Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
India is a young country, with over 60% of its population under 35 years. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, therefore, plays a crucial dual role:
- Channelizing the potential of the youth toward nation-building
- Building a competitive sporting ecosystem to achieve global excellence
Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK)
A Central Sector Scheme (2021–26) designed to empower youth and adolescents through structured programs. It was originally launched in 2014
🎯 Objective
To develop personality, leadership, and instil national consciousness among youth (15–29 years) and adolescents (10–19 years).
🧩 Seven Sub-Schemes under RYSK
| Sub-Scheme | Focus |
| Youth Hostels (YH) | Affordable accommodation for youth travelers and volunteers |
| Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) | Rural youth empowerment through voluntary service |
| National Youth Corps (NYC) | Deploy youth volunteers for community service |
| International Cooperation | Exchange programs and youth diplomacy |
| National Programme for Youth & Adolescent Development (NPYAD) | Financial support for youth activities |
| National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP) | Promote leadership and responsibility in youth |
| Assistance to Scouting & Guiding Organisations | Support to recognized voluntary youth organisations |
National Service Scheme (NSS)
It was launched in 1969 during Gandhi Centenary Year
🎯 Objective
To instil a spirit of service and civic responsibility among students.
- Type: Central Sector Scheme
- Target Group: Students of Class 11–12, and college-level (UG/PG/Technical Institutes)
- Motto: “Not Me, But You” – emphasizes selfless service
Through NSS, lakhs of students engage in:
- Community health drives
- Cleanliness campaigns
- Disaster relief
- Village adoption and development initiatives
Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports
India’s flagship sports development scheme, active from 2021–2026
It was originally launched in 2016-17
🎯 Objectives
- Promote mass participation in sports
- Build a pipeline of talented athletes
- Foster excellence at the elite level
🔧 Implementation & Monitoring
- General Council (GC) chaired by Minister
- Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) to screen proposals
- Third-party monitoring to ensure accountability
🧩 Five Key Components of Khelo India
| Component | Description |
| Sports Competitions & Talent Development | Includes school & university games, Khelo India Winter Games |
| Khelo India Centres & Academies | Local hubs for regular training and nurturing young talent |
| Fit India Movement | Encourage fitness as a national culture |
| Promotion of Inclusiveness | Ensure access to sports for differently-abled, women, tribal communities |
| Infrastructure Creation & Upgradation | New playgrounds, synthetic tracks, indoor stadiums in districts |
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
A focused initiative to win Olympic medals — aimed at elite athlete support. It was launched in 2014, before Rio Olympics 2016.
🎯 Objective
- Provide financial, scientific, and training support to India’s Olympic medal prospects
🏃♂️ Two Athlete Groups Identified
- Elite Athletes preparing for immediate Olympics
- Developmental Group – prospects for Los Angeles 2028
TOPS covers:
- Foreign training
- World-class coaching
- Equipment and sports science support
- Daily diet allowance and insurance
Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme
Implemented by the Indian Olympic Association, RESET is a transition support programme for retiring athletes. It was launched in 2023.
🎯 Purpose
- Help athletes shift to second careers after retirement
- Provide financial, psychological, and skill support
🧑🎓 Eligibility
- Retired athletes (20–50 years) who represented India in:
- International events
- National/state events (recognized by NSFs/IOA)
📚 Two Program Categories
| Category | Target Group |
| Class 12th and Above | Post-secondary athletes entering higher education or workforce |
| Class 11th and Below | School-level athletes planning education/career paths |
KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification) Programme
This is India’s structured talent search initiative, using modern ICT tools and global best practices. It was launched in 2023
🎯 Objectives
- Identify sporting talent in children aged 9–18 years
- Counter negative youth trends like drug abuse and gadget addiction
- Build a long-term pool of medal prospects
🛠️ Implementation Strategy
- Involve all States/UTs
- Treat each district as a unit of assessment
- Focus on Olympic and Asian Games potential