​Top spot: On the new phase of the Khelo India Scheme

One of the biggest impediments to India’s aspiration to bid for the 2036 Olympics is the lack of enough world-class performers. For India, a prospective host, targeting a prestigious top-10 finish is a humongous task. In the 21st century, the country achieved its best-ever result of 48th with seven medals at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and was 71st with six medals at Paris 2024. India needs to win approximately 30 to 40 medals, including gold in double digits, to be in the elite club. To chase this Olympic dream, the Union Cabinet has approved an allocation of ₹29,054 crore — an eight-fold increase — for the new phase of the Khelo India Scheme. The primary goal of this ambitious grassroots programme is to tap talent early for the 2036 Olympics. It aims to increase Khelo India centres, State and National centres of excellence and accredited academies from roughly one per district — more than 1,000 centres at present — to an average of two or three. Involving schools and clubs, encouraging talented children to compete in club-level events, upgrading facilities, and assimilating grassroot-coaches and technical officials are essential ingredients of the wholesome scheme.