Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme

Context

On 28 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with an outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for FY 2026–27 to FY 2033–34. It aims to strengthen domestic sports-goods manufacturing, innovation and exports.

Objective and Design

1. Core objective: Build India into a stronger global sports-goods manufacturing hub by expanding production, investment, innovation and exports.
2. Two-part design: The scheme combines manufacturing incentives with ecosystem support in research, skills, certification and market development.
3. Integrated approach: Support extends across the value chain, linking production capacity with quality, technology and market access.

Manufacturing and Investment Support

1. Manufacturing zones: Up to four integrated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones are envisaged to cluster manufacturers, suppliers, testing and design facilities.
2. Anchor Investment Support: Eligible investors committing at least ₹100 crore can receive 20% capital-expenditure support, encouraging large-scale manufacturing.
3. Turnover Linked Support: Eligible manufacturers investing at least ₹10 crore can receive incentives of up to 15%, supporting sustained production growth.
4. Financial focus: ₹1,130 crore is earmarked for these two manufacturing incentives.

MSME, Quality and Innovation Support

1. Cluster upgradation: Shared infrastructure and common facilities can help existing MSMEs improve productivity and reduce individual investment costs.
2. Certification support: ₹105 crore is allocated for international certification, helping manufacturers meet global quality requirements and improve export readiness.
3. Research and startups: Centres of Excellence, ANRF convergence and grants of up to ₹20 lakh for eligible startups can strengthen product innovation and commercialization.

Skills and Market Access

1. Industry-aligned skills: Training with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will help build a workforce suited to modern sports manufacturing.
2. Export promotion: The India Sports Expo, Brand India campaign and Export Promotion Mission linkage will support international visibility and buyer access.

Significance

1. Industrial capability: Integrated clusters can deepen domestic supplier networks and support higher-value manufacturing.
2. MSME competitiveness: Better infrastructure, testing and certification can help smaller firms access wider markets.
3. Export potential: Improved standards and branding can raise the global competitiveness of Indian sports goods.
4. Sports ecosystem: Stronger domestic manufacturing can improve access to quality equipment for athletes and institutions.

FAQs

Q1. What is the total outlay of the scheme?
₹1,856.67 crore.

Q2. What are its two broad components?
Manufacturing incentives and ecosystem-building support.

Q3. What is Anchor Investment Support?
It provides 20% capex support to eligible investors investing at least ₹100 crore.

Q4. How does the scheme support quality improvement?
Through testing, certification and shared infrastructure support.

Q5. How are startups supported?
Eligible startups can receive grants of up to ₹20 lakh for innovation and commercialisation.