Sports Gear Scheme Gets Union Cabinet Nod, Industry Hopes Rise
The Union Cabinet has approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, a move that has been welcomed by manufacturers and traders who say it will promote sports and support the fitness of the country's youth.
Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet gave its nod on Wednesday to the scheme, which will operate for the period 2026 to 2033-34. The total outlay has been fixed at Rs 1,856.67 crore. The scheme seeks to boost investment, manufacturing, innovation and exports, while strengthening India's standing in the global sports equipment sector.
D S Chawla, former president of the United Cycle Parts and Manufacturers Association, praised the decision and thanked the Modi government. He said that the sector had been neglected for a long time, and that backing it would bring positive changes to public health, particularly in the present era of mobile-based lifestyles. Chawla, whose background is in the cycle industry, also said that cycling is a complete workout for the body.
Harvinder Singh, a businessperson from the same industry, called the government's plan a good initiative for supporting manufacturing units. He emphasised that the benefits should reach small traders at the ground level, as they currently find it difficult to access such schemes while large players usually benefit first.
The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. It focuses on strengthening the sports equipment manufacturing ecosystem through support for investment, technology, research and innovation, skill development, quality certification and market development. The government believes this will help create a globally competitive industry and improve India's role in global supply chains.
The initiative is linked to the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, Make in India and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. It is expected to attract investment, generate employment, expand domestic manufacturing capacity and enhance the international competitiveness of Indian sports equipment.