An increase in the budget outlay, a push for sports goods manufacturing, and a proposal to extend the Khelo India Mission for the next 10 years were highlighted in the Union Budget 2026–27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The government aims to shift focus towards developing infrastructure, nurturing talent, and promoting self-reliance in sports equipment. This move is geared towards enhancing India’s sports ecosystem for upcoming major events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics.
To support this vision, the Finance Minister announced plans for a significant upgrade in sports infrastructure and grassroots development. Emphasizing India’s potential as a global sports goods hub, Sitharaman proposed a dedicated initiative to boost manufacturing, research, and innovation in sports equipment. Additionally, a Rs. 10,000 crores SME growth fund was proposed to nurture future champions and incentivize enterprises meeting specific criteria.
Furthermore, a long-term Khelo India Mission spanning the next decade was introduced to transform the sports sector. The government acknowledged the high cost of sports equipment and proposed measures to develop India as a global sports goods hub, benefiting regions like Meerut and Jalandhar. Sitharaman highlighted the sports sector’s role in employment generation, skill development, and job creation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering sports as an economic ecosystem.
In a bid to support the sports sector, the budget allocations for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports were increased. The Khelo India program received a budget hike from Rs 800 crore to Rs 1000 crore, while the Sports Authority of India (SAI) saw an increase from Rs 815 crore to Rs 830 crore. Notably, the budget for National Sports Federations was raised from Rs 340 cr to Rs 400 cr, and the National Dope Testing Laboratory’s allocation increased to Rs 23 crore from Rs 18.70 crore in the previous budget.
