Rs 1,856 Crore Scheme May Lift Jalandhar Sports Manufacturing
For decades, Jalandhar has been known as a manufacturing centre for sports equipment that reaches markets around the world. Now, a new national programme could bring fresh support to the city's industry, which provides a livelihood to thousands of families.
The central government has cleared the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme under Khelo India, covering the financial years 2026-27 to 2033-34. The initiative is expected to offer significant advantages to Jalandhar's sports sector.
The scheme carries a budget of Rs 1,856.67 crore. The government's move is expected to support small industries, generate employment and set a new course for Punjab's sports industry.
Those working in Jalandhar's sports trade believe that strengthening manufacturing units at the small scale could bring new strength to the industry. Such a step is expected to help not only large businesses but also small entrepreneurs and households that undertake production at home.
A sports industry businessman said he was delighted that the Prime Minister was focusing on the sector and that his vision for sports was sound. He pointed out that more than Rs 1,800 crore had been passed under Khelo India and said the responsibility now lay with state governments to use the funds effectively. In his view, Jalandhar's sports industry will definitely gain from it.
He also said that the city has long sought a Research and Development Centre, a demand that remains unfulfilled. He added that after coming to power, the Punjab government had announced a sports university for Jalandhar, but no work connected with it had started. He noted that the current government's tenure was coming to an end.
Another trader said that the Prime Minister had long promoted the Khelo India slogan and that he hoped the entire country would play sports and stay away from drug abuse. If the scheme is executed well on the ground, he said, Jalandhar's traders and everyone linked to the industry will benefit, including women in villages who are part of the sports supply chain.
A young businessman said the Modi government had taken a very good step. He called Jalandhar a hub for sports equipment, though it currently works at a fairly low scale. Small factories already operate in the city, and he expects they will gain the most, helping thousands of people.
He further said that challenges such as GST, rising raw material prices and reduced orders had affected business in recent times. Support from the government, he believes, could bring relief to the sector. Manufacturing work reaching small homes could provide employment for families within their own localities, raising incomes and strengthening the city's sports industry.
Other industry representatives said that when large manufacturing units are linked with small industries, the work will be shared, creating employment for more families. This may also reduce the need for young people to seek jobs in other cities.
The role of small industries is considered crucial for building up Jalandhar's sports manufacturing sector. How far the benefits of this initiative reach small traders, workers and young people on the ground will be the real test.