Sports university, new stadiums and more: Key sports announcements in West Bengal Budget 2026

The first BJP government of West Bengal has announced major developments in sports as part of its inaugural state budget. On Monday, June 22, 2026, the newly formed West Bengal government presented the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which outlines plans and projects across various sectors. Notably, sports remained a key focus of this budget, with provisions for talent development and the creation of international-standard facilities. In the new budget for Education, Sports, Art and Culture, the government has allocated 50,316 crore rupees.

West Bengal to get its first-ever sports university

The government has decided to open a new sports university to create more space for sports studies, which includes Athletics, a high-level sports training and coaching centre, and it will give more emphasis on the sports science course for which they have allocated 150 crore rupees for its development.

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The government also proposed 50 crore rupees to create more opportunities in the AVCG-XR sector, where more than 1lakh students will get the opportunity of training. They also have a plan to create 500 content creation labs. This is expected to open new horizons for sports-based employment as well as sports.

The Khelo India project

To give a new boost to the West Bengal sports diversity, the government will proceed with the ‘Khelo India’ project, of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in which every Legislative Assembly will get a mini-indoor stadium. The sports ministry will make 100 stadiums like this this year. The Government of West Bengal has proposed 100 crores for this, which will also include the renovation of Rabindra Sarobar stadium.

A brand-new stadium in North Bengal

In a major boost for North Bengal, the state has proposed 20 crore rupees to create an international-standard stadium. This will be a big relief for the North Bengal people, for a long time, the athletes of North Bengal have been demanding improved infrastructure. This new initiative is expected to largely fulfill that demand.

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Financial support to the clubs

It has been announced that clubs participating in national-level competitions will be given financial assistance of up to 1 crore Rupees. In addition, 50 crore Rupees has been allocated for job opportunities and awards for medal winning athletes at international and national levels. The government aims to provide long-term security and encouragement to talented players of Bengal.

The state government claims that the main objective of this plan is to further strengthen Bengal's representation in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and other international events.