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India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launches annual calendar under Khelo India to strengthen India's sporting ecosystem
New Delhi [India], May 18 (ANI): In a significant step to strengthen grassroots sports and athlete development across the country, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Government of India, has launched a comprehensive Annual Calendar under the Khelo India initiative. This effort reflects the government's vision of building a structured, inclusive, and competitive sporting ecosystem that engages youth across diverse disciplines throughout the year. Speaking about the initiative, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, stated as quoted from a press release by Sai Media, 'The Khelo India Annual Calendar is not just a schedule but it is a strategic blueprint strengthening India's domestic competition structure for transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse.' 'Over the past decade, Indian sports have undergone a remarkable transformation under the able leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. We have created a dynamic and inclusive sporting ecosystem with regular national-level competitions under the Khelo India initiative. Taking this vision forward, we will soon introduce a series of Khelo India Games and other competitions throughout the year -- including formats like the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG), Khelo India School Games (KISG), Khelo India Water Sports, Khelo India North-East Games, amongst others,' Mandaviya said. 'These events will be pivotal in identifying, nurturing, and preparing India's young talent. Through structured competitions, year-round engagement, and pan-India participation, we are building the foundation for sustained sporting excellence as we gear up for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympic Games 2036. India is on the move, and the youth are at the heart of this sporting revolution,' he added. The Khelo India platform already includes four structured national-level Games, namely the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Para Games, and Khelo India Winter Games, which have seen great success. These events are conducted in collaboration with the respective National Sports Federations (NSFs), ensuring technical conduct at par with international standards. With clear feeder pathways and structured planning, these Games act as key platforms for talent identification and long-term athlete development. Building on this strong foundation, the Ministry is now expanding the Khelo India umbrella to include more events that aim to unlock the untapped potential of different regions of India and bring to the forefront the vast and diverse talent pool of the country. These additional Games will not only promote sports at the grassroots but also give visibility to disciplines and communities that have historically been underrepresented in national sporting platforms. A special focus is being given to the Khelo India School Games (KISG), which will follow a tiered structure, starting from the district level, moving to the state level, and culminating in national-level competitions. This framework is designed to provide early exposure to young and budding athletes, preparing them for the experience of competing in structured, high-quality events that reflect the standards of international sporting competitions. Furthermore, the inclusion of events like the Khelo India Martial Arts Games, Khelo India Tribal Games, and Khelo India Swadeshi Games aims to bring indigenous and traditional martial arts into the mainstream. Many of these sports, such as those featured in the Asian Games, have deep cultural roots and strong followings, and are now being provided with national platforms for broader recognition and development. To ensure successful execution and long-term impact, each Khelo India event will have clearly defined Host States or Union Territories. This approach will help bolster local sports infrastructure, promote capacity building, and prepare regions to host national and international sporting events in the future. Additionally, these events are expected to enhance sports tourism and contribute to local economies. The current sporting year has already witnessed the successful completion of three major events. The Khelo India Winter Games were held in Jammu and Kashmir and Gulmarg in January-February 2025. The Khelo India Para Games were conducted in Delhi in March-April 2025, and the Khelo India Youth Games were hosted with enthusiasm in Bihar in May 2025, reinforcing the state's growing presence in India's sports landscape. All three events received strong participation and showcased the inclusive and expanding reach of Khelo India. Adding to the momentum, the first edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) is set to take place in Diu from 19th to 25th May 2025. This landmark event will draw national attention to coastal and beach sports, offering a unique competitive platform while also highlighting the region's tourism potential. The calendar for the remainder of the year includes several major events, such as the Khelo India School Games (August to December), Khelo India University Games (March-April), Water Sports and North-East Games (May-June), Tribal Games (September in Chhattisgarh), and the Indigenous and Martial Art Games (July-August in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh). Complementary initiatives like the Fit India Carnival (February, Delhi), ASMITA Leagues, and Peace and Development League activities will also run throughout the year across the country. This carefully designed, evidence-based calendar draws from past experiences and incorporates seasonal, regional, and sport-specific factors to improve overall planning and effectiveness. It is also structured to offer greater visibility to sponsors, attract media engagement, and create opportunities for tourism and youth mobilization. States will be approached to express interest in hosting these events, and a common proposal mechanism is being developed to streamline multi-event hosting. Through this expanded and structured approach, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports continues to reaffirm its vision of building a fit, competitive, and globally recognized sporting nation, empowering every young athlete with the opportunity to dream big, train hard, and proudly represent India on the world stage. (ANI)
