“Khelo India Annual Calendar Launched to Power India’s Sporting Revolution, Says Sports Minister Mandaviya”

May 18, 2025: In a landmark move to elevate grassroots sports and develop young athletic talent across India, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has officially launched the Khelo India Annual Calendar under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS). This ambitious initiative represents a significant stride in the government’s mission to establish a structured, inclusive, and competitive sporting ecosystem that engages youth year-round across diverse disciplines.

Speaking on the launch, Minister Mandaviya emphasized the strategic significance of the calendar. “The Khelo India Annual Calendar is not just a schedule but a strategic blueprint for strengthening India’s domestic competition structure and transforming the nation into a global sporting powerhouse,” he said.

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Reflecting on a decade of sports development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Mandaviya highlighted the success of national-level competitions and shared the upcoming vision for Khelo India. New additions to the sporting calendar include the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG), Khelo India School Games (KISG), Khelo India Water Sports, and the Khelo India North-East Games. These events will serve as vital platforms to discover, nurture, and prepare young talent for international arenas, including the Commonwealth Games 2030 and Olympic Games 2036.

Currently, the Khelo India initiative includes four national-level flagship events: Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Para Games, and Khelo India Winter Games. These events, organized with National Sports Federations, have set new standards in talent identification and long-term athlete development.

The calendar expansion also introduces inclusive competitions that recognize India’s cultural and regional diversity. Special attention is being given to indigenous and traditional disciplines through events like the Khelo India Martial Arts Games, Tribal Games, and Swadeshi Games. These competitions aim to bring long-overlooked sports into the national spotlight and integrate them into mainstream sporting culture.

The Khelo India School Games will follow a progressive model starting at the district level and culminating at the national stage, offering early exposure to young athletes and helping them adapt to the rigors of structured, high-quality competitions akin to global standards.

To support the logistical and developmental aspects of hosting these games, specific states and union territories will be designated as hosts for each event. This not only improves infrastructure and organizational capabilities but also boosts sports tourism and local economies.

The calendar for 2025 is already underway with major events completed successfully:

• Khelo India Winter Games in Jammu and Kashmir and Gulmarg (Jan-Feb)
• Khelo India Para Games in Delhi (Mar-Apr)
• Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar (May)

Next, the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games will be held in Diu from May 19–25, bringing beach and coastal sports to the national forefront.

Upcoming key events include:

• Khelo India School Games (August–December)
• University Games (March–April)
• Water Sports & North-East Games (May–June)
• Tribal Games (September in Chhattisgarh)
• Indigenous & Martial Arts Games (July–August in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh)

Complementary initiatives like the Fit India Carnival (February in Delhi), ASMITA Leagues, and Peace and Development League will also continue to promote fitness, unity, and sporting spirit across communities.

The calendar has been designed using data-driven insights and incorporates seasonal, regional, and sport-specific factors to maximize participation and impact. With its expansive scope and focus on excellence, the initiative is poised to create more visibility for sponsors, generate media interest, and further India’s goal of becoming a sporting superpower.