All about the Khelo India Youth Games Scholarship

Four years back, the government of India launched the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) Scholarship. The fourth edition this year was held in Panchkhula, Haryana, between August and September. The Games were planned to happen in January each year, but the pandemic intervened. Now that it’s back again, let’s find out more about this scheme for kids who ace it at sports.  

What is the goal and benefits of KIYG? 
Khelo India is highly competitive and meant to be so. It’s an open competition, where winners get a handsome amount every year to become sports stars who can represent our country in the international arena. The goal is to build a pool of excellent sports persons who can win accolades for the country. The benefit for the athlete is: Winners get a princely sum of INR 5 lakhs per year for 8 years.  

Who is eligible to participate in KIYG?  
The following criteria need to be met:  

• The participant has to be a citizen of India  
• Those who are between the age of 17 to 21 years can participate in this sports event 
• The participant has to be a school student  
• They have to be really good in the category they have chosen 

Participants can choose from these sports: Archery, Badminton, Athletics, Boxing, Cycling, Tennis, Gymnastics, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho.  

Let’s look at the application process now.  

What are the documents required for KIYG?  
Applicants need to have the following handy:  

• Passport size photographs of the participant 
• Aadhar number 
• Photo identity proof, i.e., Voter’s ID card or passport  
• Birth certificate 
• School certificate to prove applicant is a student 
• Bank passbook and other documents which can be asked for 

Since these requirements are open to chance, one should check for updates on the KIYG site.   

How to apply for KIYG? 
Candidates can apply on the official website of Khelo India under the option Athlete. The application form can be filled in, and all documents uploaded. A registration number is generated at the end of the process, which the applicant should keep safely as reference.