Khelo India Centres (KICs) are a nationwide initiative under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to revamp grassroots sports by establishing small, effective training hubs in districts, with over 1,000 centers functional as of 2025. They aim to foster local talent, provide livelihoods for champion athletes as coaches, and upgrade sports infrastructure. 

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Key details about Khelo India Centres include:

• Purpose: To strengthen the grassroots sports ecosystem, identify young talent, and promote sports culture in both rural and urban areas.

• Structure & Funding: KICs are set up at the district level, often in partnership with state governments, and receive financial assistance for sports equipment, kits, and remuneration for coaches.

• Coaching: The centres focus on engaging past champion athletes as trainers and mentors, providing them with sustainable income while mentoring young talent.

• Scale: Over 1,000+ KICs are being established nationwide, with a target of at least one in every district, and special provisions for North-East states, Jammu & Kashmir, and other UTs.

• Types: There are two main tiers: small-scale grassroots KICs and larger Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCE) designed for specialized, higher-level training.

• Impact: As of early 2026, thousands of athletes are receiving training through these centers, promoting sports for youth, including specialized focus on indigenous and disabled sports