Performance-Based Funding and Gene-Testing Discussed at Khelo Bharat Conclave

At the Khelo Bharat Conclave, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya requested a five-year strategy from each national sports federation by the end of next month.

The event gathered key figures in Indian sports to discuss strategies for elevating India to a top sporting nation by 2047, with an interim goal of reaching the top 10 by the 2036 Olympics.

Performance-Based Funding and Gene-Testing Discussed at Khelo Bharat Conclave

Mandaviya emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach, especially with the Asian Games approaching in 2026. He highlighted the dual goals of winning Olympic medals and transforming sports into a commercial asset, boosting tourism in regions like Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Performance-Based Funding and Genetic Testing

Gagan Narang, vice president of the Indian Olympic Association, proposed a performance-linked funding model. He suggested that financial incentives should correlate with an NSF's performance metrics. This idea was supported by ministry sources who noted its potential benefits.

Kalyan Chaubey, head of the All India Football Federation, introduced genetic testing for talent identification. This method analyses an athlete's DNA to determine optimal sports based on genetic markers affecting muscle and cardiac performance.

Corporate Involvement and Talent Development

The minister urged corporate houses to increase their CSR funding for sports from one per cent to five per cent. Corporates expressed concerns about branding opportunities and sought tax reliefs to facilitate this increase.

A three-tiered talent development system was also discussed. It begins with residential sports schools for over 16,500 students, progressing to an intermediate level for more than 6,500 athletes, and culminating in elite training centres for over 1,300 potential international medalists.

Internal Disputes and International Representation

Mandaviya stressed resolving internal disputes within National Sports Federations without involving international bodies. This point went unchallenged by NSF representatives at the conclave.

Former IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta advocated for increased Indian representation in international organisations like the Olympic Council of Asia and the International Olympic Committee. Currently, Randhir Singh leads the OCA, while Nita Ambani is an IOC member.

Concerns from Wrestling Federation

The Wrestling Federation of India voiced dissatisfaction with corporate involvement in their sport. They claimed that corporates are not adhering to WFI plans and are attracting talent nurtured by the federation. "They lure away our kids," a source quoted them as saying.

The conclave aimed to address these issues while setting ambitious goals for India's sporting future. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, it seeks to enhance India's global sporting presence through strategic planning and innovative approaches.

With inputs from PTI