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₹1,857 Crore Sports Goods Scheme Opens New Opportunities For Technical Textiles

• By  Textile Excellence
• October 31, 2026

India’s sports goods industry is set for a major manufacturing push, and technical textiles could be among the beneficiaries. The Union Cabinet has approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, with an outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for 2026–2033-34, to attract investment, promote innovation and build a globally competitive sports goods manufacturing base.

For technical textile manufacturers, the opportunity lies in supplying advanced materials and components for sports equipment, performance products and protective gear. The scheme specifically identifies material sciences, protective gear and advanced manufacturing technologies as areas for research and innovation.

A major component is the development of dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones, bringing manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities, design and prototyping centres and ancillary enterprises together. These zones will be linked with existing industrial infrastructure under the BHAVYA Scheme and NICDC Industrial Parks, creating opportunities for material suppliers and component manufacturers to become part of integrated supply chains.

The scheme also provides ₹1,130 crore in combined support through anchor investment and turnover-linked incentives. This is intended to attract leading domestic and global manufacturers, expand production capacity and develop supplier ecosystems.

Research and innovation receive particular attention. Centres of Excellence at premier educational and research institutions will work on sports equipment, material sciences, protective gear and advanced manufacturing. Start-ups will also receive support to develop, test, validate and commercialise new products and technologies.

Another important provision is ₹105 crore for obtaining and renewing certifications from International Sports Federations. This could help manufacturers meet international performance and quality requirements and improve access to export markets.

The scheme also supports existing manufacturing clusters through common facilities and shared infrastructure, while export promotion initiatives will focus on branding, outreach and international market access.

For technical textile companies, sports goods offer a potential new application market spanning performance materials, specialist fabrics and protective products.

The scheme also supports existing manufacturing clusters through common facilities and shared infrastructure, while export promotion initiatives will focus on branding, outreach and international market access. For technical textile companies, sports goods offer a potential new application market spanning performance materials, specialist fabrics and protective products.