New Delhi, August 23 — India’s push to transform its sports-equipment manufacturing into an $8.1 billion export industry hinges on overcoming steep cost barriers and operational inefficiencies, according to officials and industry analysts. The target, outlined in NITI Aayog’s March 2026 report, aims to boost annual sports-equipment exports from $275 million in 2024 to $8.1 billion by 2036. This would require India’s share of global sports-equipment exports to rise from 0.5 per cent to 11 per cent, a jump that analysts say is fraught with challenges.
The $8.1 billion figure is not a current estimate but a projected opportunity, the report states. Achieving it could generate around 54 lakh cumulative jobs by 2036, though this depends on scaling production and improving competitiveness.
At present, India’s sports-equipment exports account for a fraction of its broader sports economy, which includes leagues, broadcasting, and fitness services. However, domestic consumption remains limited, with 63 per cent of sports equipment imported, primarily from China, which supplies over 60 per cent of those goods. Manufacturers at the IAMGAME Sports Conclave in New Delhi highlighted structural cost disadvantages.
Indian producers face an average 15 per cent cost gap compared to rivals in China, Vietnam, and Pakistan, driven by expensive raw materials and machinery. High-performance materials like carbon fibre and advanced polymers are often imported, compounded by duties and quality restrictions.
Sanjeet Singh, Programme Director at NITI Aayog, noted that even a 2-3 per cent price difference could sway international buyers, making India’s current pricing uncompetitive. For instance, if India sells a football for Rs 100 and Pakistan for Rs 85, global brands may opt for the cheaper option. Cricket equipment offers a partial exception, where India has built scale and expertise. Yet, even here, exports face hurdles.
Puneet Anand, Director at Sanspareils Greenlands, explained that Indian consumers accept higher prices domestically, but overseas buyers prioritise cost. “The Indian market will absorb price increases, but the export market cannot,” he said.
Analysts stress that India must first reduce reliance on imports and modernise factories to match global standards. Vietnam’s success, Singh argued, shows that manufacturing prowess does not require sporting dominance — policy focus on cost rationalisation and industrial parks was key. The path forward requires urgent action.
The NITI Aayog report calls for investments in testing facilities, cost reduction strategies, and leveraging major sporting events to secure bulk orders. However, analysts caution that without addressing the 15 per cent cost disadvantage, India’s ambitions may remain unfulfilled.
The $8.1 billion target, while significant, is not a given — it hinges on whether manufacturers can close the gap with competitors in a price-sensitive global market.
