New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with an outlay of Rs 1,856.67 crore for the period 2026 to 2033-34, aiming to bolster India’s position in the global sports goods sector.
Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, the scheme focuses on research and innovation, skill development, quality certification and market development to build a globally competitive industry and strengthen India’s role in global supply chains, said a statement.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the initiative will create new employment opportunities for the youth and attract investments. “India Plays, India Manufactures!” he posted on X, adding that sports equipment made in India will elevate the nation’s pride worldwide and advance the vision of an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.
A key feature is the development of dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs) to promote cluster-based manufacturing. These zones will integrate manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities and design centres, developed through convergence with existing schemes like BHAVYA and NICDC Industrial Parks.
The scheme includes Turnover Linked Support with a combined outlay of Rs 1,130 crore to incentivise production and capacity expansion. It also supports MSME cluster upgrades, international certifications (Rs 105 crore), and Centres of Excellence for research in sports equipment and advanced technologies, in collaboration with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation