The sports budget 2024 has seen a slight increase of Rs 45.36 crore compared to the previous one.

The government has allocated Rs 3,442.32 crore for sports in the Union Budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced. This is a small increase from Rs 45.36 crore in the sports budget 2024-25 over last year's budget. This modest increase comes ahead of the Paris Olympics in August, which marks the end of the current Olympic cycle.

The Budget continues to focus on the development of grassroots sports through the Khelo India programme. The Budget also supports elite athletes and national sports organisations. This year’s Budget seeks to balance the development of young talent with preparation for major international events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

The key points of the sports budget show how the money will be spent and what it means for sports in India. Here are the key points of the sports budget 2024.

Highest allocation for Khelo India scheme

The government's flagship programme Khelo India receives the largest share of the sports budget with an allocation of Rs 900 crore. This is an increase of Rs 20 crore over the revised allocation of Rs 880 crore in the previous financial year. The Khelo India programme, aimed at promoting sports at the grassroots level, has seen consistent investment from the government.

Lobbying for National Sports Federations and Sports Authority of India (SAI)

The budget of the National Sports Federation (NSF) has been increased by Rs 15 crore, from Rs 325 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 340 crore for the next financial year. This increase in funding is expected to facilitate greater participation of Indian athletes in international competitions, potentially increasing their visibility and experience.

Additionally, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has received an additional allocation of Rs 822.60 crore, compared to Rs 795.77 crore in the previous year, an increase of Rs 26.83 crore. SAI is responsible for managing sports infrastructure and overseeing the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), a key initiative to support elite athletes.

Support for anti-doping efforts

Both the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the National Doping Testing Laboratory (NDTL) have received small budget hikes. NADA's budget has gone up from Rs 21.73 crore to Rs 22.30 crore, while that of NDTL has gone up from Rs 19.50 crore to Rs 22 crore.

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Expansion of the Khelo India program

Since 2018, Khelo India’s programming has expanded to include more events. The program added the University Games and Winter Games in 2020, as well as the Para Games in 2023. The program has also established numerous training centers, called Khelo India State Centers of Excellence, across the country. These centers provide a venue for talented young athletes to train and improve their skills.

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