Khelo India Sports Equipment Manufacturing Scheme gets Rs 1,856.67 crore
Why in the news
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Khelo India Sports Equipment Manufacturing Scheme on 28 October 2026 with an outlay of Rs 1,856.67 crore to grow India’s sports goods industry.
Key facts
- Outlay: Rs 1,856.67 crore for 2026 to 2033-34.
- Announced in: Union Budget 2026-27.
- Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs): clusters where makers, suppliers, testing labs and design and prototype centres sit together; built through convergence with the BHAVYA scheme and existing NICDC industrial parks.
- R&D: Centres of Excellence in leading institutions, with convergence with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF); a start-up strand aligned with Startup India.
- Skilling with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; overseas branding through the Export Promotion Mission.
Funded components
| Component | Purpose | Outlay |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Investment Support + Turnover Linked Support | Draw big domestic and global brands into SGMZs; reward higher output and capacity growth | Rs 1,130 crore |
| International certification support | Help firms obtain and renew International Sports Federation certification | Rs 105 crore |
MSME cluster upgrades, skilling and market development are also covered.
About the scheme
The scheme seeks more investment, manufacturing, innovation and exports in sports equipment and lower import dependence. It is aligned with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047, and complements Khelo India and Fit India.
Exam angle
- Note the outlay (Rs 1,856.67 crore) and period (2026 to 2033-34).
- SGMZs link with BHAVYA and NICDC parks; R&D links with ANRF.
- Policy anchor: Khelo Bharat Niti 2025.