Scholarship under the ‘Khelo India’ Scheme – Khelo India Centres & Sports Academies
A scholarship program is available for individuals interested in pursuing a coaching diploma, regardless of their physical abilities. This program aims to support both differently-abled athletes and able-bodied individuals who are seeking coaching training specifically for athletes with disabilities. Additionally, assistance is provided for sports competitions involving athletes with disabilities, including the preparation of teams for events such as the Paralympics.
In order to encourage greater participation and leadership roles for women in sports, various promotional initiatives can be implemented. These initiatives should not only focus on increasing female participation as athletes, but also aim to promote their involvement in coaching and sports administration. One strategy to enhance the representation of women in sports is by offering scholarships to women pursuing sports coaching courses at different educational institutions. This will serve to bolster the human resources of female coaches within the sports industry.
The number of students awarded scholarships under the Khelo India Scheme in Maharashtra over the past three years and the current year are as follows:
2020-21: 347
2021-22: 415
2022-23: 360
2023-24: 347
Under the “Khelo India Centres & Sports Academies” component of the Khelo India Scheme, talented individuals are given the opportunity to join accredited Khelo India academies. They also receive financial assistance amounting to Rs. 6.28 lakh per year, which includes Rs. 1.20 lakh as Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA). This financial support covers training expenses, coaching, competition exposure, education, equipment, and scientific assistance.
The primary objective of the Khelo India Scheme is to foster a sports culture and achieve sporting excellence in the country, enabling individuals to leverage the transformative power of sports. It emphasizes promoting sports among youth and encouraging sports activities nationwide. To date, we have successfully organized one Khelo India School Games and five editions of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG). These games adhere to international standards of technical conduct. More than 29,000 athletes have participated in these events, with 2568 athletes selected as Khelo India Athletes. Various initiatives have been implemented to provide training and exposure at par with international standards, including training Khelo India Athletes in accredited academies. Additionally, these athletes participate in national and international events to enhance their capabilities and contribute to the country’s talent pool.
As “sports” is a subject under state jurisdiction, the responsibility for promoting sports in remote and underdeveloped areas, including villages, primarily lies with the State/Union Territory Governments. The Union Government provides support to complement their efforts. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports implements several schemes to encourage athletes across the country, including those in remote and underdeveloped areas, including villages. These schemes include the Khelo India- National Programme for Development of Sports, assistance to National Sports Federations, special awards for winners in international sports events and their coaches, national sports awards, pension for meritorious sportspersons, the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Sports Welfare Scheme, the National Sports Development Fund, and sports training centers through the Sports Authority of India.
Detailed information about these schemes can be found on the official websites of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India.
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