The Prime Minister acknowledged the transformative impact of sports in empowering society and changing the perception of sports as a career option. He contrasted the earlier period of negligence towards sports, where limited support hindered the progress of aspiring athletes, with the present era that values sports as a profession. The Prime Minister also referred to past instances of corruption and lack of infrastructure in sports, emphasizing the positive changes that have taken place under the Khelo India Abhiyan. The initiative has not only boosted sports infrastructure but also increased the budget for sports and provided financial assistance to athletes.

He praised the growth of Khelo India Games, which have expanded to include university and winter games, offering athletes better competition exposure and opportunities for improvement. The Prime Minister mentioned the inclusion of sports in the National Educational Policy, where it will become part of the curriculum, and the establishment of the National Sports University to strengthen the sporting ecosystem. Efforts are also being made to promote sports-specialized higher education, with Uttar Pradesh leading the way through initiatives like the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University.

The Prime Minister expressed his delight that traditional Indian sports have regained their prestige through the Khelo India program. Scholarships have been introduced to encourage indigenous sports such as Gatka, Mallakhamb, Thang-ta, Kalaripayattu, and Yogasan. He also highlighted the significant participation of women in Khelo India, with the organization of the Khelo India Women’s League in various cities. “About 23 thousand women athletes of different age groups have participated in it so far”, he said.

Addressing the athletes, the Prime Minister emphasized their role in India’s progress and urged them to take the tricolor (Indian flag) to new heights. He reflected on the broader meaning of sportsmanship, which goes beyond winning and losing, and encompasses teamwork, decorum, and following rules. The Prime Minister concluded by stating that a true champion is not only defined by victories but also by the spirit of sportsmanship and the inspiration they provide to society.

The Khelo India University Games are part of the government’s efforts to promote a sports culture and support young athletes. The games aim to provide a platform for university-level athletes to showcase their talent and contribute to the overall development of sports in India. With a focus on infrastructure development, financial assistance, and increased participation, the government seeks to create an environment conducive to sporting excellence and collective success.

The third edition of the Khelo India University Games will be held in various cities in Uttar Pradesh, with the closing ceremony taking place in Varanasi. The Games symbolize the unity and diversity of India, bringing together athletes from different regions and backgrounds to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship. The mascot of the Games, Jitu, the Swamp Deer represents the state animal of Uttar Pradesh. Through initiatives like Khelo India, the government aims to nurture the potential of young athletes, build a strong sports ecosystem, and inspire a healthier and more active nation.

In June 2020, the Sports Ministry announced a plan to open up to 1,000 new Khelo India Centres over a four-year period, with at least one in each district of the country. The North-East states, including Jammu and Kashmir, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Ladakh, are scheduled to have two centers per district.

Former athletes will be hired by the individual state governments to help administer these centers as part of a projected low-cost and effective sports training institute. Financial support will be offered for past champion athletes’ salaries, purchase of equipment, sports kits, consumables, and participation in competitions and events.

Speaking about the decision, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju said, “It is our endeavour to make India one among the top 10 countries in the 2028 Olympics. To fulfill this goal we need to identify and nurture a large number of talented sportspersons from an early age. With the availability of good coaches and equipment facilities at the district-level Khelo India Centers, I am confident that we will be able to find the right children for the right sport and at the right time.”  

The Sports Ministry, in collaboration with state governments, has launched the Khelo India Centres to ensure the availability of grassroots-level sports infrastructure across the country.

The States-wise bifurcation includes:

1. Maharashtra – Opening of 36 Khelo India Centres in 30 districts with a budget estimate of Rs. 3.60 Crores.

2. Mizoram – Opening of 2 Khelo India Centres in Kolasib district with a budget estimate of Rs. 20 Lakhs.

3. Arunachal Pradesh- Opening of 52 Khelo India Centres in 26 districts with a budget estimate of Rs 4.12 Crores.

4. Madhya Pradesh – Opening of 4 Khelo India Centres with a budget estimate of Rs 40 Lakhs.

5. Karnataka – Opening of 31 Khelo India Centres with a budget estimate of Rs. 3.10 Crores.

6. Manipur – Opening of 16 Khelo India Centres with a budget estimate of Rs. 1.60 Crores.

7. Goa – Opening of 2 Khelo India Centres with a budget estimate of Rs. 20 Lakhs.