• UGI USER
  • Mar 13, 2024
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KHELO INDIA: PERFECT PRESENT, BRIGHT FUTURE

Syllabus:

GS PAPER-II : Welfare Schemes and the Performance of these Schemes.

Why in the news?

Khelo India Games concluded successfully, reflecting the government’s commitment to sports development and nurturing talent for future achievements.

Source:indiatimes
About Khelo India Programme :

●   Background: India has a youthful population, with 65% under 35 years old. To promote sports among youth, the Khelo India Programme merged existing schemes like RGKA, USIS, and NSTSS.

●   Objective: Envisioned by Prime Minister Modi in 2017-18, Khelo India aims to develop sports infrastructure and nurture grassroots athletes, fostering India’s transformation into a sporting powerhouse.

●   Key Components: The programme comprises 12 verticals, including state-level centres, talent search, sports for women, indigenous games promotion, and fitness initiatives.

Programme Achievements:

●   Various Events Organised: Khelo India facilitated three editions of School and Youth Games, one University Games, and two Winter Games, engaging over 20,000 athletes.

●   Mass Participation: Over 3,000 athletes identified as Khelo India Athletes received training and support, leading to significant achievements in national and international competitions.

●   Infrastructure Upgradation: Grants-in-aid were allocated for construction and upgradation of sports infrastructure, enhancing facilities across the country.

●   Elite Sports Persons: Several Khelo India athletes were inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), representing India in prestigious international events.

●   Financial Assistance: Talented players received financial aid and support for eight years, encouraging their development and progression in sports.

●   Promotion of Indigenous Sports: The programme promoted indigenous and traditional sports like Gatka, Kalaripayattu, and Mallakhamba, preserving cultural heritage while fostering athleticism.

●   Fit India Movement: A dedicated component focused on promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle, supported by initiatives like the Fit India mobile app.

●   Focus on Women’s Participation: Special emphasis on girls’ participation in sports, with more than 1.25 lakh girls participating in various leagues.

Vision of Khelo India Games:

  • The recently concluded Khelo India Games were a resounding success, reflecting the government’s commitment to sports development.
  • The Khelo India campaign has seen exponential growth, with new facets being added to promote technical and demographic diversity.
  • Prime Minister’s vision of an energetic nation has been a cornerstone of the Khelo India mission, aimed at uniting the country through sports.
  • Sports now offer a serious career option for youth, with the government providing support to Khelo India medal winners through job opportunities.
  • Attention is being given to indigenous sports like Yogasana, Gatka, Mallakhamb, Silambam, and Kalaripayattu, with overwhelming participation.

Expansion and Diversity of Khelo India Games:

  • The Khelo India mission has expanded its scope to include various technical and demographic aspects, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting sports diversity.
  • Indigenous sports have received attention alongside mainstream sports, encouraging participation from diverse communities.
  • The government’s efforts to offer every state the opportunity to host major sports events have been evident, with Ladakh hosting a portion of the Khelo India Winter Games for the first time.
  • The successful participation of Ladakh in ice hockey and ice skating highlights the potential of regions previously untapped in the sports arena.

About  Athlete Support and Development:

  • Athletes, coaches, and support staff form the core of the Khelo India mission, with a focus on providing them with the right environment for success.
  • The government aims to create an ecosystem that promotes ease of living for athletes, ensuring their focus remains solely on achieving excellence.
  • Transparent and stringent processes are being implemented in sports administration to support athletes and reduce anxiety.
  • The creation and upgradation of sports infrastructure have been prioritised, with over 300 projects approved across states and union territories.

Talent Identification and Nurturing:

  • The Khelo India movement is driven by the task of identifying and nurturing talent, with a two-tier structure consisting of scouting committees and developmental panels.
  • Close to 2,800 athletes in 21 sports disciplines, including para sports, have been chosen as Khelo India athletes after rigorous selection processes.
  • The government’s focus on talent identification has contributed significantly to India’s success in international events like the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
  • Coaches play a crucial role in talent development, with many promoted to high-performance roles in training centres and National Centers of Excellence.

Focus on Women Empowerment:

  • The government has given equal impetus to women’s participation in sports, evident in the almost 50:50 ratio of men versus women athletes in Khelo India Games.
  • The Asmita Khelo India Women’s League, featuring 17 disciplines, has been a success, with over 63,000 women athletes participating in various competitions.
  • Efforts are underway to support National Sports Federations and state governments in conducting Khelo India Women’s League tournaments across different age groups.

Challenges and Solutions:

  • Infrastructure Needs: Addressing the lack of sports facilities through increased investment and public-private partnerships, especially in rural and tribal areas.
  • Awareness and Encouragement: Promoting sports as a viable career option and holistic development tool, garnering support from parents, teachers, and society.
  • Streamlining Selection Processes: Implementing transparent and fair selection processes to mitigate favouritism and regional biases, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
  • Gender Equality: Overcoming societal barriers and stereotypes to encourage girls’ participation in sports, providing a safe and supportive environment.
  • Financial Support and Job Security: Offering financial incentives, scholarships, and job opportunities for athletes, ensuring their long-term well-being and security.
  • Administrative Efficiency: Improving coordination, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms to enhance the programme’s effectiveness and accountability.

Way Forward:

  • Infrastructure Development: Continued investment in sports infrastructure, leveraging public-private partnerships and convergence with other schemes.
  • Talent Development: Organising more sports competitions and establishing Khelo India Centres and Sports Academies to nurture talent and provide quality coaching.
  • Fitness Promotion: Promoting the Fit India Movement to encourage physical activity and well-being among all sections of society.
  • Inclusiveness: Ensuring sports accessibility and affordability for marginalised groups through special incentives and reservations, fostering a culture of inclusivity in sports.

Conclusion:

The Khelo India Games serve as a platform for nurturing talent, promoting diversity, and empowering athletes, reflecting the government’s vision of a vibrant and energetic India through sports.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/khelo-india-perfect-present-bright-future/article67942727.ece/amp/

Mains Practice Question:

Examine the role of the Khelo India Games in promoting sports culture, fostering talent development, and contributing to the overall health and well-being of the Indian youth.