Sports are a State subject, meaning that the primary responsibility for the development and promotion of sports, including traditional sports, lies with the respective State and Union Territory Governments. The Union Government plays a supplementary role by addressing critical gaps in these efforts.
One specific initiative is the ‘Promotion of Rural and Indigenous/Tribal Games’ sub-component under the Khelo India Scheme. This program is dedicated to fostering the growth of rural and indigenous/tribal sports across the country.
Traditional games such as Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta, Yogasana, and Silambam have been identified for promotion under this scheme. These sports are featured in the annual Khelo India University and Youth Games.
As part of this initiative, grants are provided for infrastructure development, equipment support, the appointment and training of coaches, and scholarships for selected athletes participating in these traditional sports.
This information was provided by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, in a written response in the Lok Sabha today.
