Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced the government’s ambitious plan to transform India into a global hub for sports goods manufacturing. Speaking at the National Sports Goods Industry Conclave held in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, on September 1, 2025, Mandaviya emphasized that the sector holds immense potential for job creation, exports, and innovation. He assured industry stakeholders that the government is committed to supporting the sector through policy reforms, infrastructure development, and global market access.
Meerut, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana have long been the backbone of India’s sports goods industry, producing everything from cricket bats and footballs to gym equipment and athletic wear. However, Mandaviya stressed the need to modernize production, integrate technology, and scale exports to meet rising global demand.
🧭 Key Announcements from Mandaviya’s Address
| Initiative / Focus Area | Details / Objective |
|---|---|
| National Sports Goods Policy | To be drafted by end of 2025 |
| Export Facilitation Cell | Dedicated support for international trade |
| Skill Development Programs | Training 1 lakh youth in sports manufacturing |
| PLI Scheme Extension | Inclusion of sports goods under PLI umbrella |
| Global Branding Campaign | “Make in India, Play with India” initiative |
Mandaviya stated, “India has the talent, tradition, and technical capability to lead the world in sports goods. We will ensure that our manufacturers get the support they need to compete globally.”
🔍 India’s Sports Goods Industry: Current Landscape
India’s sports goods sector is valued at approximately ₹12,000 crore and employs over 5 lakh people directly and indirectly. The industry is export-oriented, with key markets in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
| Segment | Key Products | Leading Manufacturing Hubs |
|---|---|---|
| Team Sports | Cricket bats, footballs, hockey gear | Meerut, Jalandhar |
| Fitness Equipment | Dumbbells, resistance bands, treadmills | Ludhiana, Delhi NCR |
| Outdoor Sports | Badminton rackets, tennis balls | Chennai, Hyderabad |
| Apparel & Footwear | Jerseys, shoes, gloves | Bengaluru, Tirupur |
Despite its legacy, the sector faces challenges such as outdated machinery, limited R&D, and fragmented supply chains.
📉 Export Performance and Global Positioning
India’s sports goods exports have grown steadily, but still lag behind countries like China, Germany, and Taiwan in terms of volume and branding.
| Year | Export Value (₹ crore) | Growth Rate (%) | Top Export Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | ₹2,100 | 8.2% | UK, USA, Australia, UAE |
| 2022–23 | ₹2,450 | 16.6% | Germany, Canada, South Africa |
| 2023–24 | ₹2,980 | 21.6% | France, Netherlands, Japan |
| 2024–25* | ₹3,400 (est.) | 14.1% | Brazil, Italy, Singapore |
Mandaviya emphasized that with the right policy push, India can double its exports by 2030.
🔥 Government’s Strategic Roadmap
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is working on a multi-pronged strategy to boost the sector.
| Strategic Pillar | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Sports goods parks, logistics hubs |
| Technology Integration | AI-based design, smart materials |
| MSME Support | Credit access, digital onboarding |
| Quality Certification | BIS standards, global compliance labs |
| E-commerce Enablement | ONDC integration, global marketplaces |
The roadmap also includes partnerships with global sports brands for co-manufacturing and design innovation.
🧠 Industry Reactions and Stakeholder Feedback
| Stakeholder Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Rajiv Bansal | President, Sports Goods Exporters Association | “PLI inclusion will be a game-changer.” |
| Meera Iyer | Sports Retail Analyst | “India must invest in branding and packaging.” |
| Harsha Bhogle | Sports Commentator | “This is a golden opportunity for local talent.” |
Manufacturers have welcomed the government’s proactive stance and called for faster implementation of proposed reforms.
📦 Skill Development and Employment Potential
The government aims to train over 1 lakh youth in sports goods manufacturing by 2027 through Skill India and NSDC programs.
| Program Name | Target Beneficiaries | Training Modules | Certification Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SportsTech India | 50,000 | CAD design, material science | IIT Kanpur |
| FitForIndia | 30,000 | Equipment assembly, QC | NSDC |
| PlayMakers | 20,000 | Apparel stitching, branding | Apparel Export Council |
These programs are expected to boost employment, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
📌 Conclusion
India’s ambition to become a global sports goods manufacturing hub is not just a policy goal—it’s a strategic vision rooted in tradition, talent, and transformation. With strong government backing, industry enthusiasm, and rising global demand, the sector is poised for exponential growth. As Mandaviya aptly put it, “India will not just play the game—we will make the game.”
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements and industry data as of September 2, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, policy, or business advice.
