A total of 15 Khelo India Centres (KICs) were inaugurated in Haryana by the Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, in the virtual presence of the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur. The event was attended by Smt. Lalita Sharma, Executive Director of the Sports Authority of India Regional Centre (SAI RC) Sonepat, and other officials from SAI and the state.
The Government of India has already notified 1,000 Khelo India Centres (KICs) across the country. Shri Anurag Singh Thakur highlighted that the 15 newly launched KICs in Haryana will play a crucial role in nurturing future champions. These centers will engage 15 past champion athletes who will train the next generation of athletes, guiding them toward winning medals.
Haryana has a strong presence in Khelo India games and has actively contributed to the country’s sporting ecosystem. The Khelo India scheme, supported by the Government of India, has provided significant assistance to athletes. The Haryana state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, has also motivated athletes through financial and job assistance.
Khelo India Centres (KICs) employ past champion athletes as coaches and mentors for young athletes, and these centers operate autonomously to support their livelihoods. The Khelo India Scheme provides initial and annual financial support to these past champions and the KICs for sports training, coaching, and operational activities.
The small Khelo India Centres play a vital role in strengthening the grassroots sports ecosystem by utilizing existing sports infrastructure at schools, organizations, and other eligible agencies at the block or district level. These centers help expand the reach of sports training and development.