Sports Goods Manufacturing in India

An Overview of Sports Goods Manufacturing in India

The sports goods manufacturing in India is growing at an unexpected rate. People want an active lifestyle, health, and fitness due to increasing awareness of sickness, chronic, or serious health problems. The government of India is also pushing for the ‘Make in India’ initiative, making it a global hub for sports equipment manufacturing in India. It promotes high disposable incomes and the manufacturing of good-quality sports equipment.

The growth prospects of the sports goods manufacturing business in India are highly promising.  As of now, India manufactures 300 sports goods, such as gymnastics, sportswear, fishing articles, outdoor games, etc.

The market value of the sports goods business in India is above Rs. 50,000 Cr, booming at 12%-15% CAGR. It provides great business opportunities for entrepreneurs, MSMEs, foreign investors, and existing manufacturers. The MSME sector highly dominates, owing to its 10,000+ sports goods manufacturing units in India. In India, around 60% of sports goods production is export-oriented.

The sports goods industry setup in India requires installing equipment and materials for an active lifestyle, preventive healthcare, and fitness. But it is not limited to setup because prior to this, the sports goods industry setup requires licensing, registrations, and approvals for compliance. For this, you must connect with Enterclimate, your trusted compliance partner. Our professional experts assist with the smooth approval and factory setup of the sports goods manufacturing unit in India.

Backstory of the Sports Goods industry in India

The sports goods industry in India is one of the country’s oldest manufacturing sectors. Its roots trace back to the colonial era, starting in Sialkot (now in Pakistan), after post-partition, the sports goods industry shifted to Jalandhar (Punjab) and Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), producing nearly 70% output, as of today.

From a global perspective, India is the 3rd largest producer of sports equipment in Asia. Now it also manufactures inflatable balls, which makes it a fast-growing exporter of fitness, yoga, and adventure gear (for trekking and hiking).

Sports Goods Manufacturing Business: Indian & Global Context

The sports goods manufacturing business is expanding in India and globally, too. Market size projections indicate growth and an increase in equipment manufacturing. Employment opportunities for skilled artisans are rising, but how much? Let’s look at the estimates given below separately for India and globally:

Sports Goods Manufacturing in India

• Sports goods manufacturing in India, valued at US$ 6.7 billion, is estimated to be US$ 11 billion by 2030.
• Jalandhar and Meerut clusters share 75% to 80% share in manufacturing in India.
• The USA, UK, China, and Australia are the top export destinations for the sports goods industry in India.
• 10,000+ units are registered with MSMEs in sports goods as per the MSME Ministry.
• The employment rate is rising with direct hiring of 5 Lakh+ workers as per SGEPC, and indirectly, 20 Lakh+ individuals were hired.
• As per the FICCI authority, 35% is the total share of the cricket equipment.
• The Indian sports industry, valued at US$ 19 billion, is rising by 12% to 14% CAGR, and is projected to reach US$ 40 billion by 2030.
• In a global perspective, India is ranked 5th for manufacturing in the share of inflatable balls.

Global Manufacturing of Sports Goods

• The global market of manufacturing sports goods in 2026 is valued at US$ 1,015.7 billion and is projected to hit US$ 1,844.8 billion by 2033, at a CAGR 8.9% between 2026 and 2033.
• Currently, the Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market globally.
• Sports goods like soccer gear, tennis rackets, and golf clubs contribute 25% to 28%.

India’s Positioning: Sports Equipment Manufacturing in India

Sports equipment manufacturing in India is positioned downwards, but with a strong base. Currently, India exports equipment worth US$275 million yearly, constituting 0.5% of the global export market.

Sports goods manufacturing in India across Jalandhar and Meerut cluster units is highly active due to a strong network of micro enterprises, exporters, and domestic manufacturing units. The sports goods industry in India is highly dominated by MSMEs, with nearly 90% of production controlled by micro and small enterprises.

Sub-Segments of the Sports Goods Industry in India

There are several sub-segments of the sports goods industry in India, as it is expanding across states. Look at the given list to know the equipment manufactured under each sub-segment.

Cricket Equipment: It is one of the largest segments with 35% share in manufacturing bats, balls, pads, gloves, and helmets.

