Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme 2026

The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme is a Central Government initiative. It aims to strengthen India’s sports equipment manufacturing industry. On 28 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the scheme with an outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for FY 2026-27 to FY 2033-34. Moreover, the scheme will promote domestic manufacturing, innovation, investment, employment and exports. Therefore, it aims to establish India as a global hub for high-quality and affordable sports goods.

This article explains the Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, its objectives, key provisions and economic significance. This topic is important from the perspective of UPSC and APSC Prelims and Mains GS Paper 3. Therefore, it is also important for other State PCS examinations.

Why Was the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme in the News?

• On 28 October 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister of India approved this scheme.
• The government had announced this initiative in the Union Budget 2026-27. Furthermore, it supports Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports oversees the initiative.

What Is the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme?

The scheme supports India’s sports goods manufacturing ecosystem. It will promote investment incentives, industrial infrastructure, research, skill development and export promotion. Moreover, it particularly focuses on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and manufacturing clusters.

Key Facts:

What Are the Objectives of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme?

The scheme aims to strengthen India’s sports manufacturing industry. On the other hand, it aims to reduce dependence on imported sports equipment. Its key objectives include:

• Promote Domestic Manufacturing: The scheme aims to encourage the production of high-quality sports goods and equipment in India. Therefore, it will promote Make in India initiative.
• Support MSMEs: Moreover, it will help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to expand sports goods manufacturing and improve production capacity.
• Encourage Innovation: Furthermore, it will promote research, modern technology and innovative designs to improve the quality of sports equipment.
• Generate Employment: Similarly, it will create job opportunities in sports manufacturing, particularly for skilled workers and young people.
• Improve Sports Infrastructure: On the other hand, it will increase access to affordable and quality sports equipment for athletes and training institutions.
• Strengthen Global Competitiveness: Finally, encourage Indian manufacturers to compete in international markets and increase sports goods exports.

What Are the Provisions of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme?

This central government initiative introduces several measures to strengthen the manufacturing value chain.

• Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones:
  • The government plans to develop dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs).
  • Notably, these zones will integrate manufacturers, suppliers, testing laboratories and design centres. 
  • Moreover, they will use infrastructure under the BHAVYA Scheme and NICDC Industrial Parks. 
  • Furthermore, the proposal envisages up to four integrated zones, each covering more than 300 acres.

• Investment and Production Incentives:
  • The government has allocated ₹1,130 crore for two major components:
    •  Anchor Investment Support: It provides 20% capital expenditure support to eligible investors investing at least ₹100 crore.
    • Turnover Linked Support: On the other hand, it offers incentives of up to 15% to eligible manufacturers investing ₹10 crore or more.
  • These incentives aim to attract investment and expand production.
• Support for MSMEs:
  • The scheme will upgrade existing sports goods manufacturing clusters. Therefore, it will also support common facilities and shared infrastructure.
  • Consequently, smaller manufacturers can improve efficiency and product quality.

• International Quality Certification:
  • The government has allocated ₹105 crore for certification support. It will cover 70% of first-time certification costs and 50% of renewal costs for eligible manufacturers. Therefore, it will make it easy for manufacturers to get certification from International Sports Federations.
• Research, Innovation and Start-ups:
  • The scheme will establish Centres of Excellence in educational and research institutions.
  • Moreover, it will support research through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
  • Eligible DPIIT-registered sports start-ups can receive grants of up to ₹20 lakh for innovation and product development.
• Skill Development and Export Promotion:
  • The scheme will promote industry-oriented training in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
  • Additionally, the India Sports Expo and Brand India campaign will support international market access.

What is the Significance of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme?

The scheme for manufacturing sports goods holds considerable economic and strategic importance.

• Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat: It encourages domestic production and reduces dependence on imported equipment. Therefore, it will contribute in strengthening the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Promotes Employment: Moreover, Manufacturing expansion can generate jobs and support local entrepreneurship.
• Boosts Exports: In addition, international certification can improve the competitiveness of Indian products. Therefore, it can increase Indian exports.
• Supports Athletes: Furthermore, Better equipment can strengthen sports training and performance.
• Encourages Innovation: On the other hand, Research and start-up support can promote advanced manufacturing technologies.

For example, Jalandhar in Punjab and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh are major sports goods manufacturing centres. The scheme can help manufacturers in these clusters upgrade facilities and expand production.

Furthermore, India’s sports equipment exports stood at approximately US$275 million. On the other hand, the global equipment export market reached around US$52 billion in 2024. This gap highlights India’s export opportunities.

Conclusion

The scheme for manufacturing sports goods aims to strengthen India’s sports manufacturing industry. However, its success will depend on effective implementation, international quality standards and meaningful MSME participation. Therefore, proper implementation of this scheme is necessary. Ultimately, the scheme can strengthen India’s manufacturing competitiveness while supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

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