West Bengal Unveils Ambitious Sports Budget with New University and Stadiums

Major Developments in West Bengal's Sports Sector

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 23: The West Bengal government has introduced a groundbreaking sports budget, allocating Rs 150 crore for the establishment of a new sports university, along with plans for an international outdoor stadium and an indoor facility in North Bengal. The budget also includes renovations for existing sports venues, notably Kolkata's Rabindra Sarobar Stadium.

Indranil Khan, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Services and Sports, highlighted that this marks the first time a budget has been dedicated to creating a sports university in the state. This institution aims to support a variety of sports, including Olympic events, and will provide professional training and development for athletes.

"This sports university will encompass numerous disciplines such as football, cricket, hockey, shooting, athletics, archery, and more, fostering a robust support system for athletes. Our vision is to ensure that within the next decade, West Bengal's athletes not only bring pride to the state but also to the nation by excelling in events like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics," Khan stated.

Plans for North Bengal include a new international stadium equipped with an athletics track. Additionally, Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for upgrading existing stadiums, including Rabindra Sarobar and Kanchenjunga Stadiums.

Khan emphasized the need for nurturing local talent, stating, "For years, our athletes lacked proper support. With the implementation of Khelo India, we aim to extend benefits to every assembly constituency." Each assembly will receive Rs 5 crore to construct a stadium, and North Bengal will see the development of its international stadium.

The Finance Minister of West Bengal, Swapan Dasgupta, presented a total budget of Rs 4,38,775.29 crore for the financial year 2026-27 during the Legislative Assembly session.

The new budget also introduces the "Bhorsha Kormosuchi" scheme, which will provide monthly allowances of Rs 3,000 for unemployed graduates and Rs 2,000 for other eligible youth aged 21-45 with a family income below Rs 1 lakh.

In addition to the sports university, Rs 20 crore has been allocated for the new stadiums in North Bengal, while existing venues will receive Rs 100 crore for renovations. Mini indoor stadiums will be built in all Assembly constituencies under the Khelo India initiative, costing Rs 5 crore each.

Sports clubs competing at the national level will benefit from financial support of Rs 1 crore each, and a Rs 50 crore fund has been established to award prize money for national and international sporting achievements.

Students from government and government-aided colleges preparing for competitive exams will receive a one-time financial aid of Rs 30,000. Furthermore, the Swami Vivekananda Merit Scholarship will cover tuition and health insurance for students admitted to the top 100 universities worldwide.

The state is also gearing up to host the National Games, focusing on enhancing infrastructure and promoting overall sports development.