Cabinet approves Khelo India sports goods manufacturing scheme with Rs 1,856.67 crore outlay

What has happened

The Union Cabinet on 28 October 2026 approved the Khelo India Sports Equipment Manufacturing Scheme. According to the notice, the scheme runs for the period 2026 to 2033-34 and has a total outlay of Rs 1,856.67 crore. Its aim is to promote investment, manufacturing, innovation and exports, and to strengthen India’s position in the sports equipment sector worldwide.

The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. The notice says it follows the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025, Make in India and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

What will change

The scheme plans dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones. In these zones, manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities, design and prototype centres and supporting units will be located together. According to the notice, these zones will be developed by linking with existing industrial infrastructure under the BHOOVYA scheme and NICDC industrial parks.

Support will also be given to upgrade existing sports goods manufacturing clusters, including building shared facilities and shared infrastructure.

Who benefits

According to the notice, the scheme will encourage major domestic and global manufacturers, brands and retail chains to set up manufacturing facilities inside these zones. Alongside, a turnover-linked support component will encourage higher output and capacity expansion. Together, these two programmes have a combined outlay of Rs 1,130 crore.

Given the important role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in sports goods, the scheme also focuses on strengthening existing clusters and helping small units grow. The notice says this is expected to reduce dependence on imports, raise domestic value addition and create jobs across the value chain.

Focus on quality and certification

The scheme recognises the importance of internationally accepted quality and performance standards. Manufacturers will get support to obtain and renew certification from international sports federations, for which Rs 105 crore has been set aside. According to the notice, this will help improve product quality and build trust in India-made sports goods.

Research, skills and exports

Support will be given to set up centres of excellence at leading academic and research institutions to promote research in sports equipment, material science, protective gear and advanced manufacturing technologies. Research will also be encouraged through convergence with the National Research Foundation, and startups will get dedicated support in the spirit of Startup India.

Skill development initiatives will be carried out with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and industry stakeholders. The scheme also plans to expand India’s presence in international sports goods markets through branding, outreach and market development, using the Export Promotion Mission.

What it means for ordinary people

The notice does not mention any direct application, form or deadline for ordinary citizens, players or parents. The scheme is mainly about the sports goods industry, MSMEs, startups, research institutions and skill training. For more details, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports can be contacted.