According to Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya with the expansion of KISG into the broader Khelo India Games framework, common people talent identification has become more strong. Before seven years, we ignited a movement with the launch of the Khelo India School Games (KISG). Today as I look at how far we have come, I am filled with pride-not just for the medals won, but for the way Khelo India has transformed the very fabric of sports in our nation.
Conceptualised under the guidance of prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Khelo India was never just about winning medals-it was about catching a countrywide movement for sports, fostering a culture where every child has the opportunity to play and develop holistically. Today, this movement has evolved into a multi-faceted national programme spanning 16 editions of Khelo India Games, creating an ecosystem that nurtures young talent, builds world-class infrastructure laying the fi, and promotes inclusivity in sports- laying the foundation for India’s ambitious goal of becoming a dominant global sporting nation.
For India’s common people sports revolution, In 2018 the inaugural KISG set the tone. Identifying the massive potential within the school-level competitions, KISG formed a structured pathway for young athletes to transition from inter-school competitions to national and international sporting events. Due to this initiative over the years, identified many athletes, few of them have gone on to represent India at the Asian Games and Olympics. One of the biggest example of the system is Khel Ratna awardee Manu Bhaker, who transitioned from School Games to becoming a double bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics.
Khelo India has conducted 16 editions- Six Youth Games, four University Games, five winter Games and one Para Games. Each of 16 editions of Khelo India has introduced new dimensions to India’s sporting environment. This expansion has ensured a smooth movement for athletes across different levels of competition, strengthen India’s sporting pipeline.
