Parliament Question: Implementation of Khelo Bharat Niti in Madhya Pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1597 # ANSWERED ON- 12/02/2026 IMPLEMENTATION OF KHELO BHARAT NITI IN MADHYA PRADESH 1597 # SMT. MAYA NAROLIYA:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken to implement the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 in Madhya Pradesh, especially in the context of development of sports infrastructure in rural areas;

(b) the measures taken for identification, training, and promotion of sports talent through Khelo India centers in Bhopal and Indore divisions; and

(c) whether Government proposes to organize Khelo India Youth Games in Madhya Pradesh in the year 2026–27 and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

(a): The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 aims at building a strong, inclusive, and performance- driven sports ecosystem in India. The vision of the Niti is "Sports for Nation Building Harness the Power of Sports for Nation's Holistic Development”. It includes provisions aimed at strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure and supporting early talent identification across urban and rural areas, including the state of Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on widening access to sporting opportunities. The policy addresses the rural–urban gap by proposing improved access to basic training facilities, dedicated sports infrastructure, and competition platforms for athletes from diverse sections of society, including women, persons with disabilities, and economically weaker groups. ‘Sports’ being a State subject, the primary responsibility for promotion and development of sports, rests primarily with the respective Stats/Union Territories. The Union Government supplements these efforts, in alignment with the National Sports Policy, through its Page 1 of 2ongoing schemes and programmes, which operates within defined guidelines and reporting frameworks.

(b): The Khelo India Scheme aims to provide equal opportunities in sports by focusing on talent identification and development, organization of Khelo India Games and support, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. In this regard, a structured and multi-tiered framework has been established for the identification, training and promotion of sports talent, including through Khelo India Centres (KICs) in Bhopal and Indore divisions of Madhya Pradesh. Under the Khelo India Talent Development (KITD) programme, young talent is identified at various levels and provided structured training through professional coaching, scientific methods, and regular competition exposure.

Athletes are supported with access to quality sports infrastructure, equipment, and tournaments, along with clear progression pathways to Khelo India Academies, National Camps, and other elite training programmes.

(c): No, sir. As of now, the venue for upcoming Khelo India Youth Games in 2026 has not been finalized. ***** Page 2 of 2