India approves Rs 1,856 crore Khelo India sports goods scheme

The Indian Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with a total outlay of Rs 1,856.67 crore. Scheduled for implementation from 2026 to 2033-34, the initiative aims to strengthen India's domestic manufacturing, innovation, and export capabilities within the global sports goods market.

The scheme is structured into two primary components: manufacturing incentives and ecosystem strengthening. The incentive component focuses on encouraging investment through dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs), anchor investments, and turnover-linked assistance. These zones are intended to create integrated industrial ecosystems by co-locating manufacturers, suppliers, and testing facilities.

The second component targets infrastructure and capability building, including support for research, skill development, quality certification, and start-ups. Industry representatives have welcomed the move as a boost for public health and domestic production, though some have emphasized the need to ensure benefits reach small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the grassroots level.