India’s sports equipment manufacturing sector has been identified as a strong candidate for export-led growth, job creation and MSME expansion. NITI Aayog has released a report that maps the sector’s global potential, current constraints and policy steps needed to make India a competitive supplier in world markets. The report aligns with Make in India and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Global Market Opportunity
The global sports goods market was valued at about $700 billion in 2024 and is projected to cross $1 trillion by 2036. Sports equipment alone forms a large segment of this market, with global demand expected to rise sharply. International exports of sports equipment stood at around $52 billion in 2024, supported by higher sports participation, professional leagues and fitness awareness.
India’s Current Position
India exports sports equipment worth about $275 million annually, giving it only around 0.5% of the global export market. Production is concentrated in clusters such as Jalandhar in Punjab and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 90% of the sector is driven by micro, small and medium enterprises. India’s domestic sports goods market is estimated at about $2.5 billion, showing room for further expansion.
Key Challenges
The report notes a 15–20% cost disadvantage for Indian manufacturers compared with competitors such as China and Pakistan. Major constraints include:
- High customs duties on key raw materials.
- High certification and compliance costs.
- Logistics inefficiencies and higher input costs.
- Limited access to advanced technology.
- Weak linkages with global brands and procurement chains.
Roadmap and Growth Potential
The report recommends duty rationalisation, technology upgradation, shared testing facilities, and new greenfield clusters in port-proximate states. It also calls for modernising existing clusters and building a global Brand India framework. The roadmap envisages an investment of about ₹7,500 crore between 2027 and 2031. If implemented, exports could rise to about $8.1 billion by 2036, while the sector may generate around 54 lakh additional jobs.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026