A game-changing report from NITI Aayog reveals India could tap into $8.1 billion in sports equipment exports, potentially generating 5.4 million cumulative jobs in MSME clusters by 2036. This comes as global supply chains realign, major events loom, and policies push for export growth over imports.
Titled ‘Realizing India’s Sports Goods Manufacturing Export Potential,’ the analysis paints a bright future. India’s 2024 exports reached $275 million, primarily cricket items, fitness tools, and balls, capturing just 0.5% of the $52 billion global export pie.
The worldwide market is exploding from $140 billion now to $283 billion by 2036. Key segments include fitness equipment (33%), ball games (32%), athletic training gear (14%), and racket/net games (10%). Export leaders are gym/athletic equipment (27%) and cycles (17%), with leg pads, nets, bats, and golf gear following.
While China leads, fragmentation in the US, Taiwan, Germany, and Vietnam creates entry points for India. Success hinges on fixing structural cost issues, building major brand ties, modernizing factories, and improving branding and market reach.
NITI Aayog stresses unified government action, industry partnerships with sports bodies, and relentless barrier-breaking. This strategic push could position India as a competitive global player, driving jobs and self-reliance in manufacturing.