With the Union Budget proposing to promote India as a global hub of quality sports goods, among other initiatives, players such as Decathlon believes that it will strengthen the sports ecosystem.
Sankar Chatterjee, CEO, Decathlon India told businessline, “The Union Budget’s focus on Khelo India, sports infrastructure and domestic sports goods manufacturing aligns closely with our ongoing efforts and reinforces a shared vision of increasing participation, promoting active lifestyles as a pathway to wellbeing, and strengthening India’s sports ecosystem end-to-end.”
The Union Budget has made a first-time allocation of ₹500 crore dedicated to promoting quality sports goods manufacturing, research and innovation in equipment design as well as material sciences. This comes as the government acknowledged India’s potential to become the global hub for high quality affordable sports goods.
“At Decathlon Sports India, we are building a comprehensive sports ecosystem that enables participation and nurtures a strong sportive mindset—through experience-led retail spaces, affordable and highly technical products, a growing ‘Make in India’ manufacturing footprint, and digital platforms that help people discover, learn and engage with sports. Design and product innovation are central to this ecosystem, guiding how we create practical, high-quality sports solutions that support everyday movement. We believe an active lifestyle is the foundation of holistic wellbeing, and by designing and producing sports equipment in India, we aim to make high-quality sport accessible to communities across the country,” Chatterjee added.
The Government will also launch Khelo India Mission. It will facilitate an integrated talent development pathway, supported by training centres. It will also focus on systematic development of coaches and support staff as well as integration of sports science and technology. At the same time the Mission will also facilitate competitions and leagues to promote sports culture and provide platforms and development of sports infrastructure for training and competition.
Prasanth Shanthakumaran, Partner and Head- Sports Sector, KPMG India said that the Budget has identified sports as an area for job creation through coaching, sports management, event management and Sports science amongst other areas. “Sports will also benefit from focus on tourism as both inbound and outbound tourism will enhance participation in major events scheduled in India like Commonwealth and ICC events,” he added.
Published on February 2, 2026