Both scholars have established themselves as dominant forces in Indian swimming, representing Maharashtra with distinction. Ms. Saanvi Deshwal, based in Mumbai, is a national record holder in multiple events and holds the distinction of being the youngest national champion at the Senior Nationals, specializing in individual medley and breaststroke. Meanwhile, Ms. Anvi Deshwal has emerged as a top-tier talent in the freestyle and backstroke categories, consistently securing medals across the Senior Nationals, National Games, Junior Nationals, and School Nationals. This interaction highlights EIL’s continued commitment to fostering young athletic talent and driving national sports development through its corporate scholarship initiatives.

Suressh Gopi | Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India

#KheloIndia #FitIndia #Swimming #WomenEmpowerment #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #EIL #TeamEIL #Scholarships #IndianSports

Youth development leapt out again through the Union Budget, with the GoI prepared to invest heavily in grassroots and upskilling initiatives to raise the floor of the Indian sporting fraternity- a move which has been applauded by the Sports sector. Khelo India, the government’s flagship sports programme in that regard, took the biggest share of the sports budget at INR 900 crores.

Khelo India’s significance to the ecosystem can be felt further down the line, with the sporting field growing in numbers year on year. India’s contingent to the Paris Olympic Games 2024 provides evidence of the same, with more than three-fifths of the travelling group set to make their Olympic debuts.

Suhail Chandhok, CEO, U Mumba, said: “From the Paris Contingent of 117 Indian players, an impressive 61% are making their debut for India, highlighting how India is emerging as a powerhouse in sport with the right opportunities and support. The continued investment in the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) through the Union Budget too underscores a clear commitment, making sports an attractive avenue for countless young talents to shape their futures. 

“In chess, for instance, our teenage athletes are not only competing but also triumphing over global champions, setting a precedent that resonates across other sports as well. Moreover, the emphasis on youth skill development and support for institutions like the National Sports University and National Anti-Doping Agency demonstrates a steadfast dedication to nurturing excellence across all aspects of sports.” 

The steady investment in sports has aided a holistic development unforeseen previously in India. Each year, more and more Indian athletes are competing at an elite level and taking confident strides toward matching peers from elite sporting nations, a position India is looking to hit in the not-too-distant future.  

Punit Balan, Chairman & Managing Director of the Punit Balan Group said, “Additional resources allocated to advanced coaching techniques and equipment, alongside increased funding, will greatly enhance training facilities, support systems, and elevate success rates in international competitions. As we work towards hosting the Olympics in 2036, this forward-thinking strategy not only paves the way for future sporting excellence but also emphasizes our steadfast commitment. At Punit Balan Group, we are deeply invested in sports and dedicated to supporting Indian athletes. Well-funded sports programs not only enhance success on the global stage but also foster national pride.” 

The other autonomous bodies, such as the Sports Authority of India, the National Sports University, the National Anti-Doping Agency, and the National Dope Testing Laboratory, also received a significant boost to help them maintain excellence from the grassroots level up to the senior.  

Chess startup, MGD1 Co-Founder, Sreekar Channapragada said, “We welcome another robust commitment from the Government of India to the sports sector. The significant increase in funding allocation over the past decade has elevated India from the periphery of international competition to a contender among global powerhouses, across sports such as chess and more. The removal of angel tax, which will provide a boost to startups, further accelerates this positive trajectory. With a sustained emphasis on holistic development, we are optimistic that India is poised to emerge as a leading sporting nation in the near future.”

The increased allocation of funds to sports will also empower other stakeholders to uphold high standards, cultivate a robust community, and equip athletes with the necessary tools for success.

Rajesh Menon, Vice President and Head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said: “Increasing investments in youth development through robust upskilling initiatives, continued strategic funding for Khelo India programs, and a strong focus on enhancing anti-doping protocols represents a pivotal step forward in advancing the sports movement in India. These measures are crucial not only to empower aspiring athletes but also to nurture community-based sports initiatives, fostering meaningful partnerships that uphold the highest standards of fairness and create a grassroots excellence sporting system for Indian sports.”

As India prepares for its most pivotal Olympic campaign yet in Paris. With the government’s renewed commitment, the sports sector anticipates a future of sustained glory envisioning regular achievements on the Olympic stage.

Speaking about Haryana hosting the next edition of KIYG Sports Minister Rijiju said, “I am very happy to announce Haryana as the host state for the fourth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games. Khelo India Games, envisioned by our Prime Minister, has been instrumental in identifying grassroot level talent from across the country, who have represented India in international sporting events. It is the Mahakumbh of sport. Haryana already has a very strong sporting culture and has given the country some of its best athletes. I am sure that with the Games being hosted in the state, more and more aspiring athletes from Haryana will be motivated to take up competitive sport. Usually the Khelo India Youth Games take place in January of every year. However, this time owing to the pandemic, we are having to postpone it. However, I am sure by the time we host the Games the pandemic will abate and we will be able to host the Games at the same scale, with participation of all states and over 10,000 participants.”

Like in the previous editions, this time too, Star Sports will be the Official Broadcast Partner of the Khelo India Youth Games. Speaking about the partnership the Sports Minister said, “Star Sports has catapulted the Khelo India Youth Games into an annual event in the country’s sporting calendar. When a young athlete sees himself or herself on a national television channel, it not just motivates the athlete, but also other youngsters watching the broadcast to take on sport as a serious career. I am very happy that the partnership is being continued.”

During the announcement, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar said, “As a state Haryana has always promoted sports in a big way and supported its athletes. Hosting the Khelo India Youth Games in Haryana will only add greater impetus to our commitment towards creating a strong sporting ecosystem. Haryana has done very well in the last few editions of the Khelo India Youth Games and many of our athletes are already training under the Khelo India Scheme. I am confident that the upcoming edition of the Games will be grand, and I welcome all of you to Khelo India Youth Games, Haryana. Panchkula is equipped with the best sporting infrastructure to host a multi-sport event like Khelo India Youth Games and there is enough lodging facilities for the large number of participants who are expected to attend.”

Haryana has been consistently doing well in all three editions of KIYG. While they came second in both KIYG 2019 and 2020 editions (200 medals in 2020 and 159 medals in 2019) they won KIYG 2018 edition with 102 medals (38 gold, 26 silver, 38 bronze).

Haryana has also produced many elite athletes, such as, wrestlers Yogeshwar Dutt, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, para-athlete Deepa Malik, athlete Neeraj Chopra, Boxer Amit Panghal and shooters Sanjeev Rajput, Manu Bhakar, Anish Bhanwala, among others, who have represented and won medals for India at international platforms.