Budget 2026: India’s Game-Changing Blueprint for Sports Goods Leadership

Market snapshot: The Union Budget 2026-27 has unveiled a transformative 'Special Plan' for the sports goods industry, positioning India as a global manufacturing and R&D hub. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a dedicated initiative focusing on equipment design, material sciences, and aggressive global marketing. This move signals a strategic shift from traditional low-tech assembly to high-value sports engineering.

Summary: The Indian government has launched a dedicated mission in Budget 2026 to scale the sports goods industry to $10 billion by 2030, supported by R&D grants and MSME funds.

Key Takeaways

• Dedicated initiative for material sciences and equipment design innovation.
• Launch of the decadal 'Khelo India Mission' with an outlay of ₹1,000 crore.
• Establishment of manufacturing clusters in J&K, Jalandhar, and Meerut.
• ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to support sports equipment manufacturers.

SAHI Perspective

This policy pivot is a 'sunrise sector' recognition. By integrating material sciences into manufacturing, India is addressing the quality gap that previously limited exports. Listed players like COSCO and Campus Activewear stand to benefit from reduced customs on raw materials and the broader push for a 'sports culture' which drives domestic demand.

Closing Insight

As India prepares for a potential 2036 Olympics bid, the sports goods sector is no longer just an SME play—it is a strategic industrial pillar.

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