India’s sports goods manufacturing sector continues to strengthen its global footprint, backed by a skilled workforce, cost competitiveness, and supportive government policies. From historic hubs like Meerut and Jalandhar to emerging clusters, India supplies over 300 product categories to 150+ countries. This article explores key export trends and major destinations, as well as how global sports brands — including Decathlon, Nike, Puma, and Adidas — are expanding their investment footprint in India.

India’s sports goods sector produces over 300 categories of goods and exports to more than 150 countries. The industry employs around 500,000 people and contributes to India’s export earnings, making it a priority under national initiatives like Make in India. Major production clusters include Jalandhar (Punjab) and Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), accounting for approximately 75–80 percent of domestic output.

The sector is export-intensive, with nearly. In FY 2023-24, India exported sports goods worth US$523.24 million, with the USA, UK, and Australia among the top buyers. Despite global competition, India’s competitive labor costs, skilled workforce, and increasing technology adoption have positioned it as the third-largest manufacturer of sports goods in Asia.

India’s sports goods manufacturing hubs

India’s sports goods manufacturing base is rooted in craftsmanship and diversified across equipment types, including cricket bats, hockey sticks, tennis rackets, gym gear, and aquatic sports items. The production ecosystem is primarily driven by MSMEs operating within designated industrial clusters.

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Meerut, in Uttar Pradesh, is the largest cluster, hosting over 35,200 registered sports goods manufacturing units, and accounts for 40 percent of India’s total sports goods exports. Products manufactured here include inflatable balls, cricket and football gear, gym and fitness equipment, and protective gear. The cluster benefits from pre-independence historical linkages with European and American buyers and has seen increased tech adoption in quality testing and logistics.

Jalandhar, in Punjab, is the second major hub, comprising over 3,000 units. It is known for manufacturing hand-stitched balls and protective gear. Jalandhar’s manufacturers serve clients across Europe and North America and have integrated digital sourcing and order management platforms.

In addition to these legacy hubs, emerging manufacturing regions such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, and Jammu are developing capabilities in niche segments. These include sportswear, indoor sports accessories, and synthetic materials.

Both major clusters are supported by common facility centers, testing labs, and tool rooms. The Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET) and the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) also provide skilling and design support to cluster units. Integration with Digital MSME and Udyog Aadhaar has helped these enterprises upgrade machinery and access government support schemes. Small and medium-sized businesses have also been integrated with Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) certification, which is aimed at improving quality and environmental standards in small-scale manufacturing.

Export performance over the years

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India’s sports goods exports have demonstrated consistent growth over recent years, reflecting a strong global demand base and manufacturing resilience. From US$402.44 million in FY 2016-17, exports rose to US$546 million in FY 2021-22, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13 percent. Although FY 2023-24 saw a slight dip to US$523.24 million, the performance remained robust amid changing global trade dynamics. In the first quarter of FY 2024-25 alone, exports stood at US$131.66 million, indicating stable momentum.

The product range has diversified considerably. Traditional categories such as inflatable balls, cricket and football gear, and gymnastic accessories continue to lead, while newer segments like protective wear, indoor game accessories, and recreational sports items, such as carrom boards and hammocks, are gaining traction.

India’s reputation as a dependable supplier has been bolstered by long-term sourcing relationships with global brands like Mitre, Umbro, Wilson, and Lotto. These companies rely on Indian clusters for tailored, high-quality, and competitively priced goods, reinforcing India’s position in global value chains.

Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI.

*FY 2024-25 (April-Jan) data is only for the first three quarters of the financial year.

Top export destinations for India’s sports goods

India exports sports goods to over 150 global markets. Between FY 2022-23 and FY 2024-25 (Apr–Jan), the United Kingdom and the US consistently led in import volumes, followed by Australia and Germany. These markets together account for a substantial share of India’s overall sports exports.

The United Kingdom imported US$40.74 million worth of goods in FY 2023–24 and US$34.07 million in the April–January period of FY 2024–25. The US followed closely with US$39.47 million and US$30.63 million, respectively. Australia’s uptake increased, with key demand in sports apparel and cricket equipment. Countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Canada also remain steady partners.

