Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the General Budget in Parliament on Tuesday. In the midst of the Budget speech, Sitharaman did not mention sports but did increase the sports budget by Rs 305 crore and Rs 58 lakh. In the last financial year 2021-22, a budget of Rs 2757.02 crore was allocated which has been increased to Rs 3062.60 crore in 2022-23. At the same time, 138 crore has been given this time for the central government's ambitious Khelo India programme.

India has also won a total of seven medals, including a historic gold medal in track and field, at the Tokyo Olympics last year. Despite all the difficulties and restrictions, the Indian players have started performing well. Sports activities have now been restored in the country in a phased manner and 2022 is a very evening season with 2 global events in the  form of Birmingham Commonwealth Games and Hangzhou Asian Games in view. In such a situation, the increase in the sports budget from the government has also helped in improving the sports facilities.   

The government has also increased the flagship scheme Khelo India programme by Rs.316.29 crore. 657.71 crore rupees was allocated in the last budget for the Khelo India programme, which has now increased to Rs.974 crore. The total incentives and prize money of sportspersons have also been increased which has now increased from Rs 245 crore to Rs 357 crore.  

The Budget of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has also been cut by Rs 7.41 crore which is now going to be Rs.653 crore. The allocation amount in the National Sports Development Fund has also been reduced by Rs.9 crore to Rs.16 crore. The National Service Scheme has also seen a huge increase of Rs.118.50 crore. Its allocation is Rs.283.50 crore. The allocation for national sports federations has been kept at Rs 280 crore as before.

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