India Accelerates Talent Hunt with Khelo India Rising Talent Initiative

With the Paris Olympics approaching, the government's ambitious Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) programme is set to shift into high gear. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukhbhai Mandaviya, will inaugurate the second phase of the initiative in New Delhi this Friday. The first phase of KIRTI was launched by the previous Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur, in Chandigarh on March 12 this year.

KIRTI aims to conduct 20 lakh assessments nationwide throughout the year to identify talent through designated Talent Assessment Centres. This large-scale scouting and assessment programme is the first of its kind in India and aligns with the nation’s goal to become a top 10 sports nation by 2036 and among the top five by 2047. The athlete-centric programme is notable for its transparent selection methodology, utilizing Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence to predict the sporting potential of aspiring athletes.

During its first phase, 3,62,683 registrations were received across 70 centres, resulting in nearly 51,000 assessments in 28 states and Union Territories. Maharashtra and Haryana saw the highest number of assessments—9,168 and 4,820 respectively—followed by Assam with 4,703. Athletes were evaluated in 11 disciplines, including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, and Football. The most assessments occurred in athletics (13,804) and football (13,483).

Mandaviya will emphasize the project's aim to achieve 20 lakh assessments in FY 2024-25 by incorporating all states and focusing on districts as units of assessment. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to promote sports among all children in India through mass participation, ultimately seeking excellence through Khelo India’s structured programmes.

(With inputs from agencies.)