The Union Cabinet has approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with a total outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for the period 2026 to 2033-34.
The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. It aims to promote investment, manufacturing, innovation and exports in the sports goods sector.
The scheme is aligned with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The scheme provides for Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs) to support cluster-based manufacturing. Manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities, design and prototyping centres and ancillary enterprises will be co-located.
The zones will be developed through convergence with existing industrial infrastructure under the BHAVYA Scheme and NICDC Industrial Parks.
Two components of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, Anchor Investment Support and Turnover Linked Support, have a combined outlay of ₹1,130 crore.
Anchor Investment Support is meant to encourage domestic and global manufacturers, brands and retail chains to set up facilities within the designated zones.
Turnover Linked Support is meant to incentivise higher production, capacity expansion and sustained manufacturing growth.
The scheme also provides assistance for upgrading existing sports goods manufacturing clusters, including common facilities and shared infrastructure.
Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme: ₹105 crore for international certifications
Under the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, manufacturers will receive support for obtaining and renewing certifications from International Sports Federations. The outlay for this component is ₹105 crore.
Centres of Excellence will be set up in educational and research institutions for research in sports equipment, material sciences, protective gear and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Research and development will also be encouraged through convergence with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. Dedicated support for start-ups will align with the Startup India initiative.
Skill development initiatives will be implemented with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and industry stakeholders.
Branding, outreach and market development initiatives will draw on the Export Promotion Mission to support Indian sports goods in international markets.
Also Read: Sports Equipment Manufacturing Exports: NITI Aayog Outlines ₹7,500 Crore Roadmap
