Khelo India Gets ₹1,856 Cr to Boost Sports Goods Manufacturing

India approves a ₹1,856.67 crore scheme to boost sports goods manufacturing through investment incentives, industrial zones, quality certification, research, skill development and export promotion.

The Union Cabinet has approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with an outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for 2026-27 to 2033-34. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic production, attract investment, reduce import dependence and increase exports by supporting manufacturing, research and innovation.

The scheme will promote dedicated sports goods manufacturing zones with production facilities, testing laboratories, design centres and component suppliers. These zones will be developed alongside industrial parks to improve supply chains and manufacturing efficiency.

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A total of ₹1,130 crore has been allocated for anchor investment support and turnover-linked production incentives. These measures aim to encourage domestic and international manufacturers to establish facilities in India and expand production capacity. The scheme will also support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through infrastructure upgrades and shared manufacturing facilities.

The government has earmarked ₹105 crore to help manufacturers obtain international quality certifications, improving their access to overseas markets. Centres of Excellence at educational and research institutions will promote innovation in sports equipment, advanced materials and manufacturing technologies.

The programme will also support workforce training, start-ups and export promotion. Established manufacturing clusters in Jalandhar, Punjab, and Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, are expected to benefit from efforts to strengthen India’s sports goods industry.

The scheme seeks to improve product quality, increase domestic value addition and position India as a competitive global sports equipment manufacturing hub. Its success will depend on investment participation, effective implementation and manufacturers’ ability to meet international standards and demand.

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The approval comes as India seeks to expand its role in global sports equipment supply chains. The scheme’s long-term impact will depend on implementation, private-sector participation and manufacturers’ ability to meet international demand for quality and competitively priced products.