On 1st February 2021, the Annual budget 2020-21 was announced. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs 2596.14 crore to the sports budget for the financial year 2021-22. In the last financial year, Rs 2826.92 crore was allocated for sports which were later revised to Rs 1800.15 crore due to the cancellation of all the National and International sporting events during the pandemic. Hence, this year's allocated amount stands Rs 795.99 crore more than the revised budget of 2020-21.
I do not intend to bombard my readers with any more confusing numerical figures, so here's a simple question, how will this affect the Indian Sports Industry?
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is responsible for providing proper infrastructure for developing sporting talents in India. To do so, it allocates a specific amount of money to the Sports Authority of India (SAI)- the organization responsible for constructing and maintaining the stadiums, managing national camps, and providing sportspersons with adequate equipment. For this financial year, the government has allotted Rs 660.41 crore to the SAI- Rs 160.41 crore higher than the previous year. However, the 2010 Commonwealth Games-SAI stadia renovation reduced to Rs 30 crore, the budget for the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) is down to Rs 25 crore from Rs 50 crore.
The National Cycling Academy
The Khelo India program witnessed the highest reduction. In the last year's budget, Rs 890.42 crore was allocated-reduced to Rs 660.41 crore. Khelo India programs aim to revive the sports culture at the grass-roots level by building a framework for all the sports played in our country. Annual financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh per annum (for eight years) was provided to the talented players identified by the high power committee!
The Inaugural Ceremony in 2018
As a part of the Khelo India program, Khelo India School Games were held from 31st January to 8th February 2018 in New Delhi. The Under-17 athletes could participate in sports such as Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shooting, Swimming, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.
On the brighter side, the National Sports Federation of India (NSFOI) is allocated with Rs 280 crore- Rs 35 crore hike from the previous year. NSFOI is responsible for promoting the development of sports. It organizes various educational and sports training programs. They mainly focus on sports such as athletics, martial arts, football, volleyball, and kabaddi. For the development of sports facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, Rs 50 Crore is allocated; and Rs 55 crore for Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education.
Courtesy: livemint.com
The government is now aiming for the three mega multi-disciplinary events: the 2026 Youth Olympics, the 2030 Asian Games, and the 2032 Olympics. The post COVID redemption witnessed a lot of ups and downs but is it enough for full recovery? Well, the time will tell!
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