Khelo India Sports Goods Scheme Approved
Khelo India Sports Goods Scheme has received approval from the Union Cabinet to strengthen India’s sports goods manufacturing industry. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the scheme on 28 October 2026. With a total financial outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore, the scheme will run from 2026 to 2033–34.
The initiative aims to increase investment, improve domestic production, support innovation and expand exports of sports goods made in India. It will also encourage employment generation, improve manufacturing facilities and reduce dependence on imported sports equipment. Through financial support, industrial clusters and research facilities, the government aims to build a stronger and more competitive sports goods industry.
What Is the Khelo India Sports Goods Scheme?
The Khelo India Sports Goods Scheme is a government initiative designed to develop India’s sports goods manufacturing sector. It focuses on helping manufacturers expand production, improve product quality and compete in domestic and international markets.
Sports goods manufacturing includes the production of equipment and accessories used in different sports. These products require suitable materials, modern machinery, skilled workers and quality testing. Manufacturers must also meet international standards if they want to supply products to major sporting events and overseas markets.
The scheme aims to bring together investment, manufacturing, research and certification support. It is intended to benefit established manufacturers as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in sports goods production.
The programme will also support the development of manufacturing clusters where related businesses can operate in the same industrial area. This approach can improve cooperation between suppliers, manufacturers, testing facilities and other service providers.
Total Outlay and Financial Support
The scheme has a total outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for the period from 2026 to 2033–34. A major part of the funding will support new investment and production growth.
The government has allocated ₹1,130 crore for anchor investment support and turnover-linked production incentives.
Anchor investment support is designed to attract major investments that can help establish or expand manufacturing capacity. Such investments may encourage the development of facilities, equipment and supply chains that other businesses can also use.
Turnover-linked production incentives are connected to a manufacturer’s eligible business performance, according to the scheme’s applicable conditions. They are intended to encourage companies to increase production and expand their operations.
This financial support could help manufacturers invest in modern machinery, improve production processes and increase their ability to meet market demand. Greater domestic manufacturing capacity may also create opportunities for suppliers, transport providers and other businesses connected to the sports goods industry.
Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones
One of the important features of the scheme is the development of dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs).
These zones are planned to support cluster-based manufacturing and create integrated industrial ecosystems. A manufacturing zone brings related production activities together in a defined area, making it easier for businesses to access suppliers, infrastructure and other services.
For example, sports equipment manufacturers may need raw materials, components, testing laboratories, packaging services and transport facilities. When these services are available within a connected industrial ecosystem, businesses may be able to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
The scheme will also support the upgrading of existing sports goods manufacturing clusters. This is particularly important for established industrial areas where manufacturers may need better machinery, improved facilities and more modern production methods.
The development of manufacturing zones is expected to strengthen the domestic supply chain and encourage more investment in India’s sports goods industry.
Support for MSMEs and Small Manufacturers
Micro, small and medium enterprises play an important role in India’s manufacturing sector. Many smaller businesses supply components, produce specialised equipment or provide services to larger manufacturers.
However, MSMEs can face challenges such as limited access to finance, outdated machinery, high production costs and difficulties in meeting international quality standards.
The Khelo India Sports Goods Scheme includes support for upgrading existing manufacturing clusters, including those involving MSMEs. Improved industrial facilities and access to modern technology could help smaller businesses increase productivity and improve product quality.
Stronger manufacturing clusters may also create opportunities for collaboration between small enterprises and larger companies. This can help businesses share supply chains, access specialised services and respond more effectively to market demand.
By supporting MSMEs alongside larger manufacturers, the scheme aims to create a broader manufacturing base for sports goods in India.
Certification and International Quality Standards
Product quality is essential for manufacturers who want to supply sports equipment to international markets. Certain sporting goods must meet standards established by International Sports Federations before they can be used in approved competitions.
The scheme provides an allocation of ₹105 crore to help manufacturers obtain and renew certifications from International Sports Federations.
Certification can involve testing products to check whether they meet required standards for safety, performance and quality. Meeting these requirements can help manufacturers build trust with buyers and improve access to overseas markets.
For Indian manufacturers, certification support may reduce some of the financial difficulties associated with meeting international requirements. It could also encourage companies to improve their production methods and develop products that meet the needs of professional athletes and sporting organisations.
The certification allocation is therefore an important part of the wider plan to improve the competitiveness of sports goods made in India.
Research and Development Through Centres of Excellence
Research and development are important for improving sports equipment. Manufacturers need to study materials, product design, durability, performance and production technology to remain competitive.
The scheme will support the establishment of Centres of Excellence for research and development in the sports goods sector.
These centres are intended to encourage innovation and help develop better products and manufacturing methods. Research facilities can support testing, technical improvements and the development of new materials or designs.
Greater cooperation between manufacturers, researchers and technical experts may also help Indian businesses respond to changing requirements in the global sports industry.
Innovation is especially important as sports equipment becomes more specialised and consumers look for products that offer improved performance, durability and safety. Strong research facilities can help manufacturers move beyond basic production and develop higher-value products.
Connection with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
The Khelo India Sports Goods Scheme is aligned with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Make in India encourages domestic production, investment and the development of manufacturing capabilities. Atmanirbhar Bharat focuses on strengthening India’s capacity to meet more of its needs through domestic industries while remaining connected to global markets.
The sports goods scheme supports these aims by encouraging local manufacturing, improving product quality and promoting exports. Expanding domestic production could help reduce reliance on imported sports equipment and create more opportunities for Indian businesses.
The scheme also connects with the wider development of sports in India. As participation in sports and fitness activities grows, demand may increase for equipment used by schools, sports academies, clubs, athletes and individual consumers.
A stronger manufacturing sector can help meet this demand while creating opportunities for innovation and employment.
Expected Benefits for India’s Sports Industry
The scheme is designed to support several areas of growth in India’s sports goods industry. Increased investment can help expand production facilities, while incentives may encourage eligible manufacturers to improve output.
Manufacturing zones and upgraded industrial clusters can support more efficient supply chains. Certification assistance can help companies meet international standards, and research centres can encourage the development of improved products.
The initiative also aims to create employment opportunities in manufacturing and related activities. These may include production, engineering, quality testing, packaging, logistics and product development.
Reducing import dependence is another stated objective. Increasing domestic production could give Indian businesses a greater role in supplying sports equipment to the local market and overseas customers.
The success of the scheme will depend on effective implementation, the participation of manufacturers, the quality of infrastructure and the ability of Indian products to compete on price and performance. Its long-term aim is to develop a more innovative, reliable and globally competitive sports goods manufacturing industry in India.
