New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Union Budget 2026-27 includes a dedicated initiative to strengthen India’s sports goods sector, aiming to establish the country as a global leader in high-quality and affordable sporting equipment. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Budget in Parliament, stated that the initiative will focus on promoting manufacturing, research, and innovation, covering both the design of equipment and advancements in material sciences.
This move aligns with the Budget’s broader objective of accelerating economic growth, improving productivity, and enhancing India’s competitiveness while building resilience against global uncertainties. The sports goods initiative is expected to tap into India’s manufacturing strengths and research potential, generating new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the sector.
In addition to this, the Finance Minister announced the Khelo India Mission, which aims to transform the sports ecosystem over the next decade. Building on the existing Khelo India Programme, the mission seeks to nurture sports talent systematically, provide structured skill development, and encourage wider participation across the country.
The Khelo India Mission will create a comprehensive talent development framework supported by training centers at foundational, intermediate, and elite levels. It will also focus on developing coaches and support staff, integrating sports science and technology, organizing competitions and leagues to foster sports culture, and expanding infrastructure for training and competitive events.
Finance Minister Sitharaman emphasized that these measures reflect the Budget’s commitment to empowering citizens, fulfilling their aspirations, and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story. By combining initiatives in manufacturing and talent development, the government aims to promote innovation, create jobs, and strengthen India’s position as a global hub in the sports sector.
