Special focus on sports in Budget 2026-27. (Photo- PTI/X)

Sports Budget: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has shown big heart for the ministry in Budget 2026-27 and has announced the biggest budget till date. There has been an increase of Rs 1133.34 crore in the total budget of the ministry from the previous budget, after which this budget has now become Rs 4479.88 crore. Earlier in the budget of 2025-26 it was Rs 3346.54 crore.

Special focus on sports in Budget 2026-27

For the first time, special importance has been given to the sports goods manufacturing sector.

Khelo India Mission launched

The budget of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which is responsible for national camps, training of athletes and maintenance of stadiums across the country, has also been increased. SAI will now get Rs 917.38 crore, which was earlier Rs 880 crore.

Sitharaman said during her budget speech in the Lok Sabha, 'The sports sector provides many means of employment, skilling and job opportunities/ Taking forward the systematic nurturing of sports talent, which has been given impetus through the Khelo India programme, I propose to launch a Khelo India Mission to transform the sports sector over the next decade.'

Increase in aid for Commonwealth Games

Assistance for the Commonwealth Games has increased by 78%, now reaching Rs 50 crore. These games are to be held in Glasgow this year. Contribution to the National Sports Development Fund has been increased from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore. The incentive amount given to players has been increased from Rs 28 crore to Rs 40 crore.

However, there have also been cuts in some areas. The budget of the National Dope Testing Laboratory has reduced from Rs 28.55 crore to Rs 23 crore, that of the National Anti-Doping Agency from Rs 24.30 crore to Rs 20.30 crore, and that of the National Sports University from Rs 78.64 crore to Rs 46.98 crore.