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The proposed new Khelo India Mission aims to transform the sector over the next 10 years by expanding the existing Khelo India grassroots programme, launched in 2017 as the sports ministry’s flagship scheme to nurture young talent.
Under the new framework, it will focus on creating an integrated talent development pathway through foundational, intermediate and elite training centres, alongside systematic development of coaches and support staff.
It also envisages deeper integration of sports science and technology, structured competitions and leagues to promote a sporting culture, and the creation of modern infrastructure for training and competition.
The Union Budget 2026–27 significantly boosts funding for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, increasing its allocation by Rs 1,133 crore to Rs 4,479.88 crore. The enhanced support aims to position India among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and the top 5 by 2047, with Rs. 500 crore specifically allocated for promoting sports goods manufacturing.Also Read: Why Budget 2026 stayed away from ‘big-bang’ reforms? CEA answers
“This budget provides the policy clarity needed to turn India’s sporting potential into a strong economic reality,” said Sanjay Adesara, co-chair of Ficci Sports Committee. He said the budget will help pivot the Indian sports ecosystem from being a mere “sector of interest” to a “pillar of economic growth.”
Nandan Kamath, sports lawyer and managing trustee of GoSports Foundation, a platform for athletes, said the budget has recognised “the potential of sport to drive our economy and the need for indigenous capacity and systems that can support our sporting aspirations.”
“This is the first affirmative statement from the government recognising the job and skilling potential of sport across services and manufacturing. Successful implementation can drive sports excellence and also induce growth in sports participation and consumption rates,” he added.
The budget also proposed an initiative for sports goods, to promote manufacturing, research and innovation in equipment design and material sciences, positioning India as a global hub for sports goods.
The valuation of India’s sports industry is projected to cross Rs 3.4 lakh crore by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12-14% from Rs 1.3 lakh crore in FY25, according to a KPMG report.
Sports goods equipment and apparel manufacturing is currently valued at $6.7 billion and is projected to reach $10 billion by 2030, aided by GST rationalisation, the report said.
Exports of sports goods are expected to touch $500 million by FY26, with hubs such as Meerut and Jalandhar expanding under emerging free trade agreements.
Karthik Gurumurthy, chief executive officer and cofounder of sports shoes and activewear brand TEN x YOU, said the government’s push to position India as a global manufacturing and innovation hub for sports goods was a strong signal for the industry.
“The budget creates meaningful scope for collaboration between industry and government to strengthen domestic manufacturing, improve access to quality sporting equipment, and ensure that research-led advances in materials and design reach athletes at every level,” he said. “Such an approach supports a culture of sustained participation, where young athletes can start early, train better, and continue playing over the long term.”
