VIKAS SHARMA
JAMMU, SEPT 7: Jammu & Kashmir, with the highest number of 92 Khelo India Centres (KICs) across all 20 districts and 2,448 athletes enrolled under the flagship Khelo India scheme, has struggled to convert participation into medal-winning performances at both national and international events.
In national competitions, athletes from the Union Territory have secured 8 gold, 9 silver, and 8 bronze medals, totaling 25 medals. At the international level, the performance has been even more limited, with just 2 bronze medals and no gold or silver medals to date.
Sports experts have expressed concern over this gap between access and achievement. They argue that while providing training centres in every district is a positive move, it is not enough to create champions. The absence of specialized coaching, sports science support, proper nutrition, and exposure to higher-level competitions has hampered the development of athletes.
Experts highlight that without focusing on improving training methods, diet, mental conditioning, and injury care, it will be difficult for athletes to reach their potential and bring medals home. They further point out that limited opportunities to compete beyond the state restrict athletes from gaining essential experience.
“The effort to expand infrastructure is commendable, but infrastructure alone cannot produce champions,” a sports expert said. “There must be a parallel investment in training, sports medicine, and opportunities to participate in larger competitions”, experts maintained.
At the national level, according to official data, India’s Khelo India programme has 937 centres across 757 districts in 36 states and Union Territories, training a total of 27,911 athletes. Athletes from across the country have collectively won 82 gold, 47 silver, and 61 bronze medals, totaling 190 medals at national events. Additionally, at the international level, Indian athletes have secured 5 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze medals, totaling 12 medals.
However, the medal distribution shows that some states have outperformed others by combining infrastructure with performance-oriented support. Maharashtra leads with 158 medals including 58 golds, followed by Haryana with 117 medals including 39 golds. Rajasthan recorded its best-ever performance with 60 medals including 24 golds, while Bihar made a significant improvement with 36 medals including 7 golds, marking a 620% surge. Madhya Pradesh excelled in the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports event, securing 18 medals including 10 golds.
Key Statistics at a Glance
Jammu & Kashmir
Khelo India Centres: 92 (in all 20 districts)
Athletes enrolled: 2,448
National medals:
Gold – 8
Silver – 9
Bronze – 8
Total – 25
International medals:
Gold – 0
Silver – 0
Bronze – 2
Total – 2
India Overall (According to Official Data)
Khelo India Centres: 937 across 757 districts
Athletes enrolled: 27,911
National medals:
Gold – 82
Silver – 47
Bronze – 61
Total – 190
International medals:
Gold – 5
Silver – 3
Bronze – 4
Total – 12
Top Performing States
Maharashtra: 158 medals (58 golds)
Haryana: 117 medals (39 golds)
Rajasthan: 60 medals (24 golds) – Best-ever performance
Bihar: 36 medals (7 golds) – 620% improvement
Madhya Pradesh (Water Sports): 18 medals (10 golds)
