India’s sports equipment manufacturing sector is gaining renewed attention after a major policy report highlighted its untapped export potential and capacity to become a global leader. The latest findings suggest that India could significantly expand its footprint in the global sports goods market, provided key structural challenges are addressed.
Released by NITI Aayog, the report outlines a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, boost exports, and generate large-scale employment. Despite having strong capabilities in select segments such as cricket equipment, India’s share in global sports equipment exports remains relatively small.
This development is important as it aligns with broader national initiatives like Make in India and the long-term vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047. With the global sports goods market expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, India’s ability to capture a larger share could have significant economic and industrial implications.
The report released by NITI Aayog underscores the vast opportunity for India to expand its presence in the global sports equipment market.
Globally, the sports goods industry is already valued at hundreds of billions of dollars and is projected to cross the trillion-dollar mark in the coming decade. Within this, the sports equipment segment represents a major growth driver.
India, however, currently accounts for only a small fraction—around 0.5 percent—of global sports equipment exports. This indicates a significant gap between potential and actual performance.
The report highlights that India has strong manufacturing capabilities, particularly in labour-intensive segments. Regions like Jalandhar and Meerut have long been known for producing high-quality sports goods, especially cricket equipment.
India’s sports goods manufacturing industry has historically been driven by small and medium enterprises. These MSME clusters have played a crucial role in supplying both domestic and international markets.
However, over the years, global competition has intensified, with countries like China and Vietnam gaining dominance due to scale, technology, and cost advantages.
Government initiatives such as Make in India have aimed to strengthen domestic manufacturing, but challenges related to infrastructure, technology, and policy support have limited growth in certain sectors, including sports equipment.
The report identifies several structural challenges that are hindering the growth of India’s sports equipment exports. These include high input costs, expensive certification processes, logistical inefficiencies, and limited access to advanced manufacturing technologies.
These factors contribute to a cost disadvantage of approximately 15 to 20 percent compared to global competitors. As a result, Indian manufacturers often struggle to compete in international markets.
Industry stakeholders have acknowledged these challenges and emphasised the need for targeted policy interventions. Many manufacturers have called for greater support in terms of infrastructure, financing, and access to global markets.
According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry India India’s exports in several manufacturing sectors have shown steady growth, but niche industries like sports equipment require focused attention to scale up.
Experts at the World Trade Organization have highlighted that reducing trade barriers and improving supply chain efficiency are critical for enhancing export competitiveness.
A report by the International Labour Organization also notes that labour-intensive industries like sports equipment manufacturing have significant potential to generate employment, especially in developing economies.
Industry experts further stress the importance of adopting advanced technologies such as automation, digital design, and quality testing to meet international standards.
To address existing challenges, the NITI Aayog report proposes a series of policy measures aimed at boosting competitiveness.
Key recommendations include:
Rationalising import duties on raw materials
Promoting technology upgradation among manufacturers
Establishing new manufacturing clusters
Creating shared testing and certification facilities
The report also suggests a coordinated investment of around ₹7,500 crore between 2027 and 2031 to strengthen the sector’s ecosystem.
Such investments are expected to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality, making Indian sports equipment more competitive globally.
If the recommended measures are implemented effectively, India’s sports equipment exports could witness exponential growth. Projections suggest that exports could rise from around ₹2,300 crore to over ₹75,000 crore by 2036.
This growth could significantly increase India’s share in the global market and position the country as a key player in the industry.
From an economic perspective, the sector has the potential to generate around 54 lakh jobs, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where many manufacturing units are located.
The expansion of the sports equipment industry could also have a multiplier effect, benefiting related sectors such as logistics, retail, and tourism.
Looking ahead, the success of this sector will depend on how effectively the recommendations are implemented.
Key focus areas include:
Strengthening MSME clusters
Enhancing export infrastructure
Promoting innovation and research
Building global brand recognition
The government is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating these changes through policy support and investment.
At the same time, private sector participation will be essential in driving innovation and scaling up production.
Conclusion
The release of the report by NITI Aayog marks a significant step toward unlocking the potential of India’s sports equipment manufacturing sector. With the global market expanding rapidly, India has a unique opportunity to increase its share and establish itself as a competitive exporter. However, achieving this goal will require a coordinated effort involving policy reforms, industry collaboration, and investment in technology and infrastructure. If executed effectively, the sector could become a major contributor to India’s economic growth, employment generation, and global trade presence in the coming years.