Union Budget 2026: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Puts 'Khelo India Mission' at Centre of Ambitious Sports Sector Reform

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Khelo India Mission, which would help transform the Indian sporting sector over the next decade. FM Sitharaman wants to take a systematic approach to nurturing sports talent ahead. The mission would also help provide multiple means of employment, skilling and job opportunities.

The 2026 Union Budget kept its focus on India's ambitious Khelo India Programme to nurture the up-and-coming athletes in the country. The program has helped them find and develop the star athletes of the future, and FM Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed a significant effort to transform the sporting sector over the next decade.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman Proposes Khelo India Mission To Transform Sports Sector

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed launching the Khelo India Mission, intending to transform the sports sector over the next decade. The aim is to nurture talent, create employment and develop expertise systematically. The Khelo India Mission would also provide job opportunities and help with the reform of sports. 

"The Sports Sector provides multiple means of employment, skilling and job opportunities. Taking forward the systematic nurturing of sports talent, which is set in motion through the Khelo India programme, I propose to launch a Khelo India Mission to transform the Sports sector over the next decade," she said.

Also Read: Union Budget 2026: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Unveils Ambitious Push for Sports Goods Sector; Also Announces Khelo India Mission

Ministry of Finance Shares Details On Khelo India Mission

The Ministry of Finance shared additional details on the Khelo India Mission and the tasks it would facilitate over the next decade. The mission would involve integrating the pathway for talent development with support from the training centres.

The Mission would facilitate the development of athletes and support staff with the integration of sports science and technology.

Also Read: Elise Mertens-Zhang Shuai Crowned Australian Open Women's Doubles Champions

The ambitious Khelo India Mission would also help organise competitions and leagues, promoting the sports culture and also providing a platform to the athletes. Sports infrastructure would also undergo significant development for training and competition by the next decade, helping India emerge as a sporting superpower.