India Eyes $8.1B Sports Exports by 2036, Targets 11% Global Share

India has set an ambitious goal to transform its sports equipment manufacturing sector into an $8.1 billion export industry by 2036. This significant target, detailed in a March 2026 report by NITI Aayog, aims to dramatically increase India’s global market share.

Currently, India’s sports equipment exports stand at $275 million as of 2024, representing a 0.5% global market share. The new objective seeks to expand this to 11% by 2036, a growth trajectory projected to create approximately 54 lakh cumulative jobs.

Key Export Targets and Current Standing

• Target Export Value by 2036: $8.1 billion
• Current Export Value (2024): $275 million
• Target Global Market Share: 11%
• Current Global Market Share: 0.5%
• Projected Job Creation: 54 lakh cumulative jobs

Achieving this substantial growth requires overcoming several manufacturing challenges. Policymakers and manufacturers discussed these hurdles at the IAMGAME Sports Conclave, identifying a primary issue as India’s 15% cost disadvantage compared to competitors like China and Pakistan.

Manufacturing Challenges to Overcome

• Cost Disadvantage: 15% higher costs compared to competitors like China and Pakistan.
• Raw Material Dependency: Reliance on expensive imported raw materials such as carbon fiber and specialized polymers.
• Machinery and Duties: High costs for imported machinery, further exacerbated by import duties.
• Quality Control: Restrictions impacting product quality and consistency.
• Import Reliance: The domestic sports goods market, valued at $2.5 billion (with equipment at $500 million), heavily relies on imports, with China supplying over 60%.

To address these issues, the NITI Aayog report proposes several strategic investments. These include significant allocations for new infrastructure and modernization of existing production centers.

Strategic Investments and Infrastructure Development

• New Clusters: Investment of Rs 4,000 crore in four new greenfield manufacturing clusters located near ports.
• Hub Modernization: Rs 1,000 crore allocated to modernize existing manufacturing hubs in Meerut and Jalandhar.
• Support Facilities: These clusters would provide shared infrastructure, R&D centers, and single-window customs support to boost competitiveness and attract international buyers.
• Testing Laboratories: The report suggests collaborating with international sports federations to establish domestic internationally accredited testing facilities, addressing a current barrier that forces manufacturers to send products overseas for certification, incurring high costs and delays.

While some advocate for developing global Indian sports brands, Sanjeet Singh of NITI Aayog highlighted opportunities in producing training and ancillary equipment. He also emphasized becoming an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for established international companies.

Market Focus and Phased Export Growth

The export expansion is envisioned in three distinct phases, each targeting specific categories of sports equipment for growth:

• Phase 1: Focus on established categories like balls and cricket equipment, targeting $3.4 billion in exports.
• Phase 2: Expansion into rackets, cycling, and hockey gear, aiming for $2.4 billion in exports.
• Phase 3: Development of specialized categories such as water sports and golf, with a target of $2.4 billion.

Leveraging India’s sporting calendar, including events like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and India’s proposed 2036 Olympic bid, is considered crucial for generating domestic demand and integrating into global supply chains. However, past events have not effectively boosted the domestic industry due to unfavorable procurement conditions. The report recommends adopting procurement models similar to those used in the Paris and London Olympics, which prioritized local suppliers.

Government Support and Future Outlook

A proposed government support package of Rs 7,500 crore, spanning from 2027 to 2031, is deemed essential for this initiative. This package aims to bolster clusters, enhance competitiveness, support certification, improve market access, and fund a ‘Brand India’ program.

The success of these ambitious plans will ultimately depend on the effective implementation of the proposed strategies, with a critical focus on fostering a self-sustaining industry rather than one reliant on perpetual government aid.