The Union Budget 2025 unveiled a substantial INR 3,794.30 crore allocation for sports, a significant INR 351.98 crore increase from the previous fiscal year.
This investment underscores the Indian government’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent and solidifying its position on the global sporting stage, particularly as the nation eyes hosting the 2036 Olympics.
This budget prioritizes grassroots development and elite athlete support, with significant funding boosts for key programs. Even in a non-Olympic year, this substantial increase signals a long-term vision for Indian sports.
Khelo India Programme: A Springboard for Future Champions
The Khelo India Programme, the government’s flagship grassroots initiative, emerged as the biggest beneficiary, receiving a record INR 1,000 crore. This INR 100 crore increase will fuel the program’s diverse portfolio, encompassing University Games, Winter Games, and Para Games while strengthening the network of Khelo India State Centres of Excellence. This investment in grassroots sports is crucial for identifying and nurturing talent from a young age.
National Sports Federations: Empowering Excellence
National Sports Federations (NSFs) also received a significant boost, with their allocation rising by 17.6% to INR 400 crore from INR 40 crore. This increased funding is timely, coinciding with India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics. It will empower NSFs to enhance athlete development programs, improve training facilities, and facilitate greater international sports participation.
Sports Authority of India: Strengthening the Foundation
The Sports Authority of India (SAI), responsible for national camps and managing the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for elite athletes, received ₹830 crore, up from INR 822.60 crore. This increased allocation will support the SAI’s vital role in maintaining and upgrading sports infrastructure and providing comprehensive support to elite athletes striving for international success.
National Service Scheme: Cultivating Youth Through Service
A noteworthy highlight is the substantial increase for the National Service Scheme (NSS), with its allocation more than doubling to INR 450 crore from INR 200 crore. This investment in the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) initiative underscores the government’s focus on holistic youth development through community service and character building.
Clean Sport and Targeted Support:
The government reinforced its commitment to clean sports by increasing funding for anti-doping efforts. The National Dope Testing Laboratory‘s budget rose to INR 23 crore, while the National Anti-Doping Agency‘s budget increased to INR 24.30 crore.
The budget also demonstrated targeted support for specific initiatives. The Jammu and Kashmir sports package saw a substantial increase to INR 20 crore from INR 6 crore, and funding for Youth Exchange Programs jumped significantly from INR 11.70 crore to INR 55 crore, fostering cultural exchange and international collaboration.
Maintaining Momentum:
While the National Sports Development Fund maintained its contribution at INR 18 crore, the grant for incentives to sportspersons was slightly adjusted to INR 37 crore from INR 42.65 crore. It’s crucial to ensure that athletes are adequately incentivized for their achievements.
A Winning Formula for Indian Sports:
The 2025-26 Sports Budget reflects a strategic and comprehensive approach to developing a robust sporting ecosystem in India. The focus on grassroots development through Khelo India and increased support for NSFs and elite athlete programs create a strong foundation for future success. This budget signals a clear intent to transform India into a global sporting powerhouse, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fostering a culture of sports excellence.