PIB · Government of India ·

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Interacts with the Indian Contingent for the 2026 Asian Games

Distilled Policy Brief

  • Grassroots talent identification and specialized training are being focused on children aged 5 to 15 years through extended Khelo India programs to build long-term competitive excellence.

🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) provides customized support and a monthly out-of-pocket allowance of ₹50,000 to elite athletes, alongside foreign exposure training.

⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages

Analyze how structured institutional interventions like TOPS and Khelo India transition India's sports sector from ad-hoc management to a globally competitive sports ecosystem.

🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill

Social Justice & Schemes

With reference to India's long-term competitive sports excellence, consider the following statement regarding grassroots talent initiatives: Grassroots talent identification and specialized training are being focused on children aged 5 to 15 years through extended Khelo India programs to build long-term competitive excellence. Which of the following describes the primary objective of focusing on this specific age group (5 to 15 years) under such sports development frameworks?

  • [A] To establish a structured talent pipeline and specialized training from a young age to achieve long-term global sporting success.
  • [B] To exclusively fulfill mandatory school physical education curriculum requirements under national education policy.
  • [C] To restrict elite professional sports funding solely to metropolitan academies.
  • [D] To replace traditional academic education entirely with sports training for young children.
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
✓ Correct Option: [A] To establish a structured talent pipeline and specialized training from a young age to achieve long-term global sporting success.

Focusing on the 5 to 15 years age bracket through extended sports programs like Khelo India is aimed at grassroots talent identification and early specialized training, thereby building a strong, long-term foundation for competitive sporting excellence. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the policy objectives and scope of the initiative.

Tark High-Yield Question Bank ⚡ Practice Full Test in Testing Arena ↗

🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)

UPSC Prelims 2021

Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.

Forensic Anchor: Cabinet Allocation of Business Rules & NCAP Framework
Examiner Trap Takeaway: UPSC swapped Central Pollution Control Board role with State Pollution Control Boards for state-level monitoring.

📚 Static Syllabus & Constitutional Linkages

Sports Diplomacy & Soft Power: Use of sports achievements to enhance national prestige, forge international ties, and project cultural influence on the world stage.