Fitness and Gym Equipment: One of the fast-growing segments in the sports goods industry in India. It consists of treadmills, exercise bikes, dumbbells, and yoga mats.

Football and Inflatable Balls: This segment consists of hand-made and machine-stitched balls for playing basketball, volleyball, and football.

Badminton and Tennis: The segment includes balls, nets, rackets, and shuttlecocks.

Outdoor and Adventure Gear: It covers camping, climbing, cycling, and trekking equipment for trekking and hiking.

Athletic Wear and Footwear: It consists of goods, such as sports shoes, tracksuits, jerseys, and performance gear.

Indoor Games: This segment in the sports goods manufacturing business gains more customers for its interactive indoor games, such as billiards, chess sets, carrom boards, and table tennis.

Protection and Safety Equipment: The segment has equipment for individuals’ safety, such as helmets, mouthguards, shin guards, and sports goggles.

Major Hubs for Sports Goods Manufacturing in India

The sports goods industry in India is expanding across states. Scroll down to look for the top cities as hubs for sports goods manufacturing in India:

• Jalandhar
• Mumbai
• Pune
• Bengaluru
• Noida
• Gurugram
• Tamil Nadu
• Kashmir Valley

Also, look for the top reasons why India is a global hub for the sports goods manufacturing business:

• The labour cost is 60% to 70% less than in other countries.
• Raw materials are locally accessible.
• MSME dominates supply chains in Meerut, Jalandhar, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
• Sports goods manufacturing in India is 100% FDI-approved, which makes it easier for foreign investors to invest and own businesses in India without DPIIT approval.
• The government initiatives for the sports goods manufacturing business include Khelo India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive (PLI), and the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC).
• Quality certifications like BIS and ISO are available.
• The sports goods manufacturing business has a 65% customer base of individuals under 35 years.
• Online business expansion with digital market access through ONDC, e-commerce, and GeM portals for B2B and government sales channels.

What is the Process of Sports Goods Factory Setup in India?

The sports goods factory setup in India requires a step-by-step procedure, easily handled by the Enterclimate experts at each stage. Go through each stage to understand the overall process in an easier manner.

Step 1: Research and Study the Market Condition

Identify the product category as per your target audience and make projections based on your competitor's analysis.

Step 2: Business Plan for Growth and Funding

Prepare a structured, detailed project report that must include total estimated capital and operational expenditures and ROI projects, helpful in investors’ funding and loan approvals.

Step 3: Company Formation

Register your business/company in any one of these under MCA:

• Private Limited
• Proprietorship
• LLP

Step 4: Select Location

Meerut, Noida, Jalandhar, and Mumbai are preferable spots across India offering suitable locations in:

• SEZs
• Industrial Estates
• MSMEs Clusters

Step 5: Factory Premises and Land Acquisition

You can lease or buy land in the industrial zone within the required sq.ft. Or area.

Step 6: Obtain License and Registrations

A company must secure approvals in:

• Factory license
• MSME Udyam
• GST
• PAN/TAN
• IEC Code
• BIS
• Trade License
• Fire NOC
• State Pollution Control Board NOC

Step 7: Machinery and Raw Material Sourcing

Fill the inventory stock and install the required machines and equipment for ongoing operations.

Step 8: Hiring Workers

Hire the required number of workers for high productivity and smooth operations.

Step 9: Certification and Quality Testing

Obtain certifications including BIS, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 and pass ASTM/CE for export-grade and FIFA quality testing.

Step 10: Build Supply Chain Distribution

Build a stronger supply chain distribution through D2C, e-commerce, and exports by the SGEPC authority. Volunteer in promotional and branding programs.

License/Registration/Approvals for the Sports Goods Manufacturing Unit in India

A sports goods manufacturing unit in India requires the following licenses, registrations, or approvals. Look at the table given below to know the requirements.

What are the Key Standards for the Sports Equipment Manufacturing in India?

Look for the key standards for sports equipment manufacturing in India:

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

The Bureau of Indian Standards consists of quality and safety norms for the sports goods manufacturing in India. It supports businesses to sell through a GeM portal and build a stronger customer base.

