Khelo India Athlete Scholarship by Sports Authority of India
Up to Rs 6.28 Lakh Annual Support
1,000 participants
The Khelo India Athlete Scholarship supports identified young athletes with long-term annual funding for training, education, equipment, and competition exposure under the Sports Authority of India.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Duration
Up to 8 years of continuous support
Format
Individual
Time needed
Long-term residential training and competition schedule managed by the assigned Khelo India Academy or SAI training centre.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 10 to 21 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Open to school students in the Under-17 category and college students in the Under-21 category, in line with Khelo India age groupings.
Prerequisites
- Indian citizenship
- Active participation and demonstrated performance at district, state, or Khelo India national-level competitions
- Identification by the Khelo India Talent Search Committee or High-Powered Committee
- Willingness to undergo residential training at an accredited Khelo India Academy or SAI centre
Open to Indian citizens identified as talented young athletes through Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, and other Sports Authority of India talent identification competitions across Olympic and indigenous disciplines.
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Rewards and recognition
Award
Rs 6.28 Lakh per year
Selected athletes receive an annual scholarship of up to Rs 6.28 lakh for eight years. Approximately Rs 1.2 lakh is paid as a monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance of Rs 10,000, and the remaining amount covers training, coaching, competition exposure, education, nutrition, equipment, healthcare, and scientific support.
Opens doors to
Education-related expenses are covered as part of the scholarship package, supporting athletes in continuing schooling and higher studies alongside training.
Career pathways
Provides a structured pathway from Khelo India competitions to national camps and international representation, with exposure to high-performance training environments.
Recognition
National Recognition
What it covers
- Training and coaching
- National and international competition exposure
- Education support
- Nutrition and supplements
- Sports equipment
- Healthcare and injury management
- Sports science support
- Out-of-Pocket Allowance
Skills your child builds
How to apply
- 1Athletes participate in district and state-level competitions in their chosen discipline.
- 2Top performers are nominated to Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, or SAI talent identification events.
- 3The Khelo India Talent Search Committee evaluates performance and potential.
- 4Selected athletes are inducted into a Khelo India Academy or SAI training centre.
- 5Athlete records and scholarship disbursement are managed through the National Sports Repository System.
About this opportunity
The Khelo India Athlete Scholarship is a flagship Government of India programme administered by the Sports Authority of India under the Khelo India Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It identifies and supports promising young athletes across Olympic and indigenous disciplines with long-term financial assistance and structured high-performance training pathways.
Every year, a High-Powered Committee shortlists up to one thousand talented athletes based on performance at Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, and other Sports Authority of India talent identification competitions. Selected athletes receive support for eight consecutive years, covering training, coaching, national and international competition exposure, education, nutrition, equipment, healthcare, and scientific support.
The scheme covers a wide range of disciplines including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shooting, Swimming, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, and indigenous sports such as Mallakhamb, Gatka, Thang-Ta, and Yogasana. Both Under-17 school athletes and Under-21 college athletes are eligible categories under the broader Khelo India framework.
Athletes are not enrolled through a direct open application. Talent identification happens through performance at district, state, and Khelo India national-level competitions, and verified records are maintained through the National Sports Repository System. Selected athletes undergo residential training at accredited Khelo India Academies and Sports Authority of India training centres, with scholarships disbursed directly to bank accounts.
Frequently asked questions
How are athletes selected for the Khelo India Athlete Scholarship?
Athletes are identified based on performance at Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, and other Sports Authority of India talent identification competitions. A High-Powered Committee approves the final list of up to 1,000 athletes each year.
What does the Khelo India Athlete Scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides up to Rs 6.28 lakh per athlete annually for eight years, including a Rs 10,000 monthly Out-of-Pocket Allowance and coverage of training, coaching, competition exposure, education, nutrition, equipment, healthcare, and sports science support.
Which sporting disciplines are supported under Khelo India?
Disciplines include Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shooting, Swimming, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling, along with indigenous sports such as Mallakhamb, Gatka, Thang-Ta, and Yogasana.
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