The eight-year scheme will support sports equipment manufacturers through dedicated manufacturing zones, investment incentives, research, testing facilities and skill development to strengthen India’s global competitiveness.
Highlights
- Cabinet approves Rs 1,856 crore Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme.
- Scheme to run for eight years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2033-34.
- Government aims to position India as a global hub for high-quality sports goods.
- Incentives include dedicated manufacturing zones and anchor investment support.
- Turnover-linked assistance and support for existing manufacturing clusters.
- Focus on certification, testing, research, skill development, startups and branding.
Full Story
New Delhi, October 28, 2026: The Union Cabinet has approved the Rs 1,856 crore Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme to strengthen domestic manufacturing and position India as a global hub for high-quality sports goods. The initiative aims to boost investment, improve manufacturing capabilities and create a competitive ecosystem for the country’s sports equipment industry.
According to details presented during the Cabinet briefing, the scheme will have a total financial outlay of Rs 1,856 crore over eight years, beginning in FY 2026-27 and continuing until FY 2033-34.
The initiative is expected to benefit domestic sports goods manufacturers, encourage new investments and strengthen India’s position in the international sports equipment market.
Two Major Components of the Scheme
The government has structured the scheme around two major components: manufacturing incentives and ecosystem development interventions.
The first component will provide financial and infrastructure-related support to manufacturers, while the second will focus on strengthening the broader sports goods manufacturing ecosystem.
This approach is intended to improve production capabilities while addressing challenges related to product quality, technology, skilled workers and market access.
Dedicated Manufacturing Zones and Investment Support
Under the manufacturing incentives component, the government will support the development of dedicated sports goods manufacturing zones.
The scheme also includes anchor investment support to encourage major manufacturers to establish or expand production facilities in India.
Additionally, turnover-linked incentives will provide support to eligible manufacturers, while existing manufacturing clusters will receive assistance to strengthen their operations.
These measures are expected to encourage industrial expansion and improve the competitiveness of Indian sports equipment manufacturers.
Focus on Testing, Research and Skill Development
The second component will focus on developing the wider manufacturing ecosystem through certification, testing, research and skill development.
Support for testing and certification will help manufacturers improve product quality and meet relevant standards, including those required in international markets.
Research initiatives are expected to encourage innovation in sports equipment manufacturing, while skill development programmes will help build a trained workforce for the industry.
Startups and Branding to Get Support
The scheme also includes assistance for startups, branding and outreach activities.
These interventions aim to encourage emerging businesses, promote innovation and improve the visibility of Indian sports goods in domestic and international markets.
Better branding and market outreach could help Indian manufacturers expand their customer base and compete with established global suppliers.
Boost to Make in India and Sports Manufacturing
The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme aligns with the government’s broader objective of strengthening domestic manufacturing.
By combining investment incentives with research, testing and skill development, the initiative seeks to build a stronger and more competitive sports goods industry.
The government aims to establish India as a major manufacturing destination for high-quality sports equipment while supporting industrial growth and employment opportunities.
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