NEW DELHI: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Sports has described the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as “critically” under-funded and under-staffed, noting that India’s performance on the international stage remains “far from satisfactory.” The panel also expressed concerns over underutilisation of funds in the government’s flagship Khelo India Scheme.
Led by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh, the committee emphasized that SAI’s financial health is vital for improving India’s medal prospects and urged the Sports Ministry to allocate resources strategically, focusing on sports where India has the highest chances of winning medals.
“…identify with clinical precision a few sporting events in which we have the best chance to win medals and divert the majority of resources to nurture talent in these sports, ensuring athletes reach international standards,” the committee noted.
The panel, which includes cricketer and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh, along with BJP MPs Sambit Patra and Bansuri Swaraj, raised “grave” concerns over SAI’s staffing and funding.
“The Committee is constrained to observe that the budget of SAI is critically low…more National Centres of Excellence are needed nationwide, which requires higher budgetary allocations. About 45% of sanctioned posts in the Authority are vacant, and relying on contractual appointments is only an ad hoc solution,” the report said.
It further highlighted that the shortage of coaching and scientific staff “undermines athlete training and jeopardizes medal prospects.” The committee had consulted the Sports Secretary and SAI representatives on June 6.
While acknowledging recruitment efforts, the panel asked the ministry to complete the process within six months and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR). It also stressed that despite some improvements, India’s medal tally in major international events, including the 2024 Olympics, remains disappointing.
“…it is painful that a nation of 1.4 billion people could not secure a single gold medal in the last Olympics and most previous editions. There appear to be gaps at the policy level,” the committee said, while appreciating recent positive contributions by the ministry and corporate sector in developing the sports ecosystem.
Concerns Over Khelo India Scheme
The committee expressed concern over diversion of funds from Khelo India to SAI’s National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) over the last two financial years. This led to Rs 38.79 crore being redirected, while Rs 122.30 crore of allocated funds under the scheme was returned to the Consolidated Fund of India.
“…diverting funds from one central scheme to another reflects poor planning and implementation,” the report said.
The Khelo India Scheme, approved for 2021-22 to 2025-26, should be integrated into SAI’s operational structure post-March 2026, the committee recommended. Dedicated staff positions should be created within SAI to manage the scheme, including fund disbursement to other government agencies.
The report also noted that Rs 19.50 crore allocated for playfield development under Khelo India remained unspent due to “lack of proposals from eligible entities.” The panel urged consultations to identify and address reasons for this inactivity and requested an ATR on the matter.
