Overview
- About 45% of sanctioned posts at the Sports Authority of India are vacant, with temporary hires described as an ad hoc stopgap that undermines athlete support.
- The Committee ordered the Sports Ministry to complete SAI recruitment within six months and to submit an Action Taken Report.
- Funds worth Rs 38.79 crore earmarked for the Khelo India scheme were diverted to SAI National Centres of Excellence, while Rs 122.30 crore was returned to the Consolidated Fund of India.
- The ministry acknowledged that Rs 19.50 crore for play-field development under Khelo India went unspent due to a lack of proposals, prompting a recommendation to consult eligible entities.
- The panel urged a sharper medal strategy and recommended integrating Khelo India into SAI after March 31, 2026, with dedicated staff and SAI handling fund disbursal.