Sitharaman announces Khelo India Mission:10-year initiative aims to make India a global sporting hub

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a landmark announcement during the Union Budget 2026 session by unveiling a 10-year roadmap aimed at transforming India’s sports sector. The plan reflects a major shift in the government’s approach, moving beyond medal wins to recognising sports as a powerful contributor to economic growth and employment. At the heart of this long-term vision is the launch of the Khelo India Mission, a revitalised initiative designed to turn India into a global sporting powerhouse. The Finance Minister underlined that the sports ecosystem today plays a much larger role in the economy, offering opportunities across multiple industries. The announcement comes at a crucial time as India strengthens its global sporting ambitions. With major international events on the horizon, the government’s focus is now on building a strong, professional and sustainable sports industry for the next decade. Khelo India Mission at the centre of the vision for 10-years While presenting the Budget, Sitharaman stressed the need for the structured and systematic development of sports talent across the country. She highlighted how the Khelo India programme has already laid the foundation at the grassroots level and how the expanded mission will take it forward. “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,” Sitharaman said. The Mission aims to strengthen India’s sports framework through better planning, professional management and long-term investment, ensuring sustained growth rather than short-term success. Focus on jobs beyond the playing field A key theme of the sports-related Budget announcements is the professionalisation of the industry. The Finance Minister emphasised that the expansion of the Khelo India Mission will create large-scale employment opportunities, not only for athletes but across various supporting sectors. The government expects job growth in areas such as technical and coaching roles, including certified coaches, high-performance directors and talent scouts. The expansion will also create opportunities in sports science and medicine, opening doors for physiotherapists, sports psychologists, nutritionists and researchers. In addition, the sports ecosystem will require skilled professionals in sports management, event planning, logistics and facility maintenance. The manufacturing of sports equipment is also expected to benefit, with job creation in the design and production of affordable, high-quality gear under the “Make in India” initiative. India prepares for a major sporting future The government’s long-term commitment comes as India prepares to host the 100th Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030 and strengthens its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. By planning a decade-long transformation, policymakers aim to create a strong and reliable sports infrastructure that can support global events. Officials believe this strategic approach will ensure that sports development becomes a permanent part of India’s economic and cultural identity. The Khelo India Mission is expected to play a central role in nurturing talent, improving infrastructure and creating employment nationwide. Government aim to make India global hub for sports goods The sports goods industry plan aligns closely with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The aim is to reduce dependence on imported high-quality sports gear and promote locally manufactured products. By supporting domestic manufacturers, the Budget seeks to increase India’s share in the global sports goods market, where demand for affordable and high-quality equipment is growing steadily. Industry observers believe the timing of the announcement is important, given the rapid expansion of India’s sports ecosystem. Rising participation at grassroots and professional levels has created new demand for sports equipment, making policy clarity and financial support crucial for the sector’s growth.