Union Budget Boosts Sports Goods Manufacturing, Commonwealth Games Funding Hiked

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a dedicated initiative and significant allocation for sports goods manufacturing, aiming to make India a global hub.
• The overall sports ministry budget increased by over Rs 1000 crore, reaching Rs 4479.88 crore from Rs 3346.54 crore.
• Assistance for the Commonwealth Games saw a 78% hike, from Rs 28.05 crore to Rs 50 crore.
• The Sports Authority of India (SAI) received an increased allocation of Rs 917.38 crore, while the Khelo India programme got Rs 924.35 crore.
• Budget for National Dope Testing Laboratory, National Anti-Doping Agency, and National Sports University saw reductions.

Why It Matters: Union Budget significantly boosts sports goods manufacturing and Commonwealth Games funding, with overall sports budget rising.