New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme.
The scheme has been approved with a budgetary outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for the period from 2026 to 2033–34 to attract investment, expand domestic production and strengthen India’s position in global sports goods markets.
The scheme, cleared by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will support technology adoption, research, innovation, skill development, quality certification and market expansion. It was announced in the Union Budget 2026–27.
A central feature is the development of dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones, bringing manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities, design and prototyping centres, and ancillary enterprises together in integrated industrial clusters.
These zones will be developed through convergence with existing infrastructure under the BHAVYA Scheme and NICDC Industrial Parks to improve manufacturing efficiency and strengthen industry linkages.
The scheme earmarks a combined ₹1,130 crore for Anchor Investment Support and Turnover Linked Support. The first component will encourage leading domestic and global manufacturers, brands and retail chains to establish facilities in the designated zones. The second will incentivise higher production, capacity expansion and sustained manufacturing growth.
The government expects these measures to attract private investment, reduce import dependence, increase domestic value addition and create employment across the sports goods value chain.
Existing manufacturing clusters and micro, small and medium enterprises will also receive support through upgrades to common facilities and shared infrastructure.
To improve access to international markets, ₹105 crore has been allocated to help manufacturers obtain and renew certifications from International Sports Federations. The assistance is intended to strengthen product quality and confidence in Indian-made sports goods.
The scheme also provides for Centres of Excellence at premier educational and research institutions, focusing on sports equipment, material sciences, protective gear and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Research activities will be encouraged through convergence with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. Startups will receive support for developing, testing, validating and commercialising technologies, processes and products.
Skill development programmes will be implemented with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and industry stakeholders to meet evolving workforce requirements.
Branding, outreach and market development initiatives will draw on the Export Promotion Mission to improve the visibility of Indian sports goods and expand their international reach.
The government said stronger manufacturing capacity and the availability of internationally certified equipment would also support athlete development and complement programmes such as Khelo India and Fit India.
[DD news]