As the Paris Olympics approach, the Government’s Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) program is set to receive significant support under the guidance of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment. The Phase 2 of KIRTI will be inaugurated in New Delhi tomorrow. The first phase was launched earlier this year in Chandigarh on March 12.
Key Objectives and Vision
Dr. Mandaviya is expected to emphasize the ambitious target of achieving 20 lakh assessments in the fiscal year 2024-25. The initiative will onboard all states, treating each district as a unit of assessment. This aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to expand sports participation nationwide and enhance excellence through Khelo India’s structured programs.
Progress of Phase 1
In Phase 1 of KIRTI, 3,62,683 registrations were recorded across 70 centers. Approximately 51,000 assessments have been completed in 28 states and Union Territories. Maharashtra and Haryana led with the highest number of assessments, recording 9168 and 4820 respectively, followed by Assam with 4703 assessments.
Disciplines and Assessments
The KIRTI program evaluates athletes in 11 disciplines:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Boxing
- Football
- Hockey
- Kabaddi
- Kho-Kho
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Athletics and football have seen the highest number of assessments, with 13,804 and 13,483 respectively.
Future Goals
KIRTI aims to conduct 20 lakh assessments nationwide throughout the year. This extensive scouting and assessment program is unprecedented in India and supports the nation’s ambition to be among the top 10 sports nations by 2036 and the top five by 2047.
Technological Integration
The KIRTI program employs a transparent selection methodology supported by Information Technology. Artificial Intelligence and data analytics are utilized to predict the sporting potential of aspiring athletes.
Integrated Talent Identification
KIRTI’s architecture is designed to integrate modern ICT tools and global best practices, providing a streamlined platform for grassroots talent identification. The athlete-centric approach ensures broad-based and accessible talent identification.
Decentralized Approach
The decentralized, pocket-based approach of KIRTI aims to achieve the twin objectives of the Khelo India Scheme: excellence and mass participation in sports.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When will the Phase 2 of the KIRTI program be inaugurated?
- A) March 12, 2024
- B) July 21, 2024
- C) August 15, 2024
- D) September 30, 2024
- How many states and Union Territories were involved in the Phase 1 assessments of KIRTI?
- A) 20
- B) 28
- C) 32
- D) 40
- Which state had the maximum number of assessments in Phase 1?
- A) Maharashtra
- B) Haryana
- C) Assam
- D) Punjab
- Which two disciplines had the highest number of assessments in the KIRTI program?
- A) Archery and Badminton
- B) Football and Wrestling
- C) Athletics and Football
- D) Hockey and Kabaddi
- What is the target number of assessments for the KIRTI program in the fiscal year 2024-25?
- A) 10 lakh
- B) 15 lakh
- C) 20 lakh
- D) 25 lakh