Mandaviya: Budget Pledge on Sports Goods Now Becoming Reality
A new government initiative to boost India's sports equipment industry has moved forward after the Union Cabinet approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet cleared the scheme with an outlay of Rs 1,856.67 crore.
The scheme will run from 2026 to 2033-34. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the promise made in the Union Budget for 2026-27 is now taking shape on the ground, marking a clear step from announcement to implementation.
The central aim of the scheme is to promote the sports goods manufacturing industry in India. The government intends to attract fresh investment, increase the production of sports equipment, encourage the use of new technologies and support innovation. Boosting exports to foreign markets is also part of the plan.
Mandaviya took to X to highlight the decision, saying that India will play and India will make. He noted that sports goods made in India would soon carry the tricolour's pride across the globe, alongside Indian athletes. He said the move would generate new investment and employment and contribute to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister.
The scheme was declared in the Union Budget for 2026-27 with the objective of strengthening companies that produce sports goods. Government support will cover investment expansion, adoption of modern techniques, research and innovation, training for employees, quality upgrades for products and the creation of new markets.
In practical terms, the scheme is expected to improve both the quality and capacity of Indian-made sports equipment. This would help domestic companies compete at the international level and reinforce India's presence in global supply chains.
The initiative reflects the spirit of Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Its goals include attracting new investment, creating jobs, strengthening domestic manufacturing and making Indian sports goods more competitive in the global marketplace.