The Sports Ministry of India has sanctioned a budget of Rs 67.32 crores for the six centres of excellence under the Khelo India initiative (KISCE). These centres are newly approved Khelo India centres of excellence. This investment is set to go in the books for the fiscal year of 2020/21.
Assam, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Daman & Diu are the states and union territories will have the centres that will receive investment under the latest announcement made by the Sports Ministry of India. Kiren Rijeju, Minister of State and Youth Affairs confirmed on November 7 regarding the budgets of these six centres.
The allocated budget is likely to focus on improving the infrastructure and coaching of young athletes at these centres. Along with improving the coaching, appointing the right personnel for the strength and conditioning of young athletes is also on the agenda for KISCE.
The long-term goal of these centres is to identify sporting talent for the Olympics. Assisting the development of young talent at right time will benefit India in future world stage events and tournaments. India has been improving in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, but they remain miles off from the elite nations in terms of the medal tally.
Rijeju insisted that the KICSE remains focused on nurturing the young talent for the 2028 Olympics. He said, “Each of these centers will provide world-class training in a specific sporting discipline and will become the main facility in the country where elite athletes of that sport will train. I am happy that each state has supported this initiative of the center with great positivity and enthusiasm.”