth empowerment, promotion of sports culture, and the holistic development of talent. Understanding the Khelo India Programme equips aspirants with contemporary knowledge of topics like social issues, government policies, and sustainable development, enhancing their overall preparation strategy.

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