The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme on 28 October 2026. The scheme has a total outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore and will run from 2026 to 2033-34. It aims to promote investment, manufacturing, innovation and exports in India’s sports goods sector.
Public Investment and Production Incentives
The scheme provides ₹1,130 crore for anchor investment support and turnover-linked production incentives. Anchor investment support is intended to attract new investments, while turnover-linked incentives are tied to manufacturers’ production or sales performance. The scheme’s stated objectives include expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities, creating employment and reducing import dependency in the sports goods sector.
Industrial Clusters and MSMEs
Dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs) are planned to support cluster-based manufacturing and integrated industrial ecosystems. The scheme will also support the upgradation of existing sports goods manufacturing clusters, including those involving micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Cluster-based development brings related manufacturing activities together within a defined area.
Certification, Research and Policy Alignment
An allocation of ₹105 crore will support manufacturers in obtaining and renewing certifications from International Sports Federations. These certifications relate to product quality and access to international markets. The scheme will fund Centres of Excellence for research and development in the sports goods sector. It is aligned with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Important Facts for Exams
- The scheme’s total outlay is ₹1,856.67 crore, and its implementation period runs from 2026 to 2033-34.
- The scheme allocates ₹1,130 crore for anchor investment support and turnover-linked production incentives.
- A separate allocation of ₹105 crore is for obtaining and renewing certifications from International Sports Federations.
- Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones are intended to promote cluster-based manufacturing and integrated industrial ecosystems.
The scheme includes support for investment, production incentives, certification, cluster development and research. Its stated policy alignments are Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
