Prelims
The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme
Context: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, with an outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore spanning from 2026 to 2033–34.
About The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme:
What it is?
- A dedicated central industrial promotion and manufacturing scheme designed to systematically scale up India’s sports goods manufacturing base through cluster development, anchor investment incentives, turnover-linked support, R&D incubation, and international federation compliance.
Organisation: Led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Aim: To establish India as a global sports goods manufacturing and export hub, reducing import dependence under Make in India, Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key Features of the Scheme:
- Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones: Develops integrated industrial clusters with manufacturing units, suppliers, testing labs and prototyping facilities through BHAVYA and NICDC industrial parks.
- Investment and Production Incentives: Provides ₹1,130 crore in investment and turnover-linked incentives to attract major brands, expand production and boost domestic value addition.
- MSME Modernisation: Supports traditional sports manufacturing hubs like Jalandhar and Meerut through modern equipment, shared infrastructure and Common Facility Centres (CFCs).
- International Product Certification: Allocates ₹105 crore to help manufacturers obtain FIFA, FIH, BWF and World Athletics certifications, improving access to global markets.
- Sports R&D Centres of Excellence: Establishes specialised research centres with ANRF support to develop smart equipment, advanced polymers, carbon composites and protective gear.
- Skill Development and Export Promotion: Promotes specialised workforce training and global branding through MSDE and the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
Significance:
- Reduces dependence on imported sports equipment while integrating Indian manufacturers into global sporting goods supply chains.
- Supports Khelo India and Fit India by providing affordable, internationally certified equipment for grassroots athletes and elite sporting excellence.
