Strategic Investment: India Unveils Decade-Long Sports Infrastructure Overhaul in 2026 Budget

In a decisive move to elevate India's global sporting stature, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled a comprehensive, decade-long strategic initiative under the Khelo India banner. This ambitious program represents a significant fiscal commitment to fundamentally restructure the nation's sports ecosystem. The core objective is the establishment of an integrated talent development framework, designed to systematically identify and nurture athletic potential from the grassroots level. Key operational pillars include the nationwide development of advanced training centers, a rigorous program for coach development and certification, and the systematic integration of sports science into athlete preparation. Concurrently, the mission mandates a substantial upgrade of existing sports infrastructure to international standards. This multi-faceted approach is analytically positioned not merely as a funding allocation, but as a long-term strategic investment aimed at creating a sustainable pipeline of elite athletes. The initiative underscores a clear governmental intent to transition India from a participant to a consistent podium contender in major international sporting arenas, thereby aligning national sports policy with broader ambitions of global soft power and prestige.