Budget boost all-round, biggest beneficiary Khelo India

Time ministry takes fresh look into its flagship programme; National Sports Federations see hike in budget allocation from Rs 340 to Rs 400 this financial year; SAI gets marginal boost but can get more
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Saturday
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Saturday PTI
Updated on
3 min read

CHENNAI: It was far from a great campaign for Indian sports last year. From the Paris Olympics, where India could not match Tokyo 2020 in terms of medal, to feuding Indian Olympic Association, infighting in some National Sports Federations (NSFs) and ambiguity over their recognition by the sports ministry, it had not been that great.

But the sports budget will bring some cheer. There has been an increase of about Rs 352 crore compared to last financial year — from Rs 3442.32 crore to Rs 3794.30 crore. If compared with the revised figures of Rs 3232.85 crore, then the increase is quite significant – Rs 562 crore.

The sports ministry's flagship programme Khelo India (national programme for development of sports) once again saw an increase of Rs 200 crore from Rs 800 crore (revised from allocated budget of Rs 900 of 2024-25). Despite not utilizing its allocated Rs 900 crore, the budget has increased to Rs 1000 identical to 2023-24. The funds are utilized namely in hosting the Khelo India Youth and University Games, Khelo India Winter Games, to pay stipends of players, talent search, Khelo India centres, infrastructure development in states, etc. Perhaps, it is time for the sports ministry to take a fresh look into the Khelo India programme because despite maximum budget allocation, it is yet to generate its desired outcome, especially in terms of quality Games and identification. There is no fixed time to conduct the Games — sometimes it's held just days before board exams or months after junior nationals conducted by a sports federation.  

Assistance to NSFs

The sports ministry had been facing issues recognizing NSFs because a September 2023 order said that the 16.08.2022 of the Delhi High court order mandated all NSFs to adhere to sports code in 'toto' (in all parameters listed by sports lawyer and senior advocate Rahul Mehra) to get ministry recognitions. Due to this, funding NSFs directly had been an issue with the ministry and Sports Authority of India. And the funds for most of the national competitions (junior to senior), organized by NSFs, have not been released. For training and competitions under Annual Calendar for Training and Competitions (ACTC), funds have been released through various sources or paid directly to vendors. As indicated by the revised budget for 2024-25, Rs 340 crore seems to have been spent.

However, there is good news for NSFs this time. The budget this financial year has seen an increase of Rs 60 crore (to Rs 400 crore). Even though there is Asian Games next year, this increase could be because of SAI's plan to bring in a few changes in the ACTC to target more medals at the next Olympics. The Sports Authority of India is also working on a four-year cycle (that is Olympic to Olympic) under ACTC and this year, NSFs may have to provide a long-term plan instead of yearly one. The ministry is also trying to give recognition to NSFs and is planning to release funds through a three-member committee.

SAI budget can increase

The SAI that releases funds too has seen an increase in its budget from Rs 815 crore (revised from Rs 822 in 2024-25) to Rs 830 crore. Though a portion (Rs 350 crore approx) is spent in salaries, including that of its own coaches, support staff, doctors, some are spent on upkeep of stadiums, state-of the art gyms, conducting camps (non-national) at National Centre of Excellences (NCOEs), etc. The SAI also runs the SAI Training Centres scheme where more than 4000 athletes train. According to the SAI website, "the scheme is aimed at grooming junior level sports persons in the age group of 10-18 years who have been scouted from grassroots… Facilities provided to the trainees include boarding, sports kit, stipend, competition exposure, education expenses, medical, insurance and other expenses." Perhaps, it is time the sports ministry increases the budget of SAI where talent is nurtured.

The National Dope Testing Laboratory and the National Anti-Doping Agency too have seen an increase in budget. The contribution to the World Anti-Doping Agency has gone up from Rs 3 crore to Rs 3.5 crore.

Related Stories

No stories found.

X
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com