New Delhi, Oct 29 — Industry representatives in Ludhiana have welcomed the Union Cabinet's approval of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, saying the initiative will strengthen India's sports ecosystem, promote healthier lifestyles among youth and provide a major push to domestic manufacturing.
The scheme, approved by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be implemented from 2026 to 2033-34 with a total outlay of Rs 1,856.67 crore.
It aims to boost investment, manufacturing, innovation and exports in the sports goods sector while enhancing India's position in the global sporting goods market.
Reacting to the development, former president of the United Cycle Parts and Manufacturers Association, D.S. Chawla, described the decision as a positive step for both the sports industry and public health.
He said the sector had long remained overlooked despite its importance and added that greater support for sports-related activities was essential at a time when excessive mobile phone usage was becoming increasingly common among young people.
Chawla, who is associated with the bicycle industry, noted that cycling is among the most effective forms of exercise as it engages the entire body and contributes significantly to overall fitness.
He expressed confidence that the new scheme would encourage greater participation in sports and physical activities across the country.
Another industry representative from the bicycle sector, Harvinder Singh, said the government's initiative to support manufacturing units was a welcome move. However, he stressed that the benefits of the scheme should reach small businesses at the grassroots level rather than being concentrated among larger companies.
According to Singh, many small enterprises often struggle to access the advantages offered under government programmes, while bigger players are generally better positioned to utilise such opportunities.
Ensuring wider participation, he said, would help maximise the impact of the scheme and support the growth of local manufacturers.
Announced in the Union Budget for 2026-27, the scheme seeks to strengthen India's sports goods manufacturing base through targeted support for investment, technology adoption, research and innovation, skill development, quality certification and market expansion.