New Delhi, July 23, 2024: The Government of India underlined its commitment to making India an elite sporting nation through the 2024 Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, wherein sports received its highest-ever allocation of INR 3442 crores, a notable increase from INR 3396 from the year before. 

Youth development leapt out again through the Union Budget, with the GoI prepared to invest heavily in grassroots and upskilling initiatives to raise the floor of the Indian sporting fraternity- a move which has been applauded by the Sports sector. Khelo India, the government’s flagship sports programme in that regard, took the biggest share of the sports budget at INR 900 crores.

Khelo India’s significance to the ecosystem can be felt further down the line, with the sporting field growing in numbers year on year. India’s contingent to the Paris Olympic Games 2024 provides evidence of the same, with more than three-fifths of the travelling group set to make their Olympic debuts. 

Suhail Chandhok, CEO, U Mumba, said: “From the Paris Contingent of 117 Indian players, an impressive 61% are making their debut for India, highlighting how India is emerging as a powerhouse in sport with the right opportunities and support. The continued investment in the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) through the Union Budget too underscores a clear commitment, making sports an attractive avenue for countless young talents to shape their futures.

“In chess, for instance, our teenage athletes are not only competing but also triumphing over global champions, setting a precedent that resonates across other sports as well. Moreover, the emphasis on youth skill development and support for institutions like the National Sports University and National Anti-Doping Agency demonstrates a steadfast dedication to nurturing excellence across all aspects of sports.”

The steady investment in sports has aided a holistic development unforeseen previously in India. Each year, more and more Indian athletes are competing at an elite level and taking confident strides toward matching peers from elite sporting nations, a position India is looking to hit in the not-too-distant future. 

Punit Balan, Chairman & Managing Director of the Punit Balan Group said, “Additional resources allocated to advanced coaching techniques and equipment, alongside increased funding, will greatly enhance training facilities, support systems, and elevate success rates in international competitions. As we work towards hosting the Olympics in 2036, this forward-thinking strategy not only paves the way for future sporting excellence but also emphasizes our steadfast commitment. At Punit Balan Group, we are deeply invested in sports and dedicated to supporting Indian athletes. Well-funded sports programs not only enhance success on the global stage but also foster national pride.”

The other autonomous bodies, such as the Sports Authority of India, the National Sports University, the National Anti-Doping Agency, and the National Dope Testing Laboratory, also received a significant boost to help them maintain excellence from the grassroots level up to the senior. 

Chess startup, MGD1 Co-Founder, Sreekar Channapragada said, “We welcome another robust commitment from the Government of India to the sports sector. The significant increase in funding allocation over the past decade has elevated India from the periphery of international competition to a contender among global powerhouses, across sports such as chess and more. The removal of angel tax, which will provide a boost to startups, further accelerates this positive trajectory. With a sustained emphasis on holistic development, we are optimistic that India is poised to emerge as a leading sporting nation in the near future.”

The increased allocation of funds to sports will also empower other stakeholders to uphold high standards, cultivate a robust community, and equip athletes with the necessary tools for success.

Rajesh Menon, Vice President and Head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said: “Increasing investments in youth development through robust upskilling initiatives, continued strategic funding for Khelo India programs, and a strong focus on enhancing anti-doping protocols represents a pivotal step forward in advancing the sports movement in India. These measures are crucial not only to empower aspiring athletes but also to nurture community-based sports initiatives, fostering meaningful partnerships that uphold the highest standards of fairness and create a grassroots excellence sporting system for Indian sports.”

As India prepares for its most pivotal Olympic campaign yet in Paris. With the government’s renewed commitment, the sports sector anticipates a future of sustained glory envisioning regular achievements on the Olympic stage.