Pollution Control and Environmental Compliance

Sports goods manufacturing in India includes activities like rubber molding, painting, and polishing, etc., that require pollution control approvals, such as CTE and CTO. Businesses are classified under the green or orange category based on their pollution levels.

Extended Producer Responsibility

Manufacturers using plastic packaging or electric components or sports goods manufacturing in India must obtain EPR authorization. CPCB authority grants approvals to those who meet the compliance requirements. This includes annual reporting and connecting with the authorized recyclers or PROs to achieve EPR recycling targets.

International Certifications

• FIFA Quality/FIFA Quality Pro: International certification for football (sports goods). It confirms the performance and durability of football for professional playing standards.
• ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 Standards: A company must adhere to the standards for quality and workplace safety practices.
• CE Marking: A mandatory certificate to sell sports goods in European Union countries in adherence to the EU standards.
• ASTM Standards: US certification is required for products’ safety and quality standards when exporting to the American market.
• WFSGI Membership: Membership in the global sports industry network enhances international sourcing, partnerships, and market credibility.

Government Support for the Sports Goods Industry Setup

Here is a quick list of the government schemes, subsidies, and incentives to support the sports goods industry setup:

• EPCG Scheme
• PLI Scheme
• Khelo India
• MSMEs Champion Scheme
• Interest Subvention Scheme
• State Industrial Policies
• Cluster Development Programme
• Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
• Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)
• Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)

What are the Key Challenges in the Sports Goods Industry Setup in India?

There are many challenges that businesses face in the sports goods industry setup in India. Look below the given pointers to know if you’re facing the same challenges, or might face them, if not yet.

• High input and logistics costs reduce margins
• Limited access to high-tech manufacturing systems
• Weak connections with top sports brands
• Limited global visibility in the branding of sports goods equipment
• High certification costs for international sports goods standards
• High customs duties are imposed on raw materials, including EVA foam, carbon fibre, and polyurethane.

Not just set up for the sports goods manufacturing company in India, but it also affects exports globally.

Sustainability and ESG Compliance for Sports Goods Manufacturing in India

Global demand for the sports goods industry in India follows strict sustainability and environmental compliance standards. Businesses are now expected to adopt responsible manufacturing practices, ethical sourcing, waste management, sustainable packaging systems, and carbon reporting to remain a part of global supply chains.

As a result, the sports goods industry in India is rapidly moving towards ESG compliance, BRSR reporting, carbon disclosure, plastic waste management, and environmentally responsible operations. Companies that fail to meet expectations may face difficulties in securing export orders, participating in global sourcing programs, or maintaining long-term partnerships with international buyers.

Enterclimate helps sports goods manufacturers prepare for those evolving compliance requirements through end-to-end sustainability and regulatory support. From EPR registration and pollution control approvals to ESG advisory and environmental compliance management. It enables businesses to strengthen global credibility, improve buyer confidence, secure international contracts, and reduce the risk of penalties due to non-compliance.

What is the Fee Structure for Sports Goods Manufacturing Unit in India?

The fee structure for sports goods manufacturing unit in India is based on several investment heads for small, medium, and large manufacturing unit in India. Look at the table given below for more clarity:

Why Trust Enterclimate for Sports Goods Manufacturing in India?

Enterclimate is an ultimate solution for sports goods manufacturing in India, helping its clients globally and across India. Until now, we’ve helped businesses in achieving a sports goods industry setup in India within a span of 90 to 180 days of timeline with end-to-end support, from documentation, detailed project report, and obtaining seamless setup in India.

So far, we’ve served 1000+ clients involved in sports goods manufacturing in India in segments like cricket, fitness and gym, outdoor, indoor, athletics, footballs, inflatable balls, badminton, tennis, and helmets. Not just this, our seasoned experts with 10+ years in consulting give several reasons backed by numbers to choose Enterclimate consultancy for assistance in the sports goods manufacturing in India.

• ₹25 Lakh to ₹12 Crore Setup Planning
• End-to-end Support for 15+ Mandatory Approvals
• Export-readiness Support for the Global Sports Goods Market
• Specialized Support for Cricket, Fitness, and Football Units
• Guidance for 100% FDI Manufacturing Opportunities
• PAN India Support across Major Manufacturing Hubs
• 24/7 Dedicated Support
• 360-degree Compliance Roadmap