Haryana launches 15 Khelo India Centres to foster future champions

CM Manohar Khattar and Sports Minister Anurag Singh inaugurated the facilities.

Hon'ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, inaugurated 15 Khelo India Centres (KICs) in Haryana, in the virtual presence of Hon'ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Sh. Anurag Singh Thakur, with the participation of Smt. Lalita Sharma, Executive Director of SAI RC Sonepat, and other officials from SAI and the state.

The Government of India has already notified 1000 Khelo India Centres (KICs) nationwide.

Shri Anurag Singh Thakur expressed that "The 15 Khelo India Centres in Haryana shall help equip our future champions. These centers will engage 15 Past Champion Athletes who will be training the next generation of athletes in their pursuit of medals. Haryana has been on top in the Khelo India games and the State has been leading in contributing to our sporting ecosystem.

"Through the Khelo India scheme, the Government of India has provided excellent support to athletes, and the Hon'ble CM of Haryana, Manohar ji, has also been instrumental in motivating athletes both financially and through job assistance."

Within the KICs, past champion athletes take on roles as coaches and mentors for young athletes, running the sports training centers independently to earn their livelihood. The Scheme offers initial and annual financial support to both these past champions and the centers to facilitate sports training, coaching, and operations.

These small Khelo India Centres aim to strengthen the sports ecosystem at the grassroots level by utilizing existing sports infrastructure at schools, organizations, and eligible agencies at the block or district level.