India Launches Khelo Bharat Niti: A Game-Changer for Sports Governance Ahead of Olympic Bid

New Delhi: India is setting its sights on the 2036 Olympics with an ambitious new plan called Khelo Bharat Niti. This initiative aims to position India among the top five sports nations globally.

Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 replaces the National Sports Policy that dates back to 1984 and was last revised in 2001. The updated policy focuses on enhancing the country’s sports framework and implementing modern practices.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that this new approach draws from experiences over the past decade. “The goal is to elevate India into the top five sports nations by 2047,” he explained. “This policy supports a comprehensive strategy for sports growth, especially in rural areas.”

In October 2023, India officially indicated its intention to host the 2036 Olympics. To achieve this, the country plans a significant investment in sports infrastructure. This move reflects a broader trend seen in countries that have successfully hosted the Olympics, where infrastructure development has sparked both economic growth and enhanced public health. For instance, studies reveal that hosting the Olympics can result in a 10% increase in tourism, generating substantial revenue.

Prime Minister Modi referred to the Khelo Bharat Niti as a “landmark day” for Indian sports. He shared on social media that the policy is built on five core principles: global excellence, economic development through sports, social change, community engagement, and integration with education via the National Education Policy 2020.

This policy was shaped through discussions involving various stakeholders, including central ministries, state governments, national sports federations, athletes, and public experts. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya believes this is a transformative step for Indian sports. He emphasized that the roadmap prioritizes grassroots development, infrastructure enhancements, and athlete support to establish India as a global sports contender.

Recent surveys show that over 70% of Indians believe that government support can significantly boost local sports talent. Engaging the community in sports can lead to healthier lifestyles and increase social cohesion. The excitement surrounding the new policy indicates a growing public interest in national sporting events, as seen in social media trends where sports hashtags are increasingly popular.

As India moves forward, the Khelo Bharat Niti aims to create a more inclusive sports culture, empowering future generations to embrace sports, fostering teamwork, and achieving excellence on the global stage.

Source link

India, PM Narendra Modi, Khelo Bharat Niti, Olympics