As part of the initiative to change the face of Indian sports, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced today it will establish 12 National Leagues in different sports as part of its flagship initiative, Khelo India. The aim is to develop an integrated and strong sporting structure where every sport in the country has its professional league.
Khelo India To Lead The Change In Indian Sports
Under the initiative, Khelo India will lead in the restructuring of Indian sports with the creation of National Leagues. The Ministry looks to streamline, make it efficient and sustainable, sports development in the country under the programme. This is one move that will give a structured pathway for young athletes, allowing them to train and compete in a competitive environment. The Khelo India vision cannot be just about organizing the leagues; it is a step for professionalizing sports at various levels, from grassroots to elites.
National Leagues As The Foundation of Khelo India
The core objective of the Khelo India initiative is to create a sporting ecosystem where athletes can thrive. With the launch of 12 National Leagues, Khelo India seeks to provide a platform where young and upcoming talent can showcase their skills and climb the ranks. These leagues are expected to be a critical element in nurturing athletes and fostering competitive sports culture across the nation. For every sport, it is envisaged to have its professional league in place to expose athletes, provide them with proper training and all resources required to produce the best performance.
National Sports Federations To Join Hands With SAI
The project is aimed at the improvement of most of the NSFs that are not operating efficiently and thus stalling their athlete development process. As part of Khelo India, the NSFs will collaborate closely with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which will oversee the creation and management of these leagues. This collaboration aims to overcome the current limitations faced by the NSFs, ensuring that each sport receives the attention and resources it requires to grow and succeed.
Private Sector Support To Enhance The Leagues
In addition to the involvement of the NSFs and SAI, the Ministry is open to the idea of utilizing the private sector in organizing and marketing these National Leagues, which are part of Khelo India. The goal behind collaborating with private organizations here would be to inject into the leagues additional resources and infrastructure, and also knowledge that could help improve its quality and visibility. This may be a key aspect through which the leagues are properly structured and sustainable financially by the private sector.
A Step To Host Olympics 2036 In India
These National Leagues under the umbrella of Khelo India form part of the broader plan of India hosting the Summer Olympics in 2036. With the country planning its bid for the games, these leagues will help build the momentum of enhancing Indian performance in international competitions. It aims to develop a pool of world-class athletes who can bring home more medals and elevate the nation’s standing in international sports by providing athletes with structured, professional platforms to compete.
Existing Leagues To Continue As Part Of Khelo India
Existing leagues, like successful leagues such as Indian Premier League or PKL (Pro Kabaddi League), as well as Indian Super League, will operate under this structure as before. It won’t disturb the huge existing patronage of leagues already enjoyed widely by these successful leagues. However, the NSFs will be responsible for ensuring that such leagues make long-term and sustainable contributions to the growth and development of the sports they are meant for in the service of the broader Khelo India vision.
Khelo India To Help India Unleash Its Full Sporting Potential
According to the Ministry of Sports, India has the capability to bring out world-class athletes. Under Khelo India, with the right leadership in the NSFs and the proper intent behind sports development, India can shine at international levels.
With India setting its sights on hosting the 2036 Olympics, this National Leagues under Khelo India initiative is bound to be a game-changer in organizing a much more competitive and sustainable sporting culture across the nation.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
