Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to grassroots sports development in Odisha, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has sanctioned 31 coaching positions for the state. Out of these, 22 coaches have been appointed under the Government of India’s flagship Khelo India Scheme, aimed at enhancing sports infrastructure and training facilities at the local level.
This information was shared by Union Sports Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya during a session of the Lok Sabha on Monday.
In addition to the Khelo India appointments, 19 coaches have also been deployed in the state under various sports promotion schemes of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), further expanding training support and access to quality coaching.
Responding to a written query from Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, the Minister clarified that the allocation and disbursal of funds by the Ministry are carried out on a scheme-wise basis rather than state-wise. He also noted that the responsibility for maintenance of sports infrastructure lies with the respective grantees or implementing agencies.
The Ministry released the following data on funds allocated and expenditure incurred under various Sports Development Schemes, including for infrastructure projects under the Khelo India Scheme, over the last 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
The Minister emphasised that the government remains committed to nurturing sports talent at all levels and is implementing several key schemes to ensure wider access and participation across the country.
- Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports
- Assistance to National Sports Federations
- Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches
- National Sports Awards
- Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons
- Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Programme for Sportspersons
- National Sports Development Fund
- Running Sports Training Centres through the Sports Authority of India
These initiatives also aim to improve youth engagement in sports through efforts focused on talent identification, school-level linkages, safe access for women, and inclusion of para-sports.
