Hans News Service Hyderabad

Two-time Olympian (2012 London and 2016 Rio) and former world championships medallist Jwala Gutta has described the revamped Khelo India Scheme (KIS) as a “gamechanger” with the potential to transform sports in India.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Gutta said, “I am a government product myself and without its support I would not have achieved whatever I have as a player. In its new avatar, the Khelo India Scheme looks extremely promising. With its thrust on grassroots development and sustainability, parents will feel very secure to send their children to play a sport.” She added, “The government has always been serious about boosting sports, but this will have a far-reaching impact and the reach will be enormous. I am happy to be associated with the scheme.”

The 2026–31 scheme has an outlay of ₹29,054 crore, an eight-fold increase over the previous allocation, and aims to support 10 times more athletes. Its key focus areas include grassroots development, scientific talent identification, coaching, academies, infrastructure and sports technology.

S Hima Bindu, SAI deputy director, outlined the scheme’s key pillars and its potential impact on Telangana. “The grassroots to Olympic excellence pathway has been well thought through. The scheme addresses gaps in the system and the formation of a coaches’ board will help uplift the way a child plays sport. The academy structure will be bolstered and there are adequate funds to boost infrastructure and sports technology,” she said.

Telangana already has 33 notified Khelo India Centres, supporting more than 601 athletes through Past Champion Athletes.