India’s sports equipment manufacturers have set an ambitious target. They aim to skyrocket exports from the current $4 billion to a staggering $24 billion by 2036. This vision is part of a strategic national push to build the economy through manufacturing.
Manohar B Kumar, secretary general of the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council, highlighted the plan. He stated that following NITI Aayog’s roadmap can make sports goods integral to India’s economic strategy. This aligns with the government’s broader Make in India initiative, linking sports development with industrial growth.
The NITI Aayog report is titled “Realising the Export Potential of India’s Sports Equipment Manufacturing Sector.” It arrives at a crucial time. The government is actively fostering connections between sports and industry to drive progress.
Currently, India is a small player on the global stage. The country holds just 0.5 percent of global sports equipment exports, valued at about $275 million. This stands in stark contrast to China, which dominates nearly half of the entire world market.
Yet the opportunity is truly massive. The global sports goods market is estimated at $700 billion. Sports equipment alone contributes roughly $140 billion to that colossal figure.
In response, NITI Aayog has set clear export goals. The target for sports equipment exports is $8.1 billion by 2036. Total sports goods exports, including apparel and accessories, are projected to hit approximately $24 billion by the same year.
Domestic production is also poised for a major leap. It is expected to grow from around $460 million today to about $8.9 billion over the next decade. This growth signifies a transformative period for the sector.
A primary focus of the report is job creation. The labour-intensive nature of sports goods manufacturing holds significant potential for employment. Estimates suggest over 54 lakh new jobs could be created by 2036, driving inclusive growth.
The sector also presents a great opportunity for MSMEs, start-ups, and local manufacturing clusters. This aligns perfectly with India’s objective to promote and strengthen its small-scale industries. Growing fitness demand and increased school sports programmes will fuel this growth.
Major international events will provide a further boost. The upcoming Commonwealth Games in 2030 is expected to significantly increase demand for sports goods. This creates a perfect storm for expansion.
However, significant structural challenges remain. The report points out several hurdles that hinder India’s global competitiveness. These issues must be addressed to reach the ambitious export target.
High input costs are a major burden for manufacturers. They face expensive raw materials like PU, TPU, and carbon fibre. There is also a 15-20 percent cost disadvantage compared to global competitors due to import reliance.
Other logistical issues impede scale. High logistics costs, infrastructure gaps, and a lack of access to qualified labour further complicate manufacturing efforts. On the demand side, Indian companies lack a strong international presence.
Weak integration with global value chains is another obstacle. Low participation in international sporting organisations means less visibility for Indian brands. This limits market penetration abroad.
Certification poses a significant barrier. Many Indian manufacturers still depend on testing facilities in Europe or the UK. This results in delays of up to 20 weeks, slowing innovation and time to market for new products.
Historically, manufacturing has been concentrated in traditional clusters like Meerut and Jalandhar. While these areas have historical strengths, they now face expansion limits. Limited land and aging industrial infrastructure constrain their growth.
The report suggests a geographical shift. It recommends developing new manufacturing clusters in states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. These regions offer better port access, logistics, and modern manufacturing ecosystems.
Such a move could lead to greater cost savings and attract new investments. By building capacity beyond traditional hubs, India can better position itself to meet the massive global opportunity and achieve its bold export vision.