Srinagar, Oct. 30 -- On October 28, the Union Cabinet approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with an outlay of INR 1,856.67 crore. The money will be spent from 2027 to 2034. This scheme was first announced in the Union Budget along with a timeline that matters, as often we have seen good ideas often stay on paper only.

Currently, India produces a lot of sports goods. A case in point is Jalandhar and Meerut. The two big centres are popular for making sports items and products. Together the two cities have over 250 exporting units and nearly 20,000 household units. About 90% of production comes from small and micro firms.

Especially the bat manufacturing industry is massive, India producers are experts in the field. In...