KIRTI Programme: A New Era in Talent Identification for Indian Sports
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification) |
| Launched By | Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur |
| Location of Launch | Chandigarh |
| Objective | Identify talented athletes aged 9-18, enrolled in schools across India |
| Endorsement | Neeraj Chopra, Olympic and World Javelin Throw Champion, praised the initiative |
| Talent Identification | 20 lakh assessments nationwide through notified Talent Assessment Centres |
| Grassroots Cultivation | First-of-its-kind scouting and training programme in India, using IT tools for identification |
| Hierarchical Structure | Aims to establish a structure from grassroots to top-tier athletes, linked to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (core and developmental levels) |
| Scientific Approach | Collaboration with physical education teachers and experts, focusing on ten sports disciplines (archery, athletics, boxing, football, hockey, kabaddi, kho-kho, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling) |
| Parent Mission | Khelo India Mission, led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, conceived by PM Modi |
| Goals of Khelo India | Cultivate sporting culture and athletic excellence, foster a thriving sports ecosystem |