When a new manufacturing scheme is approved, the businesses that move first are usually the ones whose paperwork is already ready by the time guidelines are published. The Union Cabinet has approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, and sports goods makers, suppliers and startups should start preparing now. This guide explains what has been announced, what is still unknown and what you can do today. It is written by Sharda Associates, a CA firm in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, that prepares project reports, CMA data, DPRs and bank loan documentation for MSMEs, with 45,500+ CA-certified reports delivered.
Quick Answer: The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme has a total outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for 2026 to 2033-34. It will create dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones, support anchor investors and turnover-linked growth (₹1,130 crore), upgrade existing MSME clusters, fund international certification (₹105 crore), and support research, skilling and exports. Eligibility rules, incentive rates and the application process have not been published yet.
What is the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme?
It is a central scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 and approved by the Union Cabinet to make India a competitive hub for sports goods manufacturing. It aligns with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, and aims to create jobs, reduce import dependence and build export strength.
What does the scheme include?
| Component | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs) | Cluster zones with manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities, design centres and prototyping units, developed through existing facilities such as BHAVYA and NICDC industrial parks |
| Anchor Investment Support | Encourages leading Indian and global manufacturers, brands and retail chains to set up production in the zones |
| Turnover Linked Support | Rewards higher production and capacity expansion |
| MSME and cluster upgrade | Assistance for common facilities and shared infrastructure in existing clusters |
| International certification | ₹105 crore to obtain and renew certifications from International Sports Federations |
| Research and innovation | Centres of Excellence in leading institutions, R&D through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, and startup support under Startup India |
| Skilling and exports | Industry-based skill development, plus branding and outreach through the Export Promotion Mission |
The first two components together carry an outlay of ₹1,130 crore.
Who can benefit?
- Large and anchor manufacturers planning production in the designated zones
- Existing MSME sports goods makers in established clusters, through common facilities and shared infrastructure
- Manufacturers seeking global certification for competitions and exports
- Startups developing and testing new sports products and technologies
- Workers and training bodies through the skilling component
What is still unknown?
| Question | Status |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible, and what are the investment or turnover thresholds? | Not yet published |
| What is the subsidy or incentive rate? | Not yet published |
| Where will the zones be located? | Not yet announced |
| How and where do you apply? | Not yet announced |
| What is the application deadline? | Not yet announced |
Please do not rely on any website that quotes subsidy percentages before the official guidelines are out.
How should an MSME prepare now?
- Register or update your Udyam registration so your category (micro, small or medium) is correct
- Keep GST, PAN and bank records clean, since schemes check compliance history
- List your product range and identify which products need international certification
- Prepare a project report for any expansion, with machinery quotations and a realistic cost
- Prepare CMA data if you plan to borrow, since banks use it to assess working capital
- Work out your capacity and turnover plan, as turnover-linked support will depend on it
- Stay in touch with your cluster association, which is likely to be a channel for common-facility support
Can I get a bank loan for sports goods manufacturing today?
Yes. You do not have to wait for the scheme. Mudra loans (up to ₹10 lakh in the Shishu, Kishor and Tarun slabs, and up to ₹20 lakh under Tarun Plus for repeat borrowers) and CGTMSE-backed MSME loans can fund machinery and working capital now. A bank-ready project report and CMA data help whichever route you choose.
The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme offers a long-term opportunity until 2033–34 for businesses planning to enter or expand in sports goods manufacturing.
Start preparing early by arranging Udyam registration, compliance documents, a detailed project report and CMA data to support your expansion plans.
Planning to start or expand a sports goods manufacturing unit? Contact Sharda Associates for professional assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme?
A central scheme with an outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for 2026 to 2033-34 to build India’s sports goods manufacturing industry.
2. When was it approved?
The Union Cabinet approved it in November 2026, after it was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.
3. How much money is allocated to investment support?
₹1,130 crore for Anchor Investment Support and Turnover Linked Support together.
4. Is there support for MSMEs?
Yes. The scheme provides assistance for common facilities and shared infrastructure in existing sports goods clusters.
5. What is the ₹105 crore for?
International certification, including obtaining and renewing certifications from International Sports Federations.
6. What are Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones?
Cluster zones bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities, design centres and prototyping units.
7. Can startups benefit?
Yes. Startups will get support under Startup India to develop, test and validate new products and technologies.
8. Has the application process been announced?
Not yet. Guidelines on eligibility, incentives and application are awaited.
9. What should I prepare before applying?
Udyam registration, GST and PAN records, a project report, CMA data, machinery quotations and a capacity and turnover plan.
10. How can Sharda Associates help sports goods manufacturers?
Sharda Associates, a CA firm in Bhopal, prepares project reports, CMA data, DPRs and bank loan documentation for MSME manufacturers.