The Khelo India program is set for a significant expansion, as announced by the Sports Minister on May 18, 2025. This expansion includes the introduction of several new categories of games, aiming to strengthen India's sporting ecosystem from the ground up. The new additions encompass school sports, martial arts, beach sports, and water sports, alongside the introduction of the Khelo India North-East Games.

This strategic move is designed to boost grassroots competitions, enhance talent identification, and provide a structured, year-round platform for young athletes to showcase their skills. The Khelo India program, initiated to revive sports culture at the grassroots level, has been instrumental in building a strong framework for all sports played in the country, with the ultimate goal of establishing India as a global sporting nation.

The Khelo India Beach Games are slated to be held in Diu. This event is expected to not only promote sports but also boost tourism in the region. The inclusion of indigenous and traditional disciplines will also be given special attention, recognizing India's cultural and regional diversity.

The Khelo India Annual Calendar, officially launched by the Sports Minister, is a blueprint for strengthening India's domestic competition structure. This calendar includes four national-level flagship events: the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Para Games, and the Khelo India Winter Games. These events, organized in collaboration with National Sports Federations, have already set new benchmarks in talent identification and long-term athlete development.

The Khelo India Youth Games 2025, the 7th edition of the event, was held from May 4 to May 15 in Bihar, with some events also taking place in New Delhi. This year's games included 28 sports, with esports making its debut as a demonstration sport. Approximately 5,000 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories participated in the event.

The Khelo India program has seen a substantial increase in financial allocation, reflecting the government's commitment to promoting sports. The budget allocation for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has risen significantly over the years, with a notable increase in recent fiscal years.

Initiatives like the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) program, launched in March 2024, further demonstrate the government's focus on nurturing sports talent from the grassroots level. KIRTI aims to identify athletes aged 9 to 18 and combat issues such as drug addiction and excessive screen time.

With the expansion of the Khelo India program and the introduction of new games, India is taking significant steps towards becoming a sporting powerhouse, providing young athletes with the necessary platforms and support to excel on both national and international stages.