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Sports Min Mandaviya launches annual calendar under Khelo India to strengthen India's sporting ecosystem
In a significant step to strengthen grassroots sports and athlete development across the country, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), Government of India, has launched a comprehensive Annual Calendar under the Khelo India initiative. This effort reflects the government's vision of building a structured, inclusive, and competitive sporting ecosystem that engages youth across diverse disciplines throughout the year. Speaking about the initiative, the Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, stated, 'The Khelo India Annual Calendar is not just a schedule but it is a strategic blueprint strengthening India's domestic competition structure for transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse.' He added, 'Over the past decade, Indian sports have undergone a remarkable transformation under the able leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. We have created a dynamic and inclusive sporting ecosystem with regular national-level competitions under the Khelo India initiative. Taking this vision forward, we will soon introduce a series of Khelo India Games and other competitions throughout the year — including formats like the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG), Khelo India School Games (KISG), Khelo India Water Sports, Khelo India North-East Games, amongst others. "These events will be pivotal in identifying, nurturing, and preparing India's young talent. Through structured competitions, year-round engagement, and pan-India participation, we are building the foundation for sustained sporting excellence as we gear up for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympic Games 2036. India is on the move, and the youth are at the heart of this sporting revolution.' The Khelo India platform already includes four structured national-level Games, namely the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Para Games, and Khelo India Winter Games which have seen great success. These events are conducted in collaboration with the respective National Sports Federations (NSFs), ensuring technical conduct at par with international standards. With clear feeder pathways and structured planning, these Games act as key platforms for talent identification and long term athlete development. Building on this strong foundation, the Ministry is now expanding the Khelo India umbrella to include more events that aim to unlock the untapped potential of different regions of India and bring to the forefront the vast and diverse talent pool of the country. These additional Games will not only promote sports at the grassroots but also give visibility to disciplines and communities that have historically been underrepresented in national sporting platforms. A special focus is being given to the Khelo India School Games (KISG), which will follow a tiered structure, starting from the district level, moving to the state level, and culminating in national-level competitions. This framework is designed to provide early exposure to young and budding athletes, preparing them for the experience of competing in structured, high-quality events that reflect the standards of international sporting competitions. Furthermore, the inclusion of events like the Khelo India Martial Art Games, Khelo India Tribal Games, and Khelo India Swadeshi Games aims to bring indigenous and traditional martial arts into the mainstream. Many of these sports, such as those featured in the Asian Games, have deep cultural roots and strong followings, and are now being provided national platforms for broader recognition and development. To ensure successful execution and long-term impact, each Khelo India event will have clearly defined Host States or Union Territories. This approach will help bolster local sports infrastructure, promote capacity building, and prepare regions to host national and international sporting events in the future. Additionally, these events are expected to enhance sports tourism and contribute to local economies. The current sporting year has already witnessed the successful completion of three major events. The Khelo India Winter Games were held in Jammu & Kashmir and Gulmarg in January–February 2025. The Khelo India Para Games were conducted in Delhi in March-April 2025, and the Khelo India Youth Games were hosted with enthusiasm in Bihar in May 2025, reinforcing the state's growing presence in India's sports landscape. All three events received strong participation and showcased the inclusive and expanding reach of Khelo India. Adding to the momentum, the first edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) is set to take place in Diu from 19th to 25th May 2025. This landmark event will draw national attention to coastal and beach sports, offering a unique competitive platform while also highlighting the region's tourism potential. The calendar for the remainder of the year includes several major events, such as the Khelo India School Games (August to December), Khelo India University Games (March–April), Water Sports and North-East Games (May–June), Tribal Games (September in Chhattisgarh), and the Indigenous and Martial Art Games (July–August in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh). Complementary initiatives like the Fit India Carnival (February, Delhi), ASMITA Leagues, and Peace and Development League activities will also run throughout the year across the country. This carefully designed, evidence-based calendar draws from past experiences and incorporates seasonal, regional, and sport-specific factors to improve overall planning and effectiveness. It is also structured to offer greater visibility to sponsors, attract media engagement, and create opportunities for tourism and youth mobilisation. States will be approached to express interest in hosting these events, and a common proposal mechanism is being developed to streamline multi-event hosting. Through this expanded and structured approach, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports continues to reaffirm its vision of building a fit, competitive, and globally recognised sporting nation, empowering every young athlete with the opportunity to dream big, train hard, and proudly represent India on the world stage.
India Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Inside the battle for pickleball: Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo calls for national recognition
Pickleball, a sport still finding its footing in India, has become the center of a dispute after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) granted national federation status to the newly formed Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). The decision, made on April 25, gives IPA the authority to regulate and promote the sport nationwide, alongside financial backing. However, this has sparked protests from the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which has been at the forefront of pickleball's growth in India for nearly two in 2007, AIPA has a deep-rooted presence in 24 states and believes its long-standing contributions to the sport should have earned it the coveted NSF status. The decision to award this recognition to IPA, formed in November 2024 and with only a few months of history, has raised questions of fairness and argues that MYAS's recognition of IPA undermines years of work and dedication to the sport's development. AIPA insists it has laid a solid foundation and, with its track record, should have been the rightful recipient of the CONCERNS ABOUT FAIRNESS AND DUE PROCESS In an exclusive conversation with AIPA President Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo expressed his dissatisfaction with the MYAS decision, describing the recognition of IPA as both premature and unjust. According to Prabhoo, AIPA has laid a solid foundation for the sport in India and should have been acknowledged for its consistent, long-term was established in 2008, and over the years, we have worked tirelessly to introduce, nurture, and expand pickleball across India," Prabhoo explained. "We are actively involved in 24 states through our grassroots programs and have been affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) since 2015. We have also been a founding member of the Asia Federation of Pickleball since 2020. Yet despite all this, the recognition went to IPA, a body formed just in November 2024 with little history or substantial contributions to the sport," he added, raising concerns about the process behind the also pointed to a critical timeline issue, noting that AIPA had submitted its own application for national federation status months before IPA was even established. "On October 18, 2024, AIPA officially applied for recognition from MYAS, well before IPA was even formed. Despite this, MYAS chose to recognize IPA, disregarding the work we've done over the years. This decision undermines the National Sports Code of 2011, which stipulates that an organization must demonstrate substantial activity and longevity to be eligible for NSF status," he ROLE IN THE GROWTH OF PICKLEBALLPrabhoo went on to detail the many ways in which AIPA has been instrumental in the development of pickleball in India. The association has organized numerous national and international tournaments, developed world-class training programs, and helped countless players refine their skills for competition on the international has been key in organizing several prestigious tournaments, such as the Bainbridge Cup in December 2022, the World Pickleball Championship in 2024, and the upcoming World Pickleball League in 2025. Between 2013 and 2025, we have conducted eight National Tournaments, six National Ranking Tournaments, the Federation Cup, and the Indian Open, to name a few," Prabhoo tournaments, AIPA has put in place comprehensive training programs aimed at developing players' skills, physical fitness, diet, and mental conditioning. "We've also established coaching programs in various states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, producing over 100 certified coaches. These coaches are spreading the sport across India, while our referee clinics ensure that officiating is held to international standards," Prabhoo explained, underscoring AIPA's holistic approach to building the sport's IMPACT ON THE GLOBAL STAGEAIPA's efforts have not only influenced the national landscape but have also contributed significantly to the global pickleball scene. The association has been a full member of the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) since 2015 and has achieved a series of international milestones, such as hosting the World Pickleball Championship in 2024 and sending Indian teams to global has been instrumental in sending Indian teams to the Asian Pickleball Games in 2022, 2023, and 2024, held in Taiwan, as well as the World Pickleball Championships in Bali in 2022 and 2023. Our youth teams, including those in the under-12, under-14, and under-16 categories, have participated in the Asia Junior Pickleball Championship in Vietnam, winning medals and putting India on the global map for pickleball," Prabhoo stated with ROAD AHEAD: CHALLENGES AND HOPES FOR PICKLEBALL'S GROWTHDespite the recognition setback, AIPA remains resolute in its mission to grow the sport in India. Prabhoo acknowledged that the absence of pickleball from the Olympic roster has been a significant hurdle in securing formal recognition, but he remains hopeful that the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) forthcoming affiliation will open the door for greater support and recognition."We have faced funding challenges, but our commitment to the sport remains unwavering," Prabhoo said. "The recognition of IPA complicates matters, as it overlooks years of grassroots development in favor of a new organization with no established track record. The key difference between AIPA and IPA is that AIPA was formed in 2008 and has built the sport from the ground up, while IPA, formed just in November 2024, has no significant infrastructure or presence."Looking ahead, AIPA is focused on long-term growth both domestically and internationally. "Our governance system is well-established, with representation in 24 states, and our international affiliations with the IPF and the Asia Federation of Pickleball are testaments to our commitment to bringing India to the world stage for pickleball," Prabhoo concluded.
