Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh have emerged as the biggest beneficiaries of the Sports Ministry’s Khelo India Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure scheme, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Annual Report 2023-24. Gujarat secured Rs 606.37 crore for five projects, while Uttar Pradesh received Rs 500.96 crore for 30 projects.
Himachal Pradesh also received significant funding, with Rs 193.21 crore allocated across nine projects. Arunachal Pradesh closely follows with Rs 180.68 crore for 21 projects, mostly focused on building multi-purpose halls across the state’s districts. In Himachal Pradesh, funds will be used to develop synthetic athletic tracks and multi-purpose halls. Interestingly, the previous two sports ministers hailed from Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
In contrast, states with strong sporting traditions like Tamil Nadu received only Rs 29.50 crore, even less than Sikkim’s Rs 33.34 crore. Kerala was granted Rs 65.58 crore, with over half of it (Rs 34.80 crore) going to the Sports Authority of India’s regional center in Trivandrum to construct a 300-bed hostel. Karnataka received Rs 134.5 crore, with nearly Rs 55 crore earmarked for SAI facilities. Manipur also saw a boost, receiving Rs 80.45 crore. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra got Rs 125.09 crore, Rs 115.03 crore, and Rs 117.83 crore respectively, while Punjab received Rs 106 crore.
Among special projects, Gujarat’s Construction of Sports Complex at Naranpura, Ahmedabad stands out with a budget of Rs 583.99 crore. Ahmedabad is being considered as a potential host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with the Commonwealth Games Association of India already submitting a letter of intent to the Commonwealth Games Federation. While the Indian Olympic Association is yet to confirm, Ahmedabad remains the frontrunner.
Another key project is the Development and Modernization of Sigra Stadium in Varanasi, allocated Rs 315.48 crore. This three-phase plan aims to establish an international-standard sports venue with an Olympic-size swimming pool and outdoor sports facilities.
The report highlights that so far, 322 new sports infrastructure projects have been approved—198 are completed and 124 are ongoing. Additionally, 37 new projects have been sanctioned across 27 states and 5 Union Territories, with a combined budget of Rs 3,072.92 crore.
The overall goal of the ministry under the Khelo India scheme is to create and upgrade sports infrastructure across the country by providing funds to states, the Sports Authority of India, and other eligible bodies such as educational institutions and defense organizations. This includes building modern facilities, improving sports science, equipment, and related infrastructure to promote sports development nationwide.
