New Delhi | February 2, 2026: The elevation of Khelo India from a scheme to a 10-year Mission-mode national project (2026–2036) marks a defining moment for Indian sport—signalling a decisive shift from fragmented interventions to a long-term, outcome-driven ecosystem focused on grassroots development, elite performance, employment generation, and global competitiveness.
Reacting to the announcement, Siddhartha Upadhyay, Founder & President, STAIRS Foundation, said, “When I started STAIRS 25 years ago, it was an individual commitment—driven by a simple belief that if India builds the right grassroots pathway, our children will not just participate in sport, they will compete, win, and build dignified careers through it. Today, with Khelo India being elevated into a decade-long national Mission, I genuinely feel like a winner—not personally, but as a citizen—because the country has adopted that very commitment as a national priority.”
He added that the Mission aligns seamlessly with STAIRS’ ‘One India One Goal’ vision, which has been operational on the ground for years:
“Through One India One Goal, STAIRS has already built and tested a grassroots-to-national pathway across more than 26 states and 500+ districts, supported by a strong network of local coordinators, competitions, and talent-tracking systems. What Khelo India Mission brings is continuity, scale, and institutional backing—exactly what Indian sport has always needed.”
Highlighting the leadership significance of the announcement, Upadhyay said:
“This is not just a budgetary decision; it is a leadership statement. A 10-year Mission sends a clear message—to athletes, parents, coaches, states, and institutions—that India is serious about moving from participation to podium finishes, and from isolated success stories to a sustainable sporting economy.”
STAIRS sees the Mission as an opportunity to deepen collaboration with State Governments, State Olympic Associations, and institutions, particularly at the district and block levels.
“Our focus now is greater commitment—more district-level leagues, stronger coaching and support ecosystems, transparent talent progression, and real career pathways beyond medals. If every district is empowered, every child who wants to play will also see a future in sport. That is how sporting nations are built.”
With a 25-year legacy in grassroots sports development and close alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of nation-building through Youth and sport, STAIRS Foundation reiterates its readiness to partner, scale, and contribute meaningfully to the Khelo India Mission—ensuring that India’s sporting rise is inclusive, structured, and irreversible.
STAIRS Welcomes Khelo India Mission: From a Personal Commitment to a National Movement