This export footprint indicates rising volume and diversification of demand, ranging from high-end sportswear and protective gear to general fitness and recreational products. Indian exporters have expanded digital marketing and trade fair participation to grow access in non-traditional regions, supported by both central and state government schemes.

Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI.

Competitive advantages and industry trends

According to a working paper on the Indian sports goods industry by Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank), India’s sports goods industry continues to benefit from a combination of traditional expertise and modern adaptability. Manufacturers are known for their ability to provide customized, handcrafted production, especially in niche categories such as cricket balls and traditional protective gear. In parallel, cost competitiveness gives Indian firms an edge in global procurement decisions.

The sector has actively integrated technology for precision manufacturing and quality assurance. Sports goods manufacturing units in locations such as Meerut and Jalandhar are increasingly using digital inspection tools, automation in stitching, and online customer interfaces to streamline operations. Digital B2B portals and third-party logistics support have further improved supply chain reliability.

In terms of sports goods shipment, trade data indicate notable growth in racket sports equipment exports from India, including table tennis, tennis, and badminton gear. Between 2010 and 2020, exports in these segments grew thirtyfold. By 2019, India held 1.2 percent of the global tennis equipment market, signaling competitiveness beyond traditional strongholds.

Central government support and export promotion

To strengthen its export ecosystem, India, in the past decade, has introduced several structured programs targeting sports goods manufacturers. The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC), established in 1958, under the Ministry of Commerce, serves as the nodal body promoting Indian goods in overseas markets. It facilitates Indian participation in trade fairs, arranges buyer-seller meets, and supports exporters in resolving procedural challenges.

Central government’s financial schemes like the Market Access Initiative (MAI) and Market Development Assistance (MDA) provide subsidies for promotional activities, product certification, and marketing in high-potential regions such as Africa, Latin America, and the ASEAN regions. MAI was revised in July 2021 and received a budgetary outlay of US$23.4 million until FY 2024-2. The combined budget allocation for Export Promotion Mission in FY 2025-26 is US$263 million. MDA, introduced in 2001, is a central government assistance program to help small businesses participate in trade fairs and activities abroad. These schemes also cover the cost of participation in global exhibitions and statutory compliance.

Indian exporters also stand to benefit from RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products), which offsets embedded taxes on inputs. This enhances product competitiveness and aligns with WTO-compliant trade incentive models.

In parallel, the central government is investing in sports infrastructure through public-private partnerships (PPP), creating new demand for sports goods. Incentives under Make in India and Startup India further enhance Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector.

Startup ecosystem and future outlook

India’s sports goods sector is witnessing a parallel rise in startup activity, especially in fitness tech, e-commerce, and performance analytics. Entrepreneurs are leveraging gaps in the market by introducing smart equipment, home fitness solutions, and digital platforms that connect consumers to merchandise, coaching, and analytics.

These ventures often collaborate with traditional manufacturers to introduce product innovation while raising funds through venture capital and accelerators. Digital brands have emerged across verticals, ranging from athletic wear and accessories to sports training aids, catering to urban and tier-II markets, like Meerut and Jalandhar.

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As a sign of growing investor interest, global retail and sportswear giants have stepped up their presence in India. Decathlon, the French sporting goods retailer, announced a planned investment of US$111 million over five years starting in 2024 to expand its retail network and local manufacturing. Meanwhile, global sportswear brands such as Nike, Puma, Crocs, and Adidas have committed a combined US$2 billion investment in India’s sports footwear manufacturing sector. This initiative is expected to generate approximately 230,000 jobs, further boosting domestic production and supply chain integration.

As health awareness and government-led sports initiatives grow, demand for both professional-grade and recreational equipment is expected to expand. Industry analysts estimate that India’s sports goods market will grow from US$3.9 billion in 2021 to US$6.6 billion by 2027, with exports and domestic demand sharing this growth.

In brief

India’s sports goods sector combines manufacturing heritage, export potential, and policy support to remain competitive globally. With expanding infrastructure, diversified product portfolios, and stronger FTA linkages, India is well-positioned to meet international demand and solidify its global standing.

The outlook is positive, with infrastructure expansion, export incentives, and startup agility reinforcing India’s path to becoming a global sports manufacturing hub.