Building Champions: On the Field and Beyond: Welfare and Support Schemes for Athletes

From grassroots to global podiums, India’s athlete-first policies are shaping the country into a sporting superpower.

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Key Highlights:
• Government increases sports budget by 17% for FY 2025–26, reaching ₹3,794 crore.
• ₹1,000 crore allocated for Khelo India; ₹830 crore for the Sports Authority of India.
• Schemes offer financial aid, infrastructure, career transition support, and inclusive opportunities.
• Programmes empower athletes from rural India and retired sportspersons alike.
• India’s sports ecosystem now covers all stages: talent identification, training, retirement, and recognition.

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Champions aren’t born in stadiums—they are forged in homes, honed by coaches, and uplifted by institutions. The Indian government, recognizing this, has built a robust framework to support sportspersons from the moment their talent is spotted until long after they’ve stepped off the podium.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched several schemes that serve not only as stepping stones for rising stars but also as safety nets for retired athletes. The goal is clear: transform India into a consistent global sporting force while ensuring no athlete is left behind—financially, professionally, or emotionally.
India’s vision for sports is no longer limited to medals—it is about nurturing holistic human potential. The government’s investment in infrastructure, training, career support, and post-retirement welfare is creating a future where sport is a viable career choice, not just a dream.
Through programmes like Khelo India, RESET, and PYKKA, and welfare schemes like pensions and medical assistance, India is building a sporting ecosystem that is inclusive, resilient, and performance-oriented. The decade ahead looks even more promising, as champions continue to rise—from fields, courts, and tracks across India—backed by a system that believes in them

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A Decade of Sporting Glory
India’s recent sports journey has been nothing short of transformative. The last ten years have witnessed an unprecedented surge in Olympic, Paralympic, and global championship performances. Indian athletes have carved their names into history in disciplines ranging from wrestling and boxing to badminton and athletics. Behind this progress is a conscious, strategic investment in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare.

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Big Budget, Bigger Dreams
In the Union Budget for FY 2025–26, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports saw a 17% increase in allocation, taking the total outlay to ₹3,794 crore. Of this, ₹2,191 crore is earmarked for Central Sector Schemes. The flagship Khelo India initiative has received a boost to ₹1,000 crore (up from ₹800 crore), while ₹830 crore has been directed to the Sports Authority of India (SAI). National Sports Federations will receive ₹400 crore to facilitate training, foreign exposure, and world-class facilities.

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Schemes that Shape a Sporting Nation
Khelo India
This national programme aims to revive grassroots sports culture. Launched in 2016-17, it supports athlete development, infrastructure building, and the creation of a sports-centric ecosystem from the village level upwards. It also funds annual competitions and scholarships for young talent.
Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA)
Focused on rural India, PYKKA enhances village- and block-level sports infrastructure and encourages participation through local competitions. It ensures that potential Olympians are not missed simply because of geography or economic status.
Sports And Games for the Disabled
This initiative promotes sports among persons with disabilities at the grassroots. While elite para-athletes are supported separately, this scheme ensures widespread participation, inclusivity, and the nurturing of talent across schools and communities.
RESET (Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training)
Launched in 2024, RESET empowers retired athletes with skills, education, and job opportunities in sports administration, coaching, and mentoring—enabling them to transition into meaningful second careers within the sports ecosystem.

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Financial Security and Human Resource Development
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons
This fund provides one-time financial assistance (up to ₹5 lakh), pensions (₹5,000/month), and medical aid (up to ₹10 lakh). It also covers injury support and extends aid to families of deceased athletes and sports personnel.
Pension for Meritorious Sportspersons
To ensure lifelong dignity for athletes who’ve brought glory to the nation, pensions are granted based on achievements:
• ₹20,000/month for Olympic/Paralympic/Deaflympic medallists
• ₹16,000–12,000/month based on medals won at World Championships, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games
Human Resource Development in Sports
This scheme builds intellectual capital in Indian sports. It funds research, global exposure, fellowships, and expert training in areas like sports science, medicine, and coaching—fostering an environment of continual learning and global benchmarking.

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Institutional Support and Global Exposure
Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs)
This scheme funds NSFs for training camps, participation in global tournaments, foreign coaches, and medical/scientific support—ensuring holistic athlete preparation for international platforms.
National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)
Created to fill critical gaps in training and infrastructure, NSDF channels government and private sector funds toward supporting elite athletes and institutions—enabling training under world-class coaches and competition abroad.

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Recognizing Greatness: National Sports Awards
The National Sports Awards are India’s highest sporting honours, presented annually across six categories. These awards celebrate excellence and sportsmanship, offering national recognition to athletes who inspire a generation with their dedication, discipline, and extraordinary achievements.