A Parliamentary Standing Committee has warned that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) is “critically under-funded and under-staffed,” raising doubts over the nation’s ability to deliver consistent results at global events. The panel also highlighted under-utilisation of funds in the flagship Khelo India programme, calling the trend “alarming.”
Push for medal-oriented approach
Headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, the committee underlined that India’s sporting system needs sharper focus. It urged the Sports Ministry to identify disciplines with the best medal prospects and channel more resources into nurturing talent in those areas. The panel, which also includes MPs Harbhajan Singh, Sambit Patra and Bansuri Swaraj, stressed that SAI’s financial health directly impacts India’s medal tally.
Staffing crisis at SAI
The report revealed that nearly 45 per cent of sanctioned posts in SAI remain vacant. Many of these gaps, particularly in coaching and scientific support, are being temporarily managed through contractual appointments — a stopgap solution the panel described as “alarming.” The committee directed the ministry to complete recruitment within six months and furnish an Action Taken Report.
Concerns over Khelo India funds
The panel also expressed concern over diversion of funds meant for Khelo India towards National Centres of Excellence. In the past two years, nearly ₹38.8 crore was diverted, while over ₹122 crore was returned unutilised. It noted that poor planning and weak implementation had undermined the programme’s purpose.
With the scheme scheduled to end in March 2026, the committee suggested embedding Khelo India into SAI’s structure permanently and creating dedicated staff to manage it. It further urged consultations with states and eligible institutions to address delays in playfield development projects.
Call for stronger sports ecosystem
While acknowledging recent progress, the panel lamented India’s failure to win a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, describing it as a policy-level shortfall. It called for higher budgets, better planning, and a long-term vision to transform India into a stronger sporting nation.
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