Mumbai: The sports sector has received its highest-ever budget allocation in history. With an over Rs 300 crore jump, the sports sector has received Rs 3,397.32 crore allocation in the new FY 2023-24 Union Budget.
The union finance minister presented the budget for 2023-24 at the parliament on 1 February. With Asian Games 2023 coming up and the Paris Olympics preparations in full swing, the finance ministry has recognised the importance of increasing the budget. Khelo India received Rs 1,045 crore funding.
Sports budget allocation 2023-24:
1. Khelo India: Rs 1,045 crore
2. SAI: 785.52 crore
3. National Sports Federations: 325 crore
4. National Service Scheme: 325 crore
5. National Sports Development Fund: Rs 15 crore
Recently, Sports For All joined Khelo India as powered by sponsor to empower India’s next sports icons wherein a five-year-long association will see Sports For All investing Rs 12.5 crore to promote Khelo India mission, developing grassroots sports in the country.
SFA founder Rishikesh Joshi, “This is a strong message from the government on the importance of sport to our nation. For India to be a global sports super power we constantly need to focus on grassroots sports and a large part of this budget has consistently been allocated towards the same. The over 200 per cent jump in the Khelo India Budgets from 2017 shows the importance of investing in youth sport!
“The quality of science, nutrition and professionals that our young athletes need will get a huge boost. Also, more athletes will be able to get the support they need and thereby our participation in global events such as the Asian Games will get strengthened. India will also be able to attract and host more global sports events which will further strengthen our sporting ecosystem.”
Ultimate Kho Kho CEO, league commissioner Tenzing Niyogi said, “The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2023/24, which was presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman saw an increase of over Rs 300 crore in sports allocations from last year. The sports budget has increased to Rs 3,397.32 crore. This will be a progressive step in aiding India’s preparations for this year's Asian Games and Paris Olympics which can result in an increased presence in multi-nation prestigious events and an opportunity funnel for widespread sports to come into the limelight.
“The budget will enable financial assistance to the state governments to develop sports infrastructure and facilities and to encourage sports participation at the grassroots level. The growth of indigenous sports will fuel the sports league talent supply chain which eventually will bring India closer to becoming a multi-sport playing nation. The increasing commercialisation of sports in India is also helping to create a vibrant sports culture.”
