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Informist, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026

--BUDGET: To promote sports goods manufacturing 

--BUDGET: India has potential to emerge as hub for sports goods 

--BUDGET: Propose initiative for high quality sports goods 

--BUDGET: Propose to launch Khelo India mission for sports sector for 10 yrs

NEW DELHI – The government will introduce 'Khelo India Mission' to boost the sports sector in the country over the next 10 years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Parliament Sunday while presenting the Budget for 2026-27 (Apr-Mar). The mission is expected to focus on the development of sports infrastructure for training as well as competitions.

The government has announced an outlay of INR 9.24 billion for Khelo India Scheme for FY27, which is 32% higher from the allocation for FY26.

"The sports sector provides multiple means of employment, skilling and job opportunities. Taking forward the systematic nurturing of sports talent which is set in motion through the Khelo India programme, I propose to launch a Khelo India Mission to transform the sports sector over the next decade," Sitharaman said. The mission will facilitate an integrated talent development pathway, supported by training centres, and the systematic development of coaches and support staff. It will also focus on the integration of sports science and technology and on competitions and leagues to promote the sports culture. It will also focus on the development of sports infrastructure for training and competition.

The Khelo India Scheme aims to infuse sports culture in the country by allowing the population to derive benefits of sports. With the help of this scheme, the government is focusing on holistic development of children & youth, community development, gender equity, national integration and nation building, healthy lifestyle, national pride and economic opportunities related to sports development.

The finance minister also sees the country to have the potential to emerge as a global hub for high quality as well as afforable sports goods. "I propose a dedicated initiative for sports goods that will promote manufacturing, research and innovation in equipment design as well as material sciences," Sitharaman said.  End

Reported by Shweta

Edited by Pankaj Aher

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