NITI Aayog Sets Out Roadmap to Expand India’s Sports Equipment Exports

India’s sports equipment manufacturing sector could become a significant contributor to exports and employment if targeted policy reforms are implemented, according to a new report released by NITI Aayog on 19 March 2026. The assessment examines India’s manufacturing capabilities, global market opportunities and structural constraints, and proposes a long-term roadmap to position the country as a competitive supplier within global sports equipment value chains.

The report, titled Realising the Export Potential of India’s Sports Equipment Manufacturing Sector, was launched by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery in the presence of senior officials from central and state governments and industry representatives. Details of the release were published by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The study aligns with the Make in India initiative and the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, framing sports equipment as an under-recognised manufacturing opportunity.

Global demand creates an opening for Indian manufacturers

The report estimates that the global sports goods market—including apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories—was valued at around US$700 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2036. Within this, sports equipment alone accounts for approximately US$140 billion, with demand expected to reach US$283 billion over the same period.

Global exports of sports equipment were valued at about US$52 billion in 2024, driven by higher participation in sports, the expansion of professional leagues and rising fitness awareness. NITI Aayog notes that this sustained growth provides a viable export-led manufacturing opportunity for countries able to meet quality, cost and scale requirements.

India’s current position and manufacturing base

India currently exports around US$275 million worth of sports equipment annually, accounting for roughly 0.5% of global exports. Manufacturing activity is concentrated in established clusters such as Jalandhar in Punjab and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, supported by networks of exporters, domestic producers and thousands of micro-enterprises.

The sector is predominantly MSME-driven, with around 90% of output coming from small and micro enterprises. NITI Aayog highlights this structure as a strength for job creation and local economic development. India’s domestic sports goods market is estimated at US$2.5 billion, of which sports equipment represents about US$0.5 billion, indicating further scope for domestic and export growth.

Cost and capability constraints affecting export competitiveness

The report identifies several structural challenges that limit India’s ability to compete with major exporters such as China and Pakistan. Indian manufacturers face an estimated 15–20% cost disadvantage, arising from both input costs and ecosystem gaps.

Key constraints include high import duties on critical raw materials such as carbon fibre, EVA foam and polyurethane; elevated certification costs to meet international sports standards; logistics inefficiencies; limited access to advanced manufacturing technologies; and weak integration with global sports brands and procurement networks. Limited international visibility and branding of Indian sports equipment further restrict market access.

Policy roadmap to 2036

To address these gaps, NITI Aayog proposes a coordinated policy and investment roadmap aimed at establishing India as a globally competitive sports equipment supplier by 2036. The recommendations focus on reducing costs, upgrading technology and strengthening manufacturing clusters.

• Tariff rationalisation: Lowering duties on key raw materials to improve cost competitiveness
• MSME support: Technology upgradation and capital assistance for small manufacturers
• Cluster development: Four new greenfield manufacturing clusters in port-adjacent states and modernisation of Meerut and Jalandhar
• Common facilities: Shared testing, certification and quality infrastructure
• Branding: Development of a global Brand India framework for sports equipment

The roadmap envisages coordinated investment of around ₹7,500 crore between 2027 and 2031 to support ecosystem development. This manufacturing push sits alongside broader government efforts to strengthen advanced manufacturing and technology adoption, as reflected in wider industrial priorities discussed in India’s plans for AI, data centres and semiconductor growth.

Export growth and employment impact

If the recommended measures are implemented effectively, the report estimates that India’s sports equipment exports could rise from US$275 million in 2024 to around US$8.1 billion by 2036. This would increase India’s share of global exports to approximately 11%.

The expansion could generate an estimated 5.4 million additional jobs, largely within MSME-based manufacturing clusters. NITI Aayog links this potential to India’s wider industrial strategy, which has also been reinforced through recent fiscal measures outlined in the Union Budget’s focus on manufacturing and technology.

Leveraging upcoming global sporting events

The report also points to the next decade of major international sporting events as a sustained opportunity for Indian manufacturers to integrate into global procurement networks. This includes the potential bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, which could stimulate demand and accelerate capability building across the sector.

Based on consultations with more than 50 stakeholders across government, industry and the wider manufacturing ecosystem, NITI Aayog concludes that coordinated action will be essential to convert global demand into long-term industrial capacity and export competitiveness.