Overview of India's Sports Goods Manufacturing Industry

India's traditional sports goods manufacturing hubs like Meerut and Jalandhar have been pivotal for decades, yet the industry remains under-leveraged. With India aiming to host upcoming major international sporting events, there is an anticipated surge in demand for certified, athlete-ready equipment.

Global Market Context

• The global sports goods industry is valued at nearly $700 billion and is projected to exceed $1 trillion in the next decade.
• Sports equipment, the largest category, currently stands at $400 billion and is expected to double.

India's Current Position

• India's exports are approximately $523 million, compared to a global trade of $51 billion.
• Imports of over $300 million worth of equipment highlight an opportunity and gap in the market.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Indian manufacturing clusters need modern infrastructure, design innovation, and certification pathways to compete globally.
• With a focus on MSMEs and Olympic-standard equipment, India can reduce import dependence and create millions of jobs.

Certification and R&D

• Certification of equipment is essential but not sufficient; investment in R&D is crucial for sporting excellence.
• South Korea's example: Grassroots athletes use inexpensive plastic equipment, while R&D supports the production of Olympic-grade materials.

Infrastructure Development

• Create indigenous testing laboratories and digital platforms for local certification and market access.
• Establish a marketplace platform connecting sports federations, athletes, and manufacturers.

Policy and Administrative Support

• The inclusion of sports goods manufacturing in the Allocation of Business Rules 1961 under the sports ministry provides clear policy direction.
• Partnerships with state governments and a whole-of-government approach are necessary for sector development.

Strategic Initiatives

• Formation of a task force with industry and sports federation representatives to identify gaps and simplify processes.
• Promote the development of integrated sports manufacturing parks.

By leveraging these strategic initiatives, India has the potential to transform from a peripheral exporter to a global leader in the sports goods industry, ensuring that world-class athletes use Indian-made equipment.