Introduction
The sports goods industry of India is nearly a century old and holds a prominent position in the global market. The industry has flourished, driven by a skilled workforce hence known for its role in creating employment and contributing to the country's economy. India currently manufactures more than 300 sports-related goods such as toys, video game consoles and articles, festive and carnival articles, gymnastics and sportswear goods, fishing articles, outdoor games, toys, etc. Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Jammu, and West Bengal are among India's top sports goods-producing states. Among these, Jalandhar City in Punjab, and Meerut City in Uttar Pradesh account for about 75-80% of the total production in the country.
60% of Indian sporting goods are exported and around 500,000 people are employed in the sports goods manufacturing sector in India.
According to a Deloitte-Google report, sports goods market was valued at US$ 52 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach US$ 130 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 14%. There are seven significant sports goods manufacturing cities in India. Given their experience, Jalandhar and Meerut, two cluster cities for the manufacturing of sports products, host more than 38,200 manufacturing units, accounting for approximately 75-80% of domestic output. The majority of sports and fitness products are currently made by micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs).
The global sports goods industry is highly competitive owing to the presence of many established multinational players. Most of the production of sports goods is outsourced to the Asia-Pacific region, making it one of the world's largest sports goods manufacturing regions. India exported sports goods worth US$ 398.60 [TP1.1]million in FY26.
Commodity-wise share in India's total sports goods exports (FY26)
Source: Department of Commerce
Export Trend
India's sporting goods export trend (US$ million)
Source: Department of Commerce
India exports all kinds of sporting goods such as toys, recreational games, puzzles, video games, parlour and billiard games, casino articles, festive, carnival and entertainment articles, gymnastic articles, swimming and outdoor games equipment, fishing and hunting equipment, swings, circus, shooting gallery and fairground amusement articles. In FY26, India exported sporting goods worth US$ 398.60 million. In FY25, India exported sporting goods of total worth US$ 400.13 million. Major exported items include gymnastic/athletic requisites, cricket equipment, football equipment, nets, general exercise equipment, boxing equipment, toys and games, protective equipment, sportswear, carrom boards and hammocks. The USA remained the largest export destination during FY26, accounting for US$ 147.70 million, followed by the UK (US$ 53.34 million) and Australia (US$ 34.11 million), highlighting strong demand from developed markets.
India is one of the leading international sourcing destinations for sports goods, exporting to over 100 countries worldwide. Europe and North America together account for a significant share of exports, with countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Canada being key markets. While exports are widely distributed globally, a large proportion is concentrated in a few major markets, indicating both strong global integration and opportunities for further diversification into emerging regions such as Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Export Destinations
India exports sports goods to a wide range of global markets, reflecting its established manufacturing base and growing presence in the global sports equipment industry. Key export destinations include the USA, the UK, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, the UAE, Canada, South Africa, France, and Spain, among others. In FY26, total exports of sports goods stood at US$ 398.60 million, indicating sustained demand for Indian-made sports equipment, fitness gear, and recreational products across both developed and emerging economies.
During the same period, the USA remained the dominant export destination, accounting for US$ 147.70 million (37.06%) of total exports, significantly ahead of other markets. It was followed by the UK with US$ 53.34 million (13.38%) and Australia at US$ 34.11 million (8.56%), highlighting strong demand from English-speaking and sports-intensive markets.
Country-wise share of India's sporting goods exports (FY26)
Source: Department of Commerce
Other major destinations included Germany (US$ 20.86 million; 5.23%), the Netherlands (US$ 13.60 million; 3.41%), and the UAE (US$ 9.06 million; 2.27%), supported by both retail and institutional demand. Additionally, countries such as Canada (US$ 9.06 million; 2.27%), South Africa (US$ 8.31 million; 2.09%), and France (US$ 7.93 million; 1.99%) also contributed notably to export volumes. The export distribution indicates a strong concentration in North America and Europe, while also showcasing India’s expanding footprint in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, supported by competitive manufacturing and diversified product offerings.
Government Initiatives
India is strengthening its position in global trade and sports manufacturing through targeted policy support and rising export focus. The government has launched Rs. 4,531 crore (US$ 494 million) Market Access Support (MAS) scheme under the broader Export Promotion Mission to help exporters, especially MSMEs and priority sectors like sports goods expand into global markets through trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and improved international visibility. At the same time, policy emphasis in the Union Budget 2026–27 highlights India’s ambition to become a global hub for high-quality, affordable sports goods, with dedicated initiatives to boost manufacturing, innovation, and exports in the sector. Complementing this, initiatives such as Khelo India, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, and the proposed Khelo India Mission are strengthening sports infrastructure, talent development, and industry linkages, while increased public-private partnerships are expected to further accelerate the growth of India’s sports economy and global competitiveness.
For the development and exposure of Indian sporting goods, the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) regularly arranges international and domestic trade events. The Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme has been implemented to play a catalytic role in promoting and exporting Indian goods and services. The scheme for the remission of Duties and Exported Products (Rode) has also been implemented to support Indian exporters.
Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme
The MDA scheme works mainly to assist exporters in export promotion activities in the international markets. The scheme also assists the respective export promotion councils in undertaking export promotion activities for their products. Similarly, through this scheme, the government helps focus export promotion programs on international regions such as the LAC, Africa, CIS, and the ASEAN economies.
Market Access Initiative (MAI)
The main objective of the MAI scheme is to promote the export of Indian goods to international markets. Under this scheme, financial assistance will be provided to export & trade promotion organisations, national institutes, research institutes, exporters, etc. The parameters covered under the financial aid will be marketing projects, capacity enhancement, supporting statutory compliances, studies, research, project development, and supporting cottage and handicraft units in India.
Governing Body
Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC)
The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) acts as both a facilitator and promoter of India’s sports goods exports by supporting exporters with market access, information, and policy linkage. It promotes Indian products globally through participation in international trade fairs, buyer–seller meets, and overseas promotional campaigns, while also providing market intelligence, export data, and guidance on standards and compliance. At the same time, it serves as a bridge between the industry and the government, helping address exporter concerns and implement export promotion schemes, thereby strengthening India’s presence in the global sports goods market.
RELATED SITES
1 - E/6, Swami Ram Tirth Nagar
New Delhi - 110055
India
Tel.:+91-11-35007748 / +91-11-35007749
Email: mail@sgepc.in
Website: www.sportsgoodsindia.org
Partners
