Report: With Boost In Sports Infrastruture, Private Players Aim To Play Major Roles In Building And Managing Sports Infrastructure

While India is preparing to host its second Commonwealth Games in 2030, Ahmedabad is eyeing the 2036 Olympics, and many developments are unfolding every day. Apart from planning a sharp increase in sports infrastructure, the administration is aiming to invest substantially in public private partnership. According to The Economic Times, India anticipates a substantial boost to sports infrastructure funding in the Union Budget 2026-27, driven by ambitions to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bid for the 2036 Olympics.

Budget Expectations

This plan emphasizes multi-year capital investments, private sector participation through PPPs, and world-class facilities nationwide.​ The government may unveil a 10-year roadmap with a large funding pool for training centers, talent identification systems, and a National Institute of Sports Science and Research. Sports ministry allocations have grown to over 146% from the past decade to ₹3,794 crore in 2025-26, but officials signal a sharper increase ahead.​

PPP Role

Private involvement will target stadiums, multi-sport complexes, and events, easing public burden via revenue models like naming rights and non-sport income. The Indian sports market is expected to grow at a 10-12% compound annual growth rate. As per the report published by CareEdge Ratings last year, the current value of the Indian sports market is estimated to be around $52 billion. The number is expected to spike in the near future. The sports ministry has also focused on youth empowerment, sports participation, and enhancing India’s international sports standing through various initiatives. Khelo India's ₹1,000 crore 2025-26 allocation supports similar state-level upgrades.

Regional Impact

This aligns with J&K's recent MoUs (e.g., with LEAD) and national policies promoting CSR and sponsorships for infrastructure. In J&K, such national pushes could accelerate SASCI projects like Khel Gaon Budgam and border sports hubs, complementing proposals for ₹600 crore employment-focused facilities. This proposal has been kick-started by the state sports minister Satish Sharma. He also requested the centre to revive the work for the Arun Jaitley International Cricket Stadium that has been stalled for some time now.