Cabinet approves Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme

• Approved by: Union Cabinet on 28 October 2026.
• Total outlay: ₹1,856.67 crore.
•  Implementation period: FY 2026–27 to FY 2033–34.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
•  Announced in: Union Budget 2026–27.
• Main objective: To make India a globally competitive sports goods manufacturing hub.
• Domestic manufacturing: Reduce dependence on imported sports equipment.
• MSME support: Upgrade sports goods manufacturing clusters and facilities.
• Research and innovation: Promote sports technology, product design and advanced materials.
• Export promotion: Improve international competitiveness and exports of Indian sports goods.
•  Financial support: ₹1,130 crore combined outlay for anchor investment and turnover-linked support.
• Certification: ₹105 crore for obtaining and renewing International Sports Federations' certifications.
•  Manufacturing hubs: Dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs).
• Major manufacturing centres: Jalandhar (Punjab) and Meerut (Uttar Pradesh).

Khelo India Scheme

• Launched in 2017: brought the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, the Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme and the National Sports Talent Search Scheme into one framework for sports development.
• Khelo India Scheme was launched in 2017 to provide a platform for grassroots athletes and build sports infrastructure across India. However, it is a Central Sector Scheme, 
• Five pillars: training centres to identify talent; capacity building for coaches and support staff; sports science and technology; competitions and leagues; and sports infrastructure.
• Reach as of July 2026: 349 sports infrastructure projects approved with an investment of ₹3,176 crore; 1,067 Khelo India Centres; 267 academies supported; and 2,745 Khelo India Athletes supported with coaching, equipment, medical care and a monthly allowance.

Khelo India Rising Talent (KIRTI) Program

• The KIRTI Program plans to conduct 20 lakh talent assessments through Talent Assessment Centres to identify potential athletes.
• It uses AI and IT-based data analytics for a transparent selection process. 
• Nodal Agency for KIRTI: Sports Authority of India (SAI).
• Financial Assistance: Identified athletes receive ₹5 lakh per annum for 8 years.

Note :The 8th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2026 will be hosted by Telangana from December 11 to 22, 2026.