Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has stated that Indian football is making “excellent progress” and confirmed that the Indian Super League (ISL) will be hosted again, while emphasising the government’s commitment to fostering a strong academy culture across sports.
Speaking with ANI during the 85th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle in Hanol Village, Gujarat, Mandaviya noted the formation of new football clubs as the sport continues to expand in the country.
He said, “Football is making excellent progress. The ISL will be hosted again, and new football clubs are being formed.”
Mandaviya also highlighted the government’s announcement of a Rs 36,000 crore package aimed at promoting academy culture, with academies for various sports disciplines to be encouraged and managed specifically by retired athletes.
He added, “The government has also announced a package of Rs 36,000 crore, under which we have decided to promote an academy culture; academies for various disciplines will be encouraged. These academies will be run specifically by retired athletes.”
The Minister mentioned that India’s traditional sports will be incorporated in the 2030 Commonwealth Games to be held in Gujarat, adding that the Glasgow Commonwealth Games yielded encouraging results.
He said, “We have established a policy ensuring that selections are conducted through an open process—on-camera and in the presence of observers—thereby ensuring transparency and athlete satisfaction.”
Mandaviya also spoke about the enthusiastic participation in the ‘Fit India: Sundays On Cycle’ initiative across the country. “I am delighted that the initiative has evolved into a major movement to advance the Prime Minister’s Fit India Movement. Young people across more than 18,000 locations nationwide have conveyed a message through cycling,” he remarked.
Last month, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an expanded Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) with a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to youth development and nation-building through sports.
The approved budget is nearly eight times that of the previous Khelo India Scheme, reflecting the Government’s dedication to establishing sports as a key element of youth development, nation-building, and India’s emergence as a global sporting powerhouse.
The revamped scheme aims to create a seamless pathway for talented young athletes across the country—from school playgrounds and village sports fields to the Olympic podium—ensuring no sporting talent is overlooked due to geography, economic background, or lack of opportunity, according to an official release.
Aligned with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and the National Education Policy 2020, the scheme integrates sports with education, fitness, technology, and high-performance training, laying a strong foundation for India’s long-term sporting ambitions, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bids to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games.