New Delhi: In an effort to revive and promote traditional sports, the Indian government’s Khelo India Scheme has been actively working to integrate rural and indigenous/tribal games into mainstream sports culture. The ‘Promotion of Rural and Indigenous/Tribal Games’ sub-component of the scheme focuses on developing infrastructure, providing equipment, appointing coaches, and offering scholarships to athletes specializing in these unique sports.
Under this initiative, several traditional games such as Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta, Yogasana, and Silambam have been identified for promotion. These games have been featured in the annual Khelo India University and Youth Games, where athletes showcase their skills on a national platform. In 2021 and 2022, these games were included in the Khelo India Youth Games held in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, respectively. Additionally, Mallakhamb and Yogasana were featured in the Khelo India University Games in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.
The Khelo India Scheme’s ‘Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sport’ vertical has further expanded to include the Khelo India Women’s League (ASMITA League). This league specifically promotes disciplines such as Kho Kho and Yogasana, encouraging female participation in traditional sports. During the 2023-24 season, 1401 female athletes competed in the Khelo India Yogasana Women’s League, while 1580 athletes participated in the Kho Kho Women’s League.
As sports are primarily a State subject, the responsibility of promoting and organizing competitions for these traditional games lies with the respective State and Union Territory Governments. The Union Government supplements these efforts by addressing critical gaps and providing financial support. This support includes conducting national-level tournaments under the Assistance to National Sports Federations scheme and organizing international tournaments in India. National Sports Federations for Kho Kho, Kabaddi, and Yogasana, recognized by the government, receive assistance for national coaching camps and international events.
Through these initiatives, the Khelo India Scheme aims to not only preserve India’s rich heritage of indigenous and tribal games but also provide a platform for athletes to compete and excel at national and international levels.