Bhubaneswar, Aug 12: In a significant boost to grassroots sports development in Odisha, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved 31 new coaching positions for the state. Of these, 22 coaches will be appointed under the Government of India’s flagship Khelo India Scheme, designed to improve local sports infrastructure and training facilities.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya made the announcement during a session in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
In addition to the Khelo India coaches, 19 other coaches will be deployed in the state through various sports promotion schemes by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), further enhancing access to quality coaching and training support.
The Minister's response came in reply to a query from Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka. He clarified that the Ministry allocates funds on a scheme-by-scheme basis, not state-wise, and stated that the maintenance of sports infrastructure is the responsibility of the respective grantees or implementing agencies.
The Ministry also released data on funds allocated and spent under various sports development schemes, including infrastructure projects funded by the Khelo India Scheme over the past four financial years:
FY 2025–26: Rs 2520.53 crore allocated; Rs 531.78 crore spent (as of August 5, 2025)
FY 2024–25: Rs 2332.50 crore allocated; Rs 2136.97 crore spent
FY 2023–24: Rs 2380.86 crore allocated; Rs 2329.35 crore spent
FY 2022–23: Rs 1907.69 crore allocated; Rs 1879.99 crore spent
Mandaviya emphasized that the government remains committed to fostering sports talent at all levels, implementing key schemes to ensure broad access and participation across the country. These initiatives include:
- Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports
- Assistance to National Sports Federations
- Cash Incentives for Medal Winners in International Events and their Coaches
- National Sports Awards
- Pension for Meritorious Sportspersons
- Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Programme for Sportspersons
- National Sports Development Fund
- Sports Training Centres operated by the Sports Authority of India
These programs aim to increase youth engagement in sports by focusing on talent identification, school-level connections, safe access for women, and the inclusion of para-sports.
