New Delhi, 1 February 2026: The Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, lays out an ambitious roadmap to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem, focusing on infrastructure, talent development, and domestic manufacturing of sports goods.
Key highlights include a proposal to extend the Khelo India Mission for the next 10 years, a push to promote sports goods manufacturing, and a significant increase in budget allocations for various sports programs and institutions.
Khelo India Mission and Talent Development
The Finance Minister announced the launch of a decade-long Khelo India Mission aimed at systematically nurturing sports talent from grassroots to elite levels. This long-term approach seeks to ensure that India is well-prepared for global sporting events such as the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics, for which the country has already submitted bids.
“The Khelo India programme has already laid the foundation for talent development,” Sitharaman said. “This mission will transform the sports sector over the next ten years.”
Boost to Sports Goods Manufacturing
Addressing the high cost of sports equipment, the government plans to develop India as a global hub for high-quality, affordable sports goods. This initiative will benefit established manufacturing centres such as Meerut and Jalandhar and is expected to attract investment, promote research and innovation, and make equipment more accessible for athletes across the country.
Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities
Recognizing sports as an engine for employment and skill development, the Budget highlights the potential of the sector to generate jobs in coaching, training, equipment manufacturing, and support services. The government has also proposed a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to incentivize enterprises that contribute to the sports ecosystem, aiming to create future champions and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
Budgetary Allocations
The Budget 2026–27 reflects increased funding for sports initiatives:
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Khelo India Programme: ₹1,000 crore (up from ₹800 crore)
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Sports Authority of India (SAI): ₹830 crore (up from ₹815 crore)
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National Sports Federations: ₹400 crore (up from ₹340 crore)
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National Dope Testing Laboratory: ₹23 crore
While allocations for athlete incentives were slightly reduced to ₹37 crore (from ₹42.65 crore), the overall increase in funding underlines the government’s commitment to building a self-reliant and sustainable sports ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Union Budget 2026–27 signals a strategic shift in India’s sports policy—from merely funding events and athletes to creating a holistic ecosystem that integrates infrastructure, talent development, domestic manufacturing, and economic opportunities. With these initiatives, India aims to not only excel in international sports but also position the sector as a key driver of employment and innovation.