Sports gets CSR spotlight as Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) names it common theme for 2026-28
The Department of Public Enterprises has announced "Developing of Sports activities" as its Common CSR theme for upcoming financial years.
In a major boost, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has announced “Development of Sporting Activities” as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) theme for the financial years 2026-27 and 2027-28, shifting focus towards boosting sports development through Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
The Department of Public Enterprise’s CSR themes have been previously based on sectors such as education, healthcare and nutrition. The “Common CSR theme”), introduced in 2018 aims to direct at least 60 per cent of CPSE’s CSR budget towards priority areas such as primary education and healthcare. Over time the focus has expanded to include health and nutrition to ensure targeted interventions with greater developmental impact.
Despite sports promotion being an eligible CSR activity under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, the sector did not receive dedicated common theme status within the DPE framework. Consequently, CSR investments in sports have been limited due to individual priorities of CPSEs.
With the DPE’s Office Memorandum dated June 18, 2026, sports is an official Common CSR Theme and specifies key intervention areas such as sports infrastructure, supply of sports equipment, professional training and nurture programs.
The inclusion of sports in Common CSR theme is expected to raise sports’ visibility in CPSE CSR planning. The decision may open doors for investment for grassroots sports infrastructure, athlete support systems, and other talent identification programs. This also aligns with the Governemnt’s broader vision outlined in the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and the Khelo India Mission.
Sportscape believes this move is a strategic push to bridge the funding gap in Indian sports, especially at the grassroots level. By choosing sports as a Common CSR Theme, CPSEs are now more likely to provide consistent investments into infrastructure, training and talent support. However, effective implementation will be a key factor in strengthenin India's sporting ecosystem.
Written by