India, Feb. 1 -- Setting the tone for long-term reform, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced a sweeping 10-year plan to reshape India's sports sector during the 2026 Union Budget, under the 'Khelo India Mission'.

"The sports sector provides multiple avenues for employment, skilling and job creation. Building on the systematic nurturing of talent already set in motion through the Khelo India programme, I propose to launch a Khelo India Mission to transform the sports sector over the next decade," Sitharaman said.

The mission will focus on "an integrated talent development pathway supported by training centres which are foundational, intermediate and elite levels; systematic development of coaches and support staff; int...