Khelo Bharat Niti-2025 places a sharp emphasis on bridging disparities in sports opportunities across states and socioeconomic groups. The policy aligns nationwide sport development with the government’s larger goals of inclusion and social advancement. According to the ministry, it ensures that communities historically left behind including SC/ST groups, women athletes, rural youth and economically weaker sections receive equal access to quality sports facilities.
The policy attempts to end the long-standing urban advantage in sports infrastructure by focusing on building new centers, improving existing ones, and designing programs that cater to underserved regions. This includes strengthening local sports ecosystems, creating inter-district access pathways, and supporting long-term athlete development models.
Dedicated Sports Facilities for Marginalized Communities
A major highlight of Khelo Bharat Niti-2025 is its provision for exclusive facilities catering to the needs of women athletes, persons with disabilities, and athletes from low-income backgrounds. These specialized facilities will include accessible design standards, targeted coaching support, and customized training services.
The aim, as outlined in the policy, is not only to increase participation but also to enhance performance by building confidence and providing a safe and encouraging environment. The initiatives will complement existing national programs and help more athletes progress from local to elite pathways.
Regular Competitive Leagues for Sustained Participation
To ensure long-term engagement in sports, the policy proposes organizing regular leagues exclusively designed for underrepresented groups. These competitions aim to provide continuous exposure, enhance match experience, and offer a platform where athletes can showcase talent without structural disadvantages.
Such leagues are expected to create a more inclusive competitive environment and strengthen India’s talent identification process. The approach builds on successful models under government initiatives like ASMITA Sports for Women, which already supports women’s leagues in underserved regions.
Reducing the Rural–Urban Divide in Sports
Sports development in India has long been marked by uneven opportunities, with rural athletes often lacking access to quality training centers and professional coaching. Khelo Bharat Niti-2025 directly tackles these challenges by integrating sports into school-level systems, enabling community participation, and partnering with local bodies and civil society to widen reach.
The policy highlights reducing training costs through resource pooling and institutional collaborations. It envisions a networked ecosystem where schools, panchayats, sports clubs, and federations collectively support athlete growth from early childhood to elite competition levels.
Central and State Governments: Shared Responsibilities
The Ministry emphasized that sports is constitutionally a State subject, making state governments primarily responsible for developing infrastructure and supporting athletes. The Central Government supplements these efforts through schemes, funding support, and policy guidance.
Central support includes expert coaching, sports equipment, lodging and boarding assistance, educational expenses, travel allowance, and insurance. Selected athletes receive domestic and international exposure to strengthen their competitive edge.
Khelo India Program Continues Robust Athlete Support
Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted the Khelo India program as a cornerstone initiative under which each Khelo India Athlete (KIA) receives comprehensive support of ₹6.28 lakh per year. This includes a monthly out-of-pocket allowance of ₹10,000, training expenses, competition exposure, and sports science support.
Additionally, under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF), the government funds participation in international tournaments, ensuring that Indian athletes get opportunities to test themselves against world-class competitors.
Transforming Sports into a Tool for Inclusion and Development
Khelo Bharat Niti-2025 is positioned not just as a sports policy but as a catalyst for social development. By ensuring that athletes from all backgrounds can access quality sports environments, the policy aims to foster national integration, promote physical and mental well-being, and expand India’s talent pool.
The government’s intent is clear: sports must no longer remain a privilege for a select few but become an accessible national movement where everyone has a fair chance to excel.