The Union Budget 2026–27 has announced a new Khelo India Mission to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem over the next decade. The initiative aims to improve talent identification, training pathways, sports infrastructure and manufacturing-led employment. It builds on the earlier Khelo India framework and adopts a mission-mode approach for long-term sports development.
Mission Objectives
The new mission is designed to create a more integrated sports system. Its focus areas include:
- Early identification and nurturing of sporting talent.
- Development of foundational, intermediate and elite training centres.
- Improvement of coaching, support staff and athlete services.
- Use of sports science and technology in training and performance.
- Promotion of competitions and leagues to deepen sports culture.
Budget Allocation and Manufacturing Push
A sum of ₹500 crore has been earmarked for the promotion of sports goods manufacturing. The government has also proposed a dedicated initiative to strengthen domestic capability in sports equipment manufacturing, research and innovation. The aim is to make India a global hub for affordable and high-quality sports goods and to improve its role in international sports supply chains.
Youth-Centred Approach
The Budget has been described as youth-driven, with several proposals shaped by ideas from the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026. The government has linked sports development with employment generation, skilling and industrial growth. This reflects a broader view of sports as both a social and economic sector.
Higher Support for Sports and Youth Development
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has received an enhanced allocation of ₹4,479.88 crore for 2026–27, up from ₹3,346 crore in the revised estimates for 2025–26. The increased funding will support athlete development, coaching systems, sports science integration and infrastructure creation. The long-term ambition is to place India among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and among the top five by 2047.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026