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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Decoded: Khelo Bharat Niti & its vision to reshape Indian sports ecosystem
After 25 years, we are finally getting a dedicated national policy for sports, the 'Khelo Bharat Niti,' said Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse after felicitating the victorious Special Olympics Bharat football team in New Delhi on Monday. 'The 'Khelo Bharat Niti' will strengthen the sporting ecosystem and infrastructure in the country and pave the way towards realising our dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics,' she added. VIDEO | Here's what MoS Sports Raksha Khadse (@khadseraksha) said on the National Sports Governance Bill: "It is a proud moment for all of us indeed, as after 25 years, we are finally getting a sports-related policy that will be known as the 'Khelo Bharat Niti'...this will boost… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2025 During her speech at the event, Khadse highlighted how platforms like the Gothia Cup reflect the transformative role of sports in fostering health, education, and leadership. She noted that this vision resonates with India's national priorities of improving sports infrastructure, expanding inclusive training, and building platforms that support athletes from all backgrounds. "Central to this push is the 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025,' a government initiative aimed at strengthening sports at the grassroots level and ensuring nationwide talent identification and development," Khadse further said. What is Khelo Bharat Niti 2025? Launched on July 1, the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 represents the most ambitious restructuring of India's sporting landscape to date. Replacing the National Sports Policy of 2001, the new framework aims not only to produce elite athletes but also to use sports as an instrument for economic development, social inclusion, and national progress. For decades, sport in India received limited attention and investment, often viewed as secondary to academic achievements. However, government schemes like Khelo India helped shift this mindset by introducing youth leagues, sports scholarships, and training centres. Now, the Khelo Bharat Niti builds upon these efforts and positions sport as a legitimate profession and an essential tool for development. The policy aligns with the government's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision and underscores India's intent to host the Olympic Games in 2036, marking its emergence as a global sporting contender. The 'Five Core Pillars' The Khelo Bharat Niti is structured around five strategic focus areas: Global Sporting Excellence: Early talent spotting, elite coaching frameworks, and integration of sports science and technology form the foundation of this pillar, aiming to make Indian athletes internationally competitive. Sport as an Economic Engine: The policy acknowledges the financial potential of the sports sector. It promotes sports-related tourism, startup innovation, and global event hosting, supported by public-private partnerships and CSR initiatives. Social impact through sport: By promoting participation among women, tribal communities, underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities, the policy seeks to make sports a vehicle for social inclusion and empowerment. Mass participation and fitness: Khelo Bharat Niti envisions turning sports into a nationwide movement. This includes grassroots programmes, local access to facilities, and fitness benchmarks in schools and colleges to encourage healthier lifestyles. Linking with NEP 2020: In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the policy emphasises structured physical education in schools and improved training for physical education teachers to nurture young talent early. Budget and infrastructure push For the 2025–26 financial year, the government has allocated ₹3,794 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports — a significant increase from previous years. Of this, ₹1,000 crore has been dedicated to the Khelo India programme, signalling strong commitment to infrastructure and talent development. Notable achievements under Khelo India include: 326 sports infrastructure projects worth ₹3,124 crore 1,045 Khelo India Centres and 34 State Centres of Excellence Support for 2,845 athletes with coaching, equipment, and financial aid Over 50,000 participants across 17 editions of flagship events like the Youth, University, Para, and Winter Games Aiming for the 2036 Olympics A key target of the Khelo Bharat Niti is India's preparation to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics — albeit with limited slots — has highlighted the importance of strategic planning and athlete readiness for the global stage. Partnering with the Diaspora and Industry The policy adopts a forward-looking approach by encouraging: Engagement with the Indian diaspora to enhance international branding and athlete support Greater private sector participation through corporate funding and sports-focused start-ups Alternative financing models such as CSR support and public-private collaborations A Vision for India's Youth With more than 65 per cent of India's population under the age of 35, the policy taps into the country's demographic advantage. It seeks to create an environment where young people can pursue sports not just for recreation but as a viable career path. By supporting holistic development and expanding access across the country, the Khelo Bharat Niti marks a generational shift in how sport is valued — from a pastime to a national priority.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Gothia Cup winning Indian team felicitated
