India’s image as a country goes beyond its economic and military strength. The soft power of a nation plays a crucial role in capturing the world’s attention. Sports, in particular, has the potential to showcase India’s prowess on the global stage.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi rightly stated, “The soft face of a country also makes a difference.” Let’s explore how the Khelo India Scheme is harnessing the power of sports to transform India.

Sport: A Strong Soft Power

Sports have the remarkable ability to transform a nation in multiple ways. It not only helps in developing the individual personalities of citizens but also puts the nation on the global map as a sporting superpower.

Success in sports instills a sense of national pride, uniting people beyond divisions of caste, creed, and religion, while promoting a happier and healthier society.

India’s demographic advantage presents a vast pool of sporting talent that can be nurtured to represent the country on the world stage.

Policies to Harness True Potential

Over the years, India has produced a handful of sports icons who showcased sparks of brilliance, such as Major Dhyanchand, Milkha Singh, and PT Usha. However, the lack of a focused sports culture and limited support for elite athletes hindered India’s podium finishes in international sports events.

Moreover, sports infrastructure primarily developed in urban areas, leaving rural regions devoid of basic facilities. To address these challenges and tap into the true potential of Indian athletes, the Khelo India Scheme was introduced.

Reforms that Transform

The Khelo India Scheme was formulated by merging the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme, and National Sports Talent Search Scheme. Previously, the lack of coordination and a unified vision between the central and state governments hampered the implementation of these schemes. However, the launch of the Khelo India Scheme in 2016 brought about much-needed reforms.

The revamped Khelo India Scheme consists of 12 verticals, including talent search and development, support to sports academies, physical fitness of school-going children, sports for women, and promotion of sports among persons with disabilities. These initiatives aim to identify grassroots talent, improve infrastructure, and create a sports culture that provides equal opportunities to all.

TOPS: Sustained Support to Sporting Excellence

To further support elite athletes competing in the Olympics, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) was revamped. TOPS provides:

• personalized coaching support from global coaches,
• equipment support,
• monthly out-of-pocket allowance,
• dedicated relationship managers,
• research support, and
• sports science assistance.

These measures ensure that athletes receive comprehensive support and guidance throughout their journey to sporting excellence.

FIT India Movement: Improving India’s Fitness Quotient

Recognizing the importance of fitness, the FIT India Movement was launched to promote the concept that fitness is fun, easy, and free. Through interactions with fitness experts, corporate entities, and various government ministries, a framework was created to enhance the fitness quotient of Indian citizens.

The movement aims to encourage planned fitness activities and make fitness an integral part of people’s lives.

Fundamental Principles of Reforms and Achievements

Under the Khelo India Scheme, 360-degree support is provided to athletes, including financial aid of ₹6.28 lakh per annum per athlete. The scheme serves as a national platform for athletes to showcase their talent, with the Khelo India Games playing a crucial role.

Over 18,000 athletes have participated in these games, and close to 3,000 athletes have been identified as Khelo India Athletes (KIAs) who receive training, equipment, diet, education support, and a monthly out-of-pocket allowance of ₹10,000.

To provide a higher per capita sporting infrastructure across the country, 235 academies have been accredited for training KIAs in 21 sports disciplines. Additionally, support has been extended to 500 private academies in collaboration with National Sports Federations.

These measures ensure that athletes have access to sporting infrastructure throughout India, making training more accessible.

Crest Sports Club @ SMS Varanasi

The Crest Sports Club at SMS Varanasi exemplifies the spirit of the Khelo India Scheme by organizing an annual Sports Fest on the campus grounds. This event is a testament to the enthusiasm and zeal that sports can generate among students.

During the Sports Fest, teams representing different undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including PGDM, MCA, BBA, and BCA, come together to participate in a wide range of sporting activities. The extravaganza covers three indoor games, namely Chess, Carrom, and Table-Tennis, and three outdoor games, namely Cricket, Badminton, and Volleyball. This diverse selection of games encourages students from various disciplines to engage in physical activities and showcase their skills.

The Sports Fest follows a competitive structure, starting with preliminary matches and progressing through quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals. This multi-stage format allows participants to demonstrate their talent and determination, providing them with a platform to excel in their chosen sport. It also fosters a sense of healthy competition and sportsmanship among the students.

Importantly, the Crest Sports Club recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the winners. After several rounds of intense matches, the victors from different classes in the undergraduate and postgraduate levels are acknowledged for their achievements. This recognition not only boosts their confidence but also motivates other students to strive for excellence in sports.

By organizing the Sports Fest and creating a platform for students to engage in various sporting activities, the Crest Sports Club at SMS Varanasi aligns with the goals of the Khelo India Scheme. The scheme aims to promote a sports culture and provide equal opportunities for talented individuals to showcase their skills.

The Sports Fest at SMS Varanasi not only celebrates the spirit of competition and physical fitness but also encourages students to embrace the power of sports in their lives.

Conclusion: Unleashing the Power of Sports

The Khelo India Scheme is truly unleashing the power of sports in India. By nurturing grassroots talent, improving infrastructure, and providing comprehensive support to elite athletes, India is on its way to becoming a sporting superpower.

The reforms introduced through the Khelo India Scheme, along with initiatives like TOPS and the FIT India Movement, are transforming the sports ecosystem in the country. Through these efforts, India is poised to captivate the world with its sporting prowess, while fostering a healthier, happier, and more united society.