The other side of sport — mastering manufacturing
Critical structural problems are preventing India’s sports equipment industry from reaching its full potential
360° Perspective Analysis
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Context
A recent report by and the highlights that despite India's rich sporting culture, the country accounts for just 0.5% of the global sports equipment trade. The sector offers massive potential for export-led growth, aiming to increase exports to $8.1 billion and create nearly 54 lakh jobs by 2036 by overcoming structural bottlenecks.
UPSC Perspectives
Economic
The global sports equipment market is highly lucrative, but India's lack of integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs) (cross-border production networks) has kept its market share negligible. Currently, India's exports are largely restricted to niche segments like cricket gear and stitched balls. To capitalize on the broader $140 billion global market, India must transition from indirect contract manufacturing to establishing strong domestic brands. This shift aligns perfectly with the initiative, which seeks to transform the economy from domestic reliance to an export-driven manufacturing powerhouse.
Governance
The sports manufacturing ecosystem faces severe structural hurdles due to its dominance by (MSMEs). Production is geographically concentrated in traditional hubs like and , which rely heavily on artisanal capabilities rather than modern mechanization. These units suffer from a lack of economies of scale (cost advantages reaped by companies when production becomes efficient), outdated technology, and high certification costs. To address a 10-20% cost disadvantage against global competitors, policymakers must rationalize duties, establish shared testing infrastructure, and potentially introduce a targeted scheme to modernize the clusters.
Social
A thriving sports equipment industry is a critical lever for realizing India's (the economic growth potential resulting from a high working-age population). Because the sector is highly labor-intensive, it has a disproportionate capacity to absorb semi-skilled labor. Meeting the 2036 export target could generate up to 54 lakh jobs. This mass employment generation is vital for the structural transformation of the Indian workforce, facilitating the transition of surplus labor out of agriculture and reducing disguised unemployment in rural areas.