New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced a dedicated initiative for high-quality sports goods manufacturing and research, while presenting the Union Budget 2026-27.

"I propose a dedicated initiative for high-quality sports goods manufacturing, research and innovation in equipment design as well as material sciences," Sitharaman said.

India, she said, has the potential to emerge as a global hub for high-quality, affordable sports goods.

Sitharaman proposed to introduce a scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters "to improve their cost competitiveness and efficiency through infrastructure and technology upgradation."

The Finance Minister said that the sports Sector provides multiple means ...