Centre Approves ₹6.5 Crore Khelo India Synthetic Track for Jammikunta, Telangana
Table of Contents
Source: Deccan Chronicle
Relevance:
GS Paper II – Governance & Social Justice | GS Paper III – Human Resource Development / Sports Infrastructure
Important Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- Khelo India Scheme, Synthetic Athletics Track, World Athletics Standards, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Fit India Movement, Sports Infrastructure
For Mains:
- Grassroots Sports Development, Human Capital Formation, Inclusive Growth, Cooperative Federalism, Sports Governance, Social Infrastructure
Why in News?
The Union Government has approved ₹6.5 crore under the Khelo India Scheme for constructing a 400-metre, four-lane synthetic athletics track at Jammikunta mandal in Karimnagar district, Telangana. The project aims to strengthen sports infrastructure in rural North Telangana and support talent identification at the grassroots level.
About the Khelo India Scheme
The Khelo India Scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, seeks to revive India’s sports culture by combining infrastructure creation, structured competitions, talent identification, and fitness promotion. The scheme aims to transform sports into a mass movement while promoting excellence for national and international competitions.
Aims and Objectives of Khelo India
The scheme harnesses the cross-cutting impact of sports to promote:
- Holistic development of children and youth
- Community development and social integration
- Gender equality and inclusiveness
- Healthy lifestyles and national pride
- Economic opportunities linked to sports
It also focuses on creating sustainable physical and social infrastructure through convergence of Central and State schemes, CSR funds, Public–Private Partnerships (PPP), community participation, and innovative financing tools.
Components of the Khelo India Scheme
The revised Khelo India Scheme (2021–22 to 2025–26) includes:
- Creation and upgradation of sports infrastructure
- Sports competitions and talent development
- Khelo India Centres and Sports Academies
- Fit India Movement
- Promotion of inclusiveness through sports (women, persons with disabilities, rural and indigenous sports)
Fourteen Priority Disciplines under Khelo India
To build Olympic medal prospects and adopt a focused One State–One Sport approach, the government has identified 14 priority disciplines:
- Archery
- Boxing
- Shooting
- Badminton
- Wrestling
- Hockey
- Weightlifting
- Cycling
- Athletics
- Table Tennis
- Judo
- Swimming
- Fencing
- Rowing
Details of the Jammikunta Synthetic Track Project
- Outlay: ₹6.5 crore (Central assistance)
- Location: Government Degree College Grounds, Jammikunta Municipality
- Facility: 400-metre, four-lane synthetic track
- Standards: World Athletics norms
- Beneficiaries: Athletes from Karimnagar and neighbouring districts
Significance of the Project
- Grassroots Talent Development: Provides international-standard facilities in a rural setting
- Focus on Athletics: Supports one of the 14 priority disciplines under Khelo India
- Inclusive Access: Public college location ensures community-wide use
- Regional Balance: Reduces concentration of sports infrastructure in metros
Planning, Monitoring and Federal Cooperation
District Administrations and State Sports Departments play a key role in planning and execution. Projects are appraised by Project Appraisal Committees (PAC) and approved by the Departmental Project Approval Committee (DPAC). Performance under Khelo India is also linked to the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, incentivising effective grassroots implementation.
Challenges
- Delays in construction and completion
- Maintenance and sustainability of facilities
- Shortage of trained coaches and sports science support
- Risk of under-utilisation after project completion
Way Forward
- Integrate infrastructure with coaching, scouting and competition pathways
- Encourage PPP and CSR participation for sustainability
- Establish local sports academies around new facilities
- Strengthen district-level monitoring and accountability
Conclusion
The approval of the Khelo India synthetic athletics track at Jammikunta reflects India’s commitment to inclusive, grassroots-driven sports development. By strengthening infrastructure for Athletics, a priority discipline, the project can play a crucial role in nurturing rural talent, promoting fitness, and building a sustainable sporting ecosystem.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to the Khelo India Scheme, consider the following statements:
- It promotes convergence of Central and State schemes along with CSR and PPP models.
- It focuses exclusively on elite Olympic-level athletes.
- Athletics is among the priority disciplines identified under the scheme.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Convergence and innovative financing are key features of Khelo India.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The scheme emphasises grassroots participation and talent development.
- Statement 3 is correct: Athletics is one of the 14 priority disciplines.
