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The Indian government has significantly increased its sports and youth affairs budget for 2025-26, marking a rise of over Rs 350 crore from the previous year. With no major multi-sport events like the Olympics or Asian Games on the horizon, this substantial increase indicates a strong focus on grassroots development and long-term athlete preparation.
The Khelo India programme, aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent, emerged as the biggest beneficiary, receiving a Rs 200 crore boost. Let's take a look at the detailed breakup below:
Budget Comparison: 2025-26 vs 2024-25
| Category | 2025-26 Allocation (in Rs crore) | 2024-25 Allocation (in Rs crore) | Change (in Rs crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | 3,794.30 | 3,442.32 | +351.98 |
| Khelo India Programme | 1,000.00 | 800.00 | +200.00 |
| National Sports Federations (NSFs) | 340.00 | 325.00 | +15.00 |
| Sports Authority of India (SAI) | 822.60 | 795.77 | +26.83 |
| National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) | 22.30 | 21.73 | +0.57 |
| National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) | 22.00 | 19.50 | +2.50 |
Key Highlights and Analysis
The sports budget hike shows the government’s continued investment in long-term sporting infrastructure and athlete development. Despite the absence of major global sporting events in the upcoming year, the increased funding suggests a commitment to strengthening grassroots programs and elite athlete training.
The Khelo India programme has been allocated Rs 1,000 crore, a substantial jump from Rs 800 crore last year. This marks one of the largest increases in funding, reaffirming the government’s push to develop young athletes and enhance India’s sporting ecosystem.
Support for National Sports Federations
National Sports Federations (NSFs) received an additional Rs 15 crore, bringing their total allocation to Rs 340 crore. This increase is expected to help NSFs manage athlete training programs, international exposure tours, and competition preparations more effectively.
More Funds for Sports Authority of India
The Sports Authority of India (SAI), which oversees the country's elite sports training and infrastructure, has been granted Rs 822.60 crore, up from Rs 795.77 crore in the previous year. This will aid in better facilities and support for top-tier athletes preparing for future global competitions.
Anti-Doping Efforts Receive a Boost
With doping concerns growing worldwide, both the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) have seen modest increases in their budgets. NADA’s allocation has risen from Rs 21.73 crore to Rs 22.30 crore, while NDTL has been granted Rs 22 crore, an increase of Rs 2.50 crore.
Overall, the 2025-26 sports budget highlights the government's strong focus on grassroots sports, athlete development, and anti-doping measures, ensuring a more structured approach towards India's sporting future.
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