What Is the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme?

The Union Cabinet approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme on 28 October 2026 to strengthen India’s domestic sports goods industry and build a globally competitive manufacturing ecosystem.

The scheme has a total outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore and will run from 2026–27 to 2033–34. It was first announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 and is aligned with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The main objective is to increase domestic manufacturing of high-quality sports equipment while supporting investment, innovation, technology adoption, skill development, certification and exports.

A major feature of the scheme is the creation of Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs). These zones will bring manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities, design centres, prototyping facilities and supporting enterprises together in integrated industrial clusters.

The scheme also provides financial support for investment and production. Around ₹1,130 crore has been earmarked for anchor investments and turnover-linked production support. Another ₹105 crore will support manufacturers in obtaining or renewing certifications from International Sports Federations.

Other components include Centres of Excellence, research and innovation, start-up support, skill development, cluster upgradation, branding and export promotion.

The government has highlighted established manufacturing centres such as Jalandhar in Punjab and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. Small and micro enterprises account for nearly 90% of India’s sports goods production, making MSME development an important part of the scheme.

Why Is This Important for CLAT?

The scheme is relevant for CLAT because it connects sports policy with manufacturing, government schemes and economic development.

• Total outlay: ₹1,856.67 crore.
• Period: 2026–27 to 2033–34.
• Key objective: Make India a global hub for high-quality and affordable sports goods.
• Major intervention: Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones.
• International certification support: ₹105 crore.
• Policy links: Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025.
• Important manufacturing clusters: Jalandhar and Meerut.

For CLAT preparation, the scheme can also be linked with MSMEs, industrial clusters, exports, sports policy, domestic manufacturing and India’s preparations for major international sporting events.