CONTEXT

• India is on a transformative journey to become Viksit Bharat by 2047, with sports playing a vital role.
• Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, Indian sports have seen historic global performances, especially in the last 11 years.
• 2025 Asian Athletics Championships marked a major milestone with 24 medals and multiple national records.
• India has evolved from winning just 26 Olympic medals until 2012 to 52 medals in the last 3 editions, including 29 in Paris 2024.

CONCEPT

• Reforms are driven by a performance-based ecosystem ensuring transparency, inclusion, and excellence.
• Key flagship schemes:
  • TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme): From 75 to 213 elite athletes support.
  • TAGG (Target Asian Games Group): Supports 40 medal prospects in 10 sports.
• Khelo India Scheme: Launched in 2017 to build sports infrastructure and promote year-round competition.
• Financial commitments:
  • Sports budget tripled: ₹1,219 crore (2013–14) to ₹3,794 crore (2025–26).
  • Khelo India allocation: ₹1,000 crore (2025–26).
  • Coaches’ support and athlete allowances increased by over 50%.
• Transparency reforms:
  • Mandatory video-recorded trials.
  • Selection criteria published 2 years ahead.
  • Certificates via DigiLocker and linked to National Sports Repository.
• Draft National Sports Policy 2024 and Sports Governance Bill aim to enforce integrity and athlete welfare.

CURRENT

• India has 23 national centres of excellence; 34 state centres established under TOPS and Khelo India.
• Khelo India Games held across 19 editions (Youth, University, Para, Winter, Beach); over 56,000 athletes participated.
• ASMITA League (2024–25): Over 60,000 women athletes supported gender equality in sports.
• Traditional and indigenous sports like yogasana, mallakhamb, kabaddi, kho-kho are gaining global traction.
• Upcoming initiatives:
  • Hosting 2030 Youth Olympics, 2036 Olympics.
  • Aim: Among top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and top 5 by 2047.
• Vision: A self-reliant, inclusive, and athlete-centric sports ecosystem powered by youth and discipline.

MAINS QUESTION

• What are the potential benefits and challenges of hosting major international sporting events like the Youth Olympics and the Olympics, and how can India leverage these events to promote its sporting ambitions?
• How can India ensure the sustainability and inclusivity of its sports ecosystem, particularly in terms of athlete welfare, gender equality, and access to sports infrastructure?