Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya engaged with representatives from India’s sports manufacturing industry, highlighting the government’s ambition to establish the country as a global hub for sports goods production.
The meeting was held in New Delhi on November 14 and brought together representatives from eight companies, including Summit Sports, Coltzshot, IMAXX Sports, PRO WOLF, UNRACK, Adventra Sports, Abe Bikes and Nivia.
During the interaction, Mandaviya outlined the objectives of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, which received Union Cabinet approval on October 28, 2026, with a financial outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for the period 2026–27 to 2033–34.
Announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, the scheme aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing, encourage innovation, support technology adoption and improve the global competitiveness of Indian sports goods.
The policy includes support for investment and production expansion, research and development, skill development, quality certification, and market access. A combined allocation of ₹1,130 crore has been earmarked for anchor investment and turnover-linked manufacturing support, while ₹105 crore will support international certification for sports goods manufacturers.
The scheme also envisages dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones, bringing manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities and design centres together. Other provisions include support for existing manufacturing clusters, Centres of Excellence, sports-related start-ups and export promotion.
The government’s push comes as India looks to build on its established manufacturing clusters in Jalandhar and Meerut, alongside a network of micro, small and medium enterprises. According to the government’s scheme overview, small and micro enterprises account for nearly 90% of India’s sports goods production.
The initiative is also expected to create employment opportunities and strengthen India’s integration into international sports equipment supply chains.
The meeting with industry stakeholders signals an effort to involve manufacturers directly in the sector’s development. However, no specific investment commitments or individual company agreements were announced as part of the interaction.
The manufacturing scheme is aligned with the broader objectives of Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, with the government seeking to connect the growth of India’s sporting ecosystem with domestic industrial development.