NEW DELHI — As many as 323 new sports infrastructure projects wirth INR 3073.97
crore have been approved under the Khelo India Scheme, Sports Minister Mansukh
Mandaviya informed Rajya Sabha in a written reply on Thursday.
The Khelo India National Programme for Development of
Sports was launched in 2016-17 with the twin objective of mass participation
and promotion of excellence in sports across the country. The scheme was
revamped and approved for three years, from 2017-18 to 2019-20 at a financial
outlay of INR 1756 crore.
The scheme received an interim extension for one year up
to 2020-21 with a budget of INR 328.77 crore and has been revised again and extended
for an additional five years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26 at financial outlay of
INR 3790.50 crore.
In his reply, Mandaviya said, "The Khelo India
Scheme has contributed significantly in development of sports across the
country by collaborating with the various state governments. Key achievements
include the approval of 323 new sports infrastructure projects, with a total
sanctioned cost of INR 3073.97 crore, establishment of 1041 Khelo India Centres
(KICs) aimed at training children, supporting former athletes, and enhancing
grassroots sports infrastructure."
"Additionally, 32 Khelo India State Centres of
Excellence (KISCEs) have been notified, and 301 academies have been accredited.
The sports facilities supported under Khelo India Scheme are open to all
citizens of the country. As on date 2781 Khelo India Athletes (KIAs), are
provided coaching, equipment, medical care, and a monthly Out of Pocket
Allowance (OPA)," Mandaviya said.
