Status: The government is implementing the Khelo India programme to promote sports culture in the country, primarily by identifying and supporting sportspersons, developing sports infrastructure, and holding competitions. The funds allocated to the programme have more than doubled in the past five years. The Khelo India programme has twelve verticals, one of which pertains to encouraging women to be involved in the sports disciplines that witness less female participation. Another vertical under the programme pertains to the promotion of indigenous, rural and tribal games such as Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka and Thang-Ta. Competitions are held annually under both these verticals. i ii