The Government of India has announced the Sports Budget for 2025-26, outlining increased financial support for various initiatives under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This budget aims to enhance sports infrastructure, support athletes, and promote grassroots participation in sports.
Overall Allocation
For the financial year 2025-26, the total allocation for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stands at ₹3,794.30 crore, comprising ₹3,788.49 crore under revenue expenditure and ₹5.81 crore under capital expenditure. This represents a significant increase compared to the 2024-25 revised budget of ₹3,232.85 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering sports development in the country.
Key Allocations and Trends
Central Sector Schemes/Projects
A major chunk of the budget is dedicated to Central Sector Schemes, with a total allocation of ₹2,191.01 crore, marking a sharp increase from ₹1,569.76 crore in the previous year.
Khelo India Programme: The flagship sports development initiative has received a boost, with an allocation of ₹1,000 crore, up from ₹800 crore in 2024-25.
Assistance to National Sports Federations: Financial aid to sports federations has been raised to ₹400 crore, a significant increase from ₹340 crore in 2024-25.
National Sports Development Fund: The allocation remains at ₹18 crore.
Incentives for Sportspersons: The budget for rewarding athletes through cash awards and pensions has been reduced to ₹37 crore, down from ₹42.65 crore.
Enhancement of Sports Facilities in Jammu & Kashmir: This initiative has seen a sharp rise in funding, with ₹20 crore allocated, compared to ₹6 crore in 2024-25.
Support for Athletes and Sports Infrastructure
Sports Authority of India (SAI): The apex body responsible for training and supporting athletes has been allocated ₹830 crore, up from ₹815 crore in the previous fiscal year.
National Sports University: A sharp decrease in funding is observed, with only ₹63.72 crore allocated, compared to ₹189.09 crore in the previous year.
National Centre for Sports Science and Research:Receives ₹10 crore, up from ₹8 crore in 2024-25.
Youth Development and Participation
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS): The allocation stands at ₹423.50 crore, slightly higher than the ₹412 crore in 2024-25.
Mera Yuva Bharat (MYB): A youth engagement initiative, gets ₹82.48 crore, up from ₹74.76 crore in 2024-25.
National Service Scheme (NSS): Witnesses a massive increase, reaching ₹450 crore, up from ₹250 crore in the previous year.
Comparative Budget Growth
The budget for 2025-26 sees an increase of ₹352 crore compared to the 2024-25 revised estimates (₹3,232.85 crore). The focus remains on:
- Boosting grassroots sports participation.
- Enhancing infrastructure and training facilities.
- Strengthening the role of sports federations.
- Improving financial incentives for athletes.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the increase in overall funding, certain areas like National Sports University and Incentives for Athletes have seen a reduction in allocation. Ensuring efficient fund utilization and infrastructure development remains crucial. The increased investment in Khelo India and NSS indicates a strong push towards youth engagement in sports.
The Sports Budget 2025-26 reflects India’s growing ambition to develop as a global sporting powerhouse. While the increased funding for Khelo India, NSS, and infrastructure projects is a positive sign, effective execution and accountability will be key in determining the success of these initiatives. With international competitions like the Paris Olympics 2024 and the 2026 Commonwealth Games on the horizon, this budget lays the foundation for strengthening India’s sports ecosystem.
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