Budget 2026 Sports Goods Manufacturing Initiative: Developing India as Global Centre for Quality Affordable Sports Equipment

Budget 2026-27 launches Sports Goods Manufacturing Initiative recognizing India's potential to become major player in global sports equipment market currently dominated by handful of countries. The initiative covers comprehensive range including cricket equipment (bats, balls, protective gear), badminton rackets and shuttlecocks, football and other sports balls, athletic equipment, gymnastics apparatus, swimming gear, and specialized equipment for Olympic sports. India has strong traditional base in sports goods manufacturing in clusters like Jalandhar and Meerut but requires modernization, quality upgradation, and brand development. The programme provides support for establishing design and development centers with CAD/CAM facilities, testing laboratories for equipment certification, common facility centers with modern manufacturing equipment, and compliance with international sports federation standards. Focus on research and development for innovative materials including carbon fiber composites, advanced polymers, and smart sports equipment with embedded sensors. Export promotion measures include participation in international sports goods fairs, partnerships with professional sports leagues and federations, and athlete endorsements for Indian-made equipment. Skills development initiatives train workforce in precision manufacturing, quality control, and product testing. The scheme aligns with India's sporting ambitions including hosting major international events, supports grassroots sports development by making quality equipment affordable, creates employment in sports manufacturing clusters, and positions India as reliable supplier of sports goods to global markets including opportunities arising from China Plus One strategies.