Khelo India Centres and Sports Academies 2026: Financial Grants & Guidelines
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Quick answer
This component of the Khelo India Scheme provides financial assistance to sports centres, state centres of excellence, and sports academies to develop grassroots and elite athletic talent. Eligible institutions receive grants for coaching, equipment, sports science, and trainee maintenance. Applications are submitted through the respective State or Union Territory sports departments.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Up to ₹5 Lakh Annual Grant per Discipline |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Youth Affairs & Sports |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
Implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Khelo India Centres and Sports Academies component aims to strengthen India's sporting ecosystem by making optimal use of existing infrastructure and supporting talent pathways. It backs grassroots Khelo India Centres, State Centres of Excellence, residential sports facilities, and high-performance academies with funding for coaches, sports science services, equipment, and athlete training. The initiative also supports past champion athletes with steady remuneration and provides remote education through the e-Khel Pathshala digital platform.
Benefits
- Annual recurring grant of up to ₹5,00,000 per discipline for Khelo India Centres.
- Remuneration of ₹3,00,000 per year (₹25,000 per month) earmarked for Past Champion Athletes.
- One-time assistance of up to ₹5,00,000 per discipline for newly approved centres or sports disciplines.
- Grants-in-aid capped at ₹1,50,000 per trainee annually for eligible residential sports centres, covering boarding, education, consumable gear, and competition exposure.
- Need-based funding through viability gap assessment for up to 3 'One State One Game' disciplines at Khelo India State/UT Centres of Excellence.
- Comprehensive support for sports academies covering high-performance directors, foreign and national coaches, sports science, medicine, equipment, and operations.
- Access to online sports coaching and education via the e-Khel Pathshala platform.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- For State Centres of Excellence: existing sports training facilities run by a State or Union Territory Government with suitable infrastructure, staff, and a track record of athlete performance.
- For Khelo India Centres: sports training facilities within a State or UT belonging to State Governments, PSUs, autonomous bodies, schools, universities (including private universities), or approved eligible organisations recommended by the State/UT.
- For Other Residential Centres: existing residential facilities with good records in academics and sports, adequate boarding arrangements, and the capacity to develop Olympic disciplines.
- For Sports Academies: facilities managed by the Sports Authority of India, State/UT Governments, National Sports Federations, public or private entities, or eminent sportspersons satisfying DPAC evaluation criteria.
Documents required
- Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- Prescribed proposal or application form
- Details of existing sports infrastructure and training facilities
- Details of coaching and support staff
- Performance records of athletes trained at the facility
- Recommendation of the District Sports Officer (for private organisations, NGOs, or individuals)
- Recommendation of the Administrative Head of the concerned district (for private organisations, NGOs, or individuals)
- State or Union Territory Government recommendation
- Viability Gap Assessment report (where applicable)
- Centre management and operational details
- Boarding and lodging facility details (for residential centres)
- Sports discipline details
- Budget and cost estimates
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) where applicable
How to apply
- 1The State or Union Territory Government invites applications or identifies eligible sports training facilities.
- 2The applicant organisation submits the completed proposal and documentation through the designated State or UT sports authority.
- 3The State or UT Government scrutinises the submissions and shortlists eligible facilities.
- 4Shortlisted proposals are officially recommended and forwarded to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
- 5The Project Appraisal Committee evaluates the submitted proposals.
- 6Recommended proposals are sent to the Departmental Project Approval Committee (DPAC) for formal sanction.
- 7Necessary site inspections, verifications, or viability gap assessments are carried out.
- 8Funding requirements are finalised and approved by the competent authority.
- 9The Ministry issues a sanction order and releases grants directly to the approved implementing agency.
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual grant provided for a Khelo India Centre?+
A Khelo India Centre can receive an annual recurring grant of up to ₹5,00,000 per discipline.
How much remuneration is given to Past Champion Athletes under the scheme?+
An amount of ₹3,00,000 per year is earmarked for each Past Champion Athlete, provided at the rate of ₹25,000 per month.
Is there any one-time setup assistance for new centres?+
Yes, a one-time grant of up to ₹5,00,000 per discipline is available for newly approved centres or disciplines for field preparation and sports equipment.
What is the funding limit for trainees in residential sports centres?+
Residential centres can receive funding up to ₹1,50,000 per trainee per year for boarding, education, and competition exposure, subject to revision by the DPAC.
Can private universities or academies apply for this scheme?+
Yes, private universities, private sports academies, and facilities set up by eminent sportspersons are eligible if shortlisted and recommended through the prescribed process.
What is e-Khel Pathshala?+
e-Khel Pathshala is a digital initiative under the scheme that delivers sports coaching and sports education online.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)