Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: More than 1,300 athletes have been removed from the Khelo India programme over the last three years due to performance issues and doping violations, Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.Responding to a question on the performance of athletes enrolled under the scheme, the minister said 1,342 athletes exited the programme during this period, while 2,905 new athletes were inducted.“A total of 1,342 athletes have exited the programme during the last three years due to performance below the prescribed benchmarks and involvement in doping violations,” the minister stated in his written reply.He also explained how athlete performance is evaluated under the scheme.“…performance benchmarks are revised annually and are updated on the Khelo India website from time to time…Athlete performance is mapped and measured annually as per the prescribed protocols and in assessment camps,” said the minister.At present, over 23,000 athletes are being trained and supported across the country through the Khelo India programme. The Talent Identification and Development Committee (TIDC) of the sports ministry oversees the induction and exit of athletes, following an established process that includes performance assessment camps.Launched in 2017, Khelo India aims to identify and develop sporting talent at the grassroots level. Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker is among the prominent athletes supported under the scheme.The programme receives a significant portion of the annual sports budget. For the financial year 2026-27, an allocation of Rs 924.35 crore has been made for Khelo India.
