The Union Budget 2026–27 has announced the launch of a Khelo India Mission aimed at transforming the sports sector over the next decade. The Budget provides ₹4,479.88 crore for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, marking the highest-ever allocation for the Ministry. A ₹500 crore initiative for sports goods manufacturing has also been introduced.
The Union Budget 2026–27 places sports within the broader framework of long-term national capacity building. The Budget is guided by three fundamental kartavyas: accelerating and sustaining economic growth, fulfilling the aspirations of people and building their capacity, and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities across families, communities, regions and sectors.
In her Union Budget Speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman 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 Government has announced the launch of the Khelo India Mission as a mission-mode approach to sports development, building on the existing Khelo India Scheme. The Mission seeks to establish a structured pathway from grassroots participation to elite performance across disciplines.
Financial Allocation for Sports
The Budget 2026–27 provides ₹4,479.88 crore for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Under the Khelo India Scheme, financial allocations over the years have been as follows:
- 2017-18 to 2019-20: Financial outlay of Rs. 1756 crore approved for three years.
- 2020-21: Budget of Rs. 328.77 crore allocated for one year.
- 2021-22 to 2025-26: Financial outlay of Rs. 3790.50 crore approved for five years.
- 2026-27: Allocation of ₹924.35 crore for Khelo India.
Sports Goods Manufacturing Initiative
The Union Budget 2026-27 also announces a ₹500 crore initiative dedicated to sports goods manufacturing. The initiative aims to:
- Promote domestic manufacturing capacity
- Advance research and innovation in equipment design
- Drive innovation in material sciences
- Strengthen India’s presence in global sports supply chains
- Generate employment in manufacturing and allied sectors
Youth-Centric Initiatives
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026 to enhance youth engagement with the Union Budget. The initiative is conducted on the MY Bharat platform and is open to youth registered on the portal.
The competition includes two rounds:
- Round 1 (3-17 February 2026): An online quiz on the Union Budget 2026. Top performers from each State and Union Territory qualify for the next round.
- Round 2 (17 February – 3 March 2026): An essay-writing round covering 8 topics aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. Essays will be evaluated between 3-10 March 2026, with State/UT-wise merit lists announced on 10 March 2026.
Winners will receive an opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the vision of a Viksit Bharat Budget.
The Budget outlines a time-bound objective of positioning India among the Top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and Top 5 by 2047.
Source: PIB Research