Union Budget 2026 India will be new hub for sports sector

Union Budget 2026–27 marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s sports ecosystem,

with focused interventions aimed at talent development, infrastructure creation and manufacturing and employment generation.

Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of the Khelo India Mission,

envisioned to transform the sports sector over the next decade.

Highlighting the growing importance of sports as a development sector, 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 earlier,

I propose to launch a Khelo India mission to transform the sports sector over the next decade.”

In the Union Budget, Rs. 500 crore has been allocated to Promotion of Sports Goods Manufacturing.

Khelo India Mission: A Holistic Framework for Sports Excellence

The Khelo India Mission will adopt a comprehensive approach to strengthen

the sports ecosystem across the country. As outlined by the Finance Minister, the mission will focus on:

(a) Integrated talent development pathways supported by training centers which are foundational, intermediate and elite level.

(b) Systematic development of coaches and support staff.

(d) Competition and leagues to promote sports culture and provide platform.

(e) Development of sports infrastructure for training and competition.

The mission aims to create structured athlete pathways, strengthen institutional capacity and improve performance outcomes at all levels.