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During the Union Budget 2026, FM Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Khelo India Mission, a decade-long initiative to transform India’s sports sector. Aiming to nurture talent systematically, the mission will expand employment, skilling, and job opportunities in sports, building on the existing Khelo India programme and promoting athlete development, infrastructure, and professional growth nationwide

During the Union Budget 2026 presentation on February 1, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a landmark initiative aimed at transforming India’s sports landscape. Highlighting the employment, skilling, and job opportunities within the sector, Sitharaman announced the launch of a Khelo India Mission to systematically nurture talent and revolutionize sports over the next decade.

Speaking on the floor, the Finance Minister stated, “The Sports Sector provides multiple means of employment, skilling and job opportunities. Taking forward the systematic nurturing of sports talent which is set in motion through the Khelo India programme, I propose to launch a Khelo India Mission to transform the Sports sector over the next decade.”

The proposed mission builds upon the existing Khelo India programme, which has focused on identifying and supporting young athletes across the country. The expanded initiative aims to enhance infrastructure, provide world-class training, and integrate research and innovation in sports science, coaching, and athlete development.

Union Budget 2026: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Dedicated Initiative To Boost Sports Goods Manufacturing & Innovation

In her ninth consecutive Union Budget presentation on February 1, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a dedicated initiative aimed at promoting manufacturing, research, and innovation in sports goods. The move is expected to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem by supporting advanced equipment design and material sciences.

Speaking at the Budget presentation, Sitharaman emphasized the importance of modernizing sports manufacturing and leveraging research-driven innovation to make India a global hub for high-quality sports equipment. The initiative will not only enhance domestic production capabilities but also create opportunities for startups, SMEs, and technology-driven enterprises in the sports sector.

"India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for high-quality, affordable sports goods. I propose a dedicated initiative for sports goods that will promote manufacturing, research, and innovation in equipment design as well as material sciences," said Sitharaman.

The announcement reflects a growing focus on sector-specific innovation strategies, positioning sports not only as a cultural and recreational pursuit but also as a significant industrial and technological opportunity for India.