Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet has granted approval for the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme.

• Aim – To establish a globally competitive ecosystem for sports goods manufacturing within India.
• Aligned with
  • Khelo Bharat Niti 2025
  • Make in India
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat
  • Viksit Bharat@2047
• Major Components
• Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs)
• Establishment of dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones.
• Facilitates cluster-based manufacturing and the development of integrated industrial ecosystems.
• Co-location of:
  • Manufacturers and suppliers.
  • Testing facilities.
  • Design and prototyping centres.
  • Ancillary enterprises.
• Infrastructure convergence:
  • BHAVYA Scheme.
  • NICDC Industrial Parks (National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation).
• Investment Promotion and Manufacturing Expansion

• Two major components:

• Strengthening MSMEs and Existing Manufacturing Clusters
  • Strengthening MSMEs through the upgradation of existing sports goods manufacturing clusters.
  • Developing common facilities and shared infrastructure to enhance the competitiveness of smaller enterprises.
• Quality Improvement and International Certification
  • Provision of financial support for the acquisition and renewal of certifications issued by International Sports Federations.
  • Significance – Improve the quality and performance standards of Indian sports goods.
  • Facilitate international market access and enhance global confidence in Indian-made sports goods.
• Research, Technology and Innovation – The establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in leading educational and research institutions is proposed.
• Key research focus areas include:
  • Development of advanced sports equipment.
  • Innovations in material sciences.
  • Design and improvement of protective gear.
  • Application of advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Institutional convergence initiatives – Collaboration with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
  • Engagement with the Startup India initiative.
• Objective – To promote sports innovation through R&D, technology start-ups, product development, testing, validation and commercialisation.
• Skill Development Initiatives – Implementation of skill development programmes tailored to industry requirements.
• These programmes are implemented in collaboration with:
  • Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
  • Relevant industry stakeholders.
• Export Promotion and Global Market Access
  • Undertake dedicated branding, outreach and market development initiatives through the Export Promotion Mission.
  • Enhance international market access, global visibility and exports of Indian sports goods.
• Important Institutions and Initiatives

Reference

PIB | Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme