Union Budget 2026–27 Announces Khelo India Mission with ₹4,479.88 Crore Allocation
The Union Budget 2026–27 introduces the Khelo India Mission as a long-term framework for sports development in India. The Budget allocates ₹4,479.88 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and provides ₹924.35 crore for Khelo India during 2026–27. A ₹500 crore initiative has also been announced for sports goods manufacturing.
The Union Budget 2026–27 outlines sports development within a broader national framework guided by three kartavyas: accelerating and sustaining economic growth, fulfilling the aspirations of people while strengthening their capacity, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities across regions and sectors.
During 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 announced Khelo India Mission builds upon the existing Khelo India Scheme and adopts a mission-mode approach for structured and long-term sports development. The initiative aims to establish a pathway from grassroots sports participation to elite-level performance.
Budgetary Allocations
The Budget provides ₹4,479.88 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for 2026–27, marking the highest allocation for the Ministry.
Financial support for the Khelo India Scheme over the years has been as follows:
- 2017-18 to 2019-20: Rs. 1756 crore approved for three years.
- 2020-21: Rs. 328.77 crore allocated for one year.
- 2021-22 to 2025-26: Rs. 3790.50 crore approved for five years.
- 2026-27: ₹924.35 crore allocated for Khelo India.
Sports Goods Manufacturing
A separate ₹500 crore initiative has been announced to strengthen sports goods manufacturing. The initiative focuses on:
- Expanding domestic manufacturing capacity
- Supporting research and innovation in equipment design
- Advancing material sciences for sports equipment
- Strengthening participation in global sports supply chains
- Creating employment opportunities in manufacturing and related sectors
Youth Engagement Initiatives
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026 to promote youth engagement with budget provisions.
The competition is conducted in two stages on the MY Bharat platform and is open to registered youth:
- Round 1 (3-17 February 2026): Online quiz on the Union Budget 2026. Top performers from each State and Union Territory qualify for Round 2.
- Round 2 (17 February - 3 March 2026): Essay-writing round on 8 topics aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. Evaluation will take place from 3-10 March 2026, and State/UT merit lists will be announced on 10 March 2026.
Selected winners will have the opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi regarding the vision of a Viksit Bharat Budget.
The Budget sets a target of positioning India among the Top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and among the Top 5 by 2047.
Source: PIB Research