The Union Sports Ministry has introduced a incentive program to extend monetary support to 500 private academies. The incentives will be provided through the Khelo India Scheme for the next four years starting FY 2020-21. Speaking of the decision, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju said, "It is important for the government to extend support to these institutions so that sporting talent can be groomed even in the most remote areas of the country. There are a lot of small academies in various parts of the country that are doing very good work in identifying and training athletes. This move aims to encourage all academies, especially the private academies to continue improving the level of infrastructure, resources and sports science support so that athletes can get best in class training". 

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted, in the first phase, monetary assistance will be given to 14 Olympic sports disciplines. The Private academies shall be graded into different categories based on the quality achievement of players trained by the academy, level of coaches available at the academy, quality of Field of Play and allied infrastructure, availability of sports science facilities and staff.

The 14 priority disciplines identified for excellence in 2028 Olympics will be eligible for receiving support in the first phase. Under the scheme, SAI and NSFs will be working together. Ministry has said there will be a special focus on developing sports science facilities at all the academies to improve the overall quality of training.

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