Key highlights of the report:
- The Sports Cities of India 2024 report by Grant Thornton Bharat, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), is designed to drive discussions on creating cities capable of consistently hosting prestigious global events.
- The Khelo India programme is a flagship initiative aimed at reviving the country’s sports culture by creating a robust sports ecosystem that can produce world-class athletes. It targets various stakeholders, including young students, local athletes and seasoned professionals, focusing on both grassroots initiatives and elite-level training.
- The Khelo India programme saw substantial growth in its budget during 2021-2024. In 2024, the government allocated INR 900 crore to Khelo India, an increase of INR 20 crore from the previous year.
- The establishment of the Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) across the country is a boost for the sports infrastructure in India, as these centres provide world-class training facilities for various sports and ensure that top athletes have access to the best coaching and equipment.
- A total of 3,894 competitors from 200-plus universities participated in the Khelo India University Games across 20 different disciplines, including indigenous sports like Mallakhamba and Yogasana. These games provide a platform for university-level athletes, contributing significantly to nurturing young talent.
- With over 700 million gamers projected by 2025 and an estimated revenue of INR 1,100 crore by 2025, Esports in India is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the country’s digital economy.
