Sports Manufacturing Gets Policy Status
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted a landmark development: for the first time, “Sports Goods Manufacturing” has been formally included in the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. This decision, notified earlier this week, puts the industry on par with other national manufacturing sectors and opens new avenues for policy-driven growth.
“Sports goods manufacturing is a priority sector for us, and we must implement our plans steadily. This industry will not only boost the economy but also create large-scale employment. With the inclusion in the Allocation of Business Rules, the sector has entered a new era,” the Minister said.
‘Garv Se Swadeshi’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat
Reiterating the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Dr. Mandaviya called for adopting the spirit of “Garv se Swadeshi.” He urged both industry and consumers to prioritise indigenous products. “From 1% global share now, we have to take it to 25% by 2036. Economic growth happens when there is demand, and it increases with manufacturing, which also results in employment generation,” he emphasised.
India, with a population of 1.4 billion, already represents one of the world’s largest sports markets. The Minister underlined the need to build a self-reliant model that harnesses domestic strengths while aiming for global leadership.
Task Force and Policy Roadmap
A task force comprising ministry officials, national sports federations, and industry leaders will be established to design a comprehensive policy framework. The objective is to create an enabling environment for manufacturers, streamline regulatory processes, and boost exports.
According to Dr. Mandaviya, the conclave’s insights will feed directly into this framework. “All stakeholders will be brought together, and unanimously we will decide the roadmap for sports goods manufacturing,” he said.
Industry Outlook and Growth Potential
The Indian sports goods industry was valued at USD 4.88 billion (₹42,877 crore) in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.6 billion (₹57,800 crore) by 2027, before climbing to ₹87,300 crore by 2034. The sector already employs over five lakh people, mainly in MSME hubs such as Meerut, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Delhi-NCR.
India currently ranks as the third-largest sports goods manufacturer in Asia and the 21st-largest exporter worldwide. Exports worth USD 523 million in 2023–24 reached over 90 countries, with the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and France among the top markets. Emerging opportunities are also opening in South Africa, UAE, Canada, and Sweden.
Creating a Complete Ecosystem
Speakers at the conclave stressed that the vision goes beyond manufacturing. The roadmap aims to create an ecosystem combining industry, innovation, and employment opportunities. The focus will be on strengthening MSMEs, improving R&D, and scaling up India’s global competitiveness.
With strong government backing and growing global demand, experts believe India can position itself as a dominant force in sports goods production. As Dr. Mandaviya concluded, “This is not just about producing equipment, it is about empowering India’s youth, creating jobs, and contributing to national pride.”
