KHELO BHARAT SCHEME

The Khelo Bharat Scheme is a flagship sports development programme launched by the Government of India with the aim of promoting a strong sports culture across the country. Implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the scheme focuses on identifying and nurturing sporting talent from the grassroots level. A significant aspect of the scheme is its emphasis on encouraging the participation of women and girls in sports. By providing equal opportunities, financial support and proper training facilities, the Khelo India Scheme plays an important role in empowering women, improving their health and fitness, and creating pathways for them to pursue sports as a career.

Launch and Coverage of the Khelo India Scheme

The Khelo India Scheme was launched in the year 2018 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It was introduced as an umbrella scheme to bring various sports development programmes under one integrated framework. The scheme covers a wide range of initiatives such as the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Women’s Leagues, and ASMITA competitions, which are specially designed to promote women’s participation in sports. In addition, the scheme also includes talent identification programmes, annual scholarships for young athletes, development of sports infrastructure, and training support, ensuring that women and girls receive equal opportunities to grow and excel in sports.

Objectives of the Khelo India Scheme

The Khelo India Scheme aims to develop a strong sporting culture in the country by encouraging participation from a young age. One of its important objectives is to increase the involvement of women and girls in sports and provide them with equal opportunities to grow and succeed. The key objectives of the scheme are:

• To promote mass participation of women and girls in sports at the grassroots level
• To identify and nurture talented female athletes from schools, colleges and universities
• To provide financial assistance and training support to women sportspersons
• To develop safe and inclusive sports infrastructure for women
• To reduce gender disparity in sports participation
• To encourage women to pursue sports as a career and means of empowerment
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Eligibility under the Khelo India Scheme

• The Khelo India Scheme is inclusive in nature and provides opportunities to women and girls at different stages of life. School-going girls can participate through school, district and state-level competitions. College and university students are eligible through inter-college tournaments and the Khelo India University Games. Women who are on a gap year or not currently enrolled in any educational institution can also take part through open trials, state championships and women’s leagues organised under the scheme. Married women are equally eligible, as the scheme does not impose any restriction based on marital status. Eligibility is mainly based on age, sporting performance and selection through recognised platforms.
• Access to Opportunities under Khelo India Scheme
• The Khelo India Scheme is designed to be inclusive and provides opportunities to women and girls from different backgrounds and life stages. School-going girls, college students, married women, and women on a gap year can all benefit from the scheme in different ways.
• School-going girls can participate through school-level sports competitions, district and state tournaments, and the Khelo India Youth Games. Talented athletes are identified at an early stage by coaches and sports authorities and are given training opportunities, scholarships, and access to better facilities.
• College and university students can avail opportunities through the Khelo India University Games, inter-college tournaments, and national-level competitions. Colleges and universities nominate eligible women athletes, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent and receive financial and professional support.
• Women on a gap year or those not formally enrolled in an institution can participate through open trials, state-level competitions, and women’s leagues organised under the Khelo India framework. They can register themselves through sports federations, state sports departments, or local academies linked with Khelo India.
• Married women are also eligible to participate, as the scheme does not restrict participation based on marital status. They can take part in women’s leagues, open championships, and ASMITA competitions, provided they meet the age and performance criteria.

Steps to Participate (From Entry to Competition)

1. Initial Participation – The girl or woman starts by participating in school, college, district or state-level sports competitions.
2. Talent Identification – Coaches, physical education teachers, or sports authorities identify talented athletes during competitions or trials.
3. Registration & Nomination – Eligible athletes are registered or nominated through schools, colleges, universities, state sports bodies, or recognised academies.
4. Participation in Khelo India Events – Selected athletes compete in Khelo India Youth Games, University Games, Women’s Leagues, or ASMITA events.
5. Support & Advancement – Promising women athletes receive scholarships, training support, exposure, and opportunities to advance to higher levels.

Benefits of the Khelo India Scheme for Women

The Khelo India Scheme provides multiple benefits to women and girls, empowering them both in sports and in life.

1. Increased Participation – The scheme encourages more girls and women to take part in sports from the grassroots to the national level, helping to bridge the gender gap in athletics.
2. Talent Recognition and Scholarships – Promising female athletes are identified early and provided with scholarships, training, and support to nurture their talent.
3. Career Opportunities – Through participation in competitions and leagues, women can pursue sports as a professional career, including opportunities in coaching and administration later.
4. Improved Health and Fitness – Regular participation in sports promotes physical fitness, mental well-being, and a healthy lifestyle among women.
5. Confidence and Leadership – Sports help women develop self-confidence, teamwork skills, and leadership qualities that can benefit them in other areas of life.
6. Safe and Inclusive Environment – The scheme provides women with access to gender-friendly facilities, hostels, and professional guidance, ensuring a safe and supportive environment to excel.
7. Recognition and Exposure – Women athletes get national-level exposure and recognition, motivating more girls to participate in sports.

Examples of Women Who Benefited from the Khelo India Scheme:

1. Ayushka Pandurang Gadekar – A young wrestler from Washim district, Ayushka won the gold medal in the girls’ 57 kg freestyle wrestling category at the 7th Khelo India Youth Games. Her success at national youth level shows how the scheme helps talented girls rise in competitive sports.

• Janhavi Hirudkar – At the same Games, Janhavi won the gold medal in the U‑18 girls’ 1500m race, proving that track and field athletes also get recognition and support through Khelo India platforms.

• Tushika Verma – A participant in the Khelo India Women’s League, Tushika won gold and was honoured by the District Magistrate for her achievement, showing how the league celebrates women athletes at district and national levels.

• Priya Yadav – In the Khelo India Women Yogasana League, Priya brought home a gold medal, highlighting how even traditional and wellness‑oriented disciplines are included to promote women’s participation in sports.