New Delhi, March 6: Medal winners in all Khelo India competitions will now be eligible for government jobs as per a revised criteria, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday.
Thakur said the move is in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “vision of a robust sports ecosystem, nurturing talent at grassroots level and turning sports into a lucrative and viable career option.”
He said the department of personnel and training, in consultation with the sports ministry, has made “progressive revisions to the eligibility criteria for sportspersons seeking government jobs.”
“This groundbreaking step now extends eligibility to medal winners from the Khelo India Games — Youth, University, Para and Winter Games — to be eligible for government jobs. Additionally, games and events have been clearly defined to ensure inclusivity across various sports,” Thakur said in his post on X.
“These revised rules mark a significant stride in supporting our athletes in making Bharat a sporting superpower,” he added.
Khelo India Games were first organised in 2018 as part of the Modi government’s initiative to revitalise sports culture at the grassroots level.
In addition to modern sports, Khelo India advocates for the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian games.
By including traditional games in its agenda, the program seeks to uphold India’s rich sporting heritage and encourage participation in these culturally significant activities.
In essence, Khelo India envisions propelling India to the forefront of sporting excellence by laying a strong foundation for all sports and supporting the aspirations of budding athletes nationwide. With its comprehensive approach and ambitious goals, Khelo India aims to transform the sports culture across the nation and inspire future generations of athletes.
Moreover, the program aims to provide competitive platforms for budding athletes to showcase their skills and abilities. Initiatives like the Khelo India Youth Games offer organized sporting events, allowing young athletes to participate in competitive environments and gain valuable experience on the field.
Infrastructure development is also a major focus of the Khelo India initiative. Recognizing the importance of state-of-the-art training facilities, Khelo India prioritizes the establishment and enhancement of sports infrastructure nationwide.
By ensuring better training facilities and resources, the program aims to empower athletes to reach their full potential. (PTI)
