Cabinet Clears ₹1,856 Crore Scheme to Build India’s Sports Goods Manufacturing Base

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, committing ₹1,856.67 crore to the development of domestic production capacity over the period from 2026 to 2033-34.

This is why the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme cleared by the Cabinet will be a game changer:

Dedicated manufacturing zones for sports goods-related manufacturing.

Investment opportunities and MSME support.

Research, innovation and skill development.

Focus on quality.

More jobs and export opportunities.

It is a major push for Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s global sporting ambitions!

https://t.co/31oUwTezkj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 28, 2026

The scheme, cleared on October 28, is designed to address a structural gap in India’s sporting ecosystem. The country’s appetite for cricket equipment and other sports goods has long been served by manufacturers concentrated in clusters such as Meerut and Jalandhar-Ludhiana, but without the organised support that would allow those clusters to scale. The new programme seeks to change that by establishing dedicated manufacturing zones in these regions.

Support for Small Manufacturers

A substantial portion of the funding, ₹1,130 crore, is earmarked for supporting micro, small and medium enterprises in making capital investments. The scheme also provides for certifications, which would help Indian-made equipment meet recognised quality standards, and for skill development programmes intended to build a workforce capable of sustaining higher-value production.

The stated objectives are threefold. The scheme aims to generate jobs, expand exports and advance self-reliance in a sector where India has historically depended on imported goods, particularly for high-end equipment.

Political Endorsement

The approval drew praise from senior members of the government. Home Minister Amit Shah and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya both welcomed the decision, framing it as a step towards strengthening India’s standing in sports manufacturing and advancing the Make in India agenda.

The scheme’s timeline extends well beyond a single electoral cycle, a design choice that suggests an intent to build durable capacity rather than deliver short-term headline results. For the manufacturing clusters in Meerut and the Jalandhar-Ludhiana belt, the availability of structured support and certification pathways could prove significant.

The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, approved today by the Union Cabinet, strengthens India’s prowess in making sports goods. Aligned with Modi Ji’s vision for self-reliance in the sector, the ₹1,856.67 crore initiative supports investment, technology adoption, research, and innovation to build a world-class ecosystem.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 28, 2026

For Indian cricket, the implications are indirect but meaningful. A stronger domestic manufacturing base would reduce reliance on imported equipment, potentially lowering costs for players and academies while creating a supply chain that can respond to domestic demand. Whether the scheme delivers on its projections will depend on implementation across the eight-year period it covers.

                                               

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