- 1. Focus on "Science" in Sports Manufacturing
- 2. The "Khelo India Mission"
- 3. Reviving Industrial Clusters
- 4. Jobs and Skilling
- Conclusion
In the Union Budget 2026-27, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman placed a special focus on the sports industry. Beyond just playing sports, the government is now looking at the business of making sports equipment.
The Finance Minister proposed a dedicated initiative to strengthen domestic production, research, and innovation in the sports goods sector.
Here is a simple breakdown of what was announced and what it means for the industry.
1. Focus on "Science" in Sports Manufacturing
The biggest announcement was a new plan to support high-quality sports goods manufacturing. The government wants India to move beyond just basic manufacturing and focus on:
- Equipment Design: Creating better, more ergonomic, and modern sports gear.
- Material Sciences: Researching new materials to make equipment lighter, stronger, and more durable.
The Goal: To position India as a competitive global supplier of affordable, high-quality sports goods.
2. The "Khelo India Mission"
While manufacturing is important, nurturing talent is equally crucial. The Finance Minister highlighted that the systematic nurturing of sports talent has already begun through the existing "Khelo India" programme.
Taking this forward, she proposed launching a "Khelo India Mission."
- Objective: To transform the entire sports sector over the next decade.
- Impact: This is expected to create an ecosystem where sports talent and sports infrastructure grow together.
3. Reviving Industrial Clusters
Sports goods manufacturing in India often happens in specific industrial zones (clusters). To support this, the Budget includes a scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters.
- What will happen? These older industrial areas will receive support for infrastructure and technology upgrades.
- Why? This will help manufacturers improve their efficiency and reduce costs (cost competitiveness), making Indian sports goods cheaper and better for the global market.
4. Jobs and Skilling
The Finance Minister emphasised that the sports sector is not just about entertainment; it is a major driver of employment.
By boosting manufacturing and launching the Khelo India Mission, the government aims to create multiple opportunities for:
- Employment: More jobs in factories and sports management.
- Skilling: Training people in specialised skills required for making modern sports equipment.
Conclusion
The Budget 2026-27 signals a shift in how India views the sports sector. The focus is now on becoming a Global Manufacturing Hub. By combining research in material sciences with the revival of industrial clusters, the government aims to make "Made in India" sports gear a global standard.
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