New Delhi, July 21 (UNI) Special Olympics Bharat hosted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony today to honour the outstanding performance of the Indian football teams at the recently concluded Gothia Cup 2025, held in Gothenburg, Sweden. The ceremony was graced by President of Special Olympics Bharat Dr. Mallika Nadda and Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse along with support from SKF, Special Olympics Bharat Boys' Team and the Haryana U-15 Girls' Team were selected to represent India at the 2025 Gothia Cup, which also completed 50 years of its inception in this edition. The Special Olympics Bharat boys' team defended their title with unmatched resolve, emerging Gothia Cup champions for the second consecutive year. Their journey was a powerful display of confidence, camaraderie, and rising above limits- qualities that define not just the team, but the inclusive movement they represent. India lifted the 2025 Gothia Cup after dominating the final and defeating Poland by 3-1. Ankush Kumar (8', 14') scored a brace and Saheer Muhammad (29') scored a goal as well, emerging as the stars in the final for India. Saheer also emerged as the top goalscorer for India, recording a total of 7 goals while Ankush and Stalin Kumar followed with 3 and 2 goals respectively. Raksha Khadse, Hon'ble Union Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, said, 'These young athletes have reminded us of what India truly stands for- unyielding courage, quiet determination and the unstoppable strength of unity. Watching them not just participate, but rise as champions and changemakers on a global platform, stirs pride in every Indian heart. Their journey is more than a victory — it is a powerful reflection of the India we believe in, where every child, regardless of background or ability, deserves the chance to shine.' 'The back-to-back triumph of SO Bharat athletes on global stage is a beacon of perseverance and their fierce and fearless performance is a testament to their confidence and capability to lead. This is not just a celebration. It is a call to action- to invest, include, and believe,' said Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat. UNI RKM
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
MoS Sports Raksha Khadse Lauds Special Olympics Team For Gothia Cup Success
Last Updated: Union Minister Raksha Khadse praised the Special Olympics Bharat boys' football team for winning the Gothia Cup in Sweden. On Monday, Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse praised the Special Olympics Bharat boys' football team for defending their title at the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Indian team triumphed over Poland with a 3-1 score to retain the trophy, which they also secured last year. Saheer Muhammed emerged as the highest goal scorer for India with seven goals in the tournament, while Ankush Kumar netted three and Stalin Kumar scored two. Tarun Kumar and Biki Duley each contributed a goal. What Is Gothia Cup? The Gothia Cup, established in 2011, is the largest international youth football tournament and features the Special Olympics Trophy category, which offers a platform for athletes with varied cognitive abilities. 'The consecutive accomplishments of our Special Olympics Bharat team at the Gothia Cup are a profound statement of determination, resilience, and the limitless potential inherent in every individual," said Khadse as per a release. 'This embodies the true essence of Viksit Bharat – a developed India where every citizen is empowered, celebrated, and contributes significantly to our nation's collective glory. Our champions have not merely won a tournament; they have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes, inspiring countless individuals across our nation and beyond," she said. The contingent consisted of 10 players and seven support staff, fully supported by the Sports Ministry. The minister highlighted that the Gothia Cup's focus on empowering individuals with diverse cognitive abilities demonstrates the transformative power of sports in advancing health, education, and leadership. Khadse added, 'The Gothia Cup triumph stands as a testament to the collaborative strength of government, corporates, and sports federations. This support ecosystem, nurtured by Special Olympics Bharat under the leadership of Mallika Nadda, with vital corporate backing, ensures that every victory, every effort, is truly 'ours' – a triumph for all of India." This edition of the Gothia Cup saw participation from over 1900 teams from more than 70 countries, making it the world's largest and most inclusive youth football tournament. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Minerva Academy lift World Youth Cup
1 2 3 Minerva Academy FC has become the first Indian team to win the World Youth Cup twice, securing the 2025 Gothia Cup title in Sweden. The Chandigarh-based club clinched the trophy with a 4-0 win over Argentina's Escuela de Football 18 Tucumán in the final. Minerva remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all their group matches and conceding only two goals across all fixtures. In the semi-finals, the team defeated Swedish side Syrianska IF 2-0, with goals from Rhythm and Chetan T. In the final, the Indian side scored four goals in the first half through Rhythm, Yohenba, Raj, and Denamoni. The defense remained solid, preventing any goals from the Argentine team. This marks Minerva's second title at the prestigious youth tournament, having previously won in an earlier edition.
News18
4 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Minerva Academy become U14 champions in Gothia World Youth Cup
New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI) In a remarkable feat, Punjab's Minerva Academy FC on Saturday became the champions of Gothia Cup, touted as the World Youth Cup, in the boys under-14 category in Gothenburg, Sweden, two years after winning the U-13 title. The Mohali-based side beat Escuela de Football 18 Tucuman of Argentina 4-0 in the final on Saturday. They had won the Boys U-13 title in 2023 after beating Brazilian side Ordin FC 2-0 in the final, then becoming the first Indian club to become champions of the prestigious tournament. Minerva topped their group after beating LB07, Skoftebyns IF and Stensatra IF — all Swedish clubs. They then beat Sweden's Syrianska IF 2-0 in the semifinals with Rhythm and Chetan T scoring the goals in the 9-a-side match. In the final, Minerva emerged 4-0 winners against the Argentine club with Rhythm, Yohenba, Raj and Denamoni finding the targets. Minerva thus won the title undefeated. Sixty-seven teams from 10 different countries competed in the boys 14B category. The teams were divided into 16 different groups and Minerva were placed in Group 12. At Gothia Cup, Girls U13, Boys U13, Girls U14B and Boys U14B play 9-a-side. There are nine player on the pitch — one goalkeeper and eight players. Each team may use a maximum of 16 players (nine players on the pitch and seven substitutes) in a match. A substituted player may reenter the match. One over-aged player is allowed in the roster for each match. Other rules are same as in 11-a-side match. The Gothia Cup is the world's largest youth tournament organised by professional football club BK Hacken and is held annually since 1975 in Gothenburg, Sweden. It was the silver jubilee edition this year. A record-breaking 1,920 teams took part this year from the mere 275 in 1975. Each year, around 1700 teams from 80 nations take part in the Gothia Cup and they play 4500 games on 110 pitches during one week in July in a football festival of youngsters. PTI PDS PDS AT AT view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 19:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
