Finance Minister announces launch of Khelo India Mission in Budget 2026

Sports

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 announced the launch of Khelo India Mission.

The sports sector provides multiple avenues for employment, skilling and job opportunities,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her Budget speech.

Presenting the Union Budget, Sitharaman said, "Sports sector provides multiple means of employment and job opportunities. Taking forward the systematic nurturing of sports talent which was set in motion through the Khelo India program earlier, I propose to launch a Khelo India Mission to transform the sports sector over the next decade."

• The mission will facilitate an integrated talent development pathway, supported by training centres (foundational, intermediate and elite levels)
• It will also facilitate systematic development of coaches and support staff
• The mission will also facilitate integration of sports science technology
• It will also facilitate competitions and leagues to promote sports culture and provide platforms
• It will also provide development of sports infrastructure for training and competition.