Why in news?

• After the first edition of the Khelo India School Games 2017, the second edition, the games has become an initiative of the Central Government, has expanded in its scope, and will allow participants to compete in two categories (under 17 and under 21).
• Talented players identified in priority sports disciplines at various levels by the High-Powered Committee will be provided annual financial assistance of INR 5 lakh per annum for 8 years.
• Khelo India School Games are a part of the Khelo India programme.
• It consists of 16 disciplines which includes Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shooting, Swimming, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.

Khelo India programme:

• The Khelo India programme has been introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports in India and establish India as a great sporting nation.
• It will be a Central Sector Scheme (Scheme implemented by the Central Government machinery and 100% funding by the union government).
• It is a Pan India Sports Scholarship scheme covering the 1000 most deserving and talented athletes across the sports discipline, every year.
• It is an unprecedented scheme, a first-ever plan to be implemented for creating a long-term development pathway for athletes.
• To enable the sportsman to pursue both studies and sports, the program aims at identifying and promoting 20 Universities in the country as centres of sporting distinction.
• To ensure maximum entries for organized sports competitions, the programme encourages the school and colleges to organize programmes of high standards.
• Forming an active population with a healthy lifestyle is also the focus of this programme.
• The aim is to impact the whole of sports ecosystem inclusive of sports economy, competition structure, talent identification, coaching and infrastructure.
• Lotus is a symbol of purity and enlightenment, and just like the lotus flower, the sports program aims to uplift and enlighten the lives of youth in deprived and disturbed areas. By actively involving them in sporting activities, the program seeks to channel their energy into constructive pursuits, ultimately integrating them into the nation-building process. The transformative power of sports provides these young individuals with an opportunity to break free from disruptive activities, fostering a sense of purpose, teamwork, and discipline. Embrace the positive change symbolized by the lotus at Lotus, where sports become a beacon of hope and empowerment for the youth.
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