- Why in news
- On 19 March 2026, NITI Aayog released a report on realising the export potential of India's sports equipment manufacturing sector. It sets a roadmap to 2036 for raising exports.
- What it is
- This is a NITI Aayog policy report on India's sports equipment manufacturing sector. It assesses the sector's capabilities, global markets, and the policy steps needed to compete abroad. The sector is mostly small and micro enterprises, clustered in Jalandhar and Meerut.
- Publisher and release
- The report was released by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery. NITI Aayog is the Government of India's policy think tank.
- India's export position
- India exports about $275 million of sports equipment a year, about 0.5% of the global export market.
- Industry structure
- About 90% of production is by small and micro enterprises. Key clusters are Jalandhar (Punjab) and Meerut (Uttar Pradesh).
- Cost disadvantage
- Indian makers face a 15-20% cost disadvantage against China and Pakistan. Causes include high duties on carbon fibre, EVA foam and polyurethane, and high certification costs.
- Recommendations
- These include four new greenfield clusters in port-proximate states, modernising the Meerut and Jalandhar clusters, shared testing facilities and a 'Brand India' framework. The roadmap proposes about ₹7,500 crore of investment in 2027-2031.
Don’t confuse with Sports goods vs sports equipment: Sports goods include apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories (about $700 billion globally in 2024). Equipment alone is about $140 billion.
Reports and indices: 14 Prelims questions since 2013; they test who publishes a report and what it measures.
Why it matters
- Export-led growth in a labour-intensive MSME sector can create jobs and support Make in India.
- A decade of major sporting events, including India's proposed 2036 Olympic bid, offers a chance to join global supply chains.
Problems
- High duties on raw materials, certification costs and logistics keep costs 15-20% above rivals.
- Limited technology, weak links with global brands and low visibility of Indian products.
Way forward
- Rationalise duties on key raw materials and set up shared testing, certification and common facility centres.
- Build port-proximate clusters, give MSMEs technology and capital support, and promote a 'Brand India' identity.
Put in your answer
Sports equipment export data: India exports about $275 million, a 0.5% global share, against a projected $8.1 billion and 11% by 2036. Use this to show the scale of untapped export potential.
MSME cluster example: About 90% of production is by small and micro enterprises, in clusters at Jalandhar and Meerut. Use this to show MSME-led manufacturing and employment.
- 2017Mains GS3 · Q2Reasons for manufacturing failure in labour-intensive exports; suggest measures
- 2023Mains GS3 · Q1Comment on government policies for MSME manufacturing share in GDP
- 2015Mains GS3 · Q8Make in India success needs Skill India and labour reforms
- 2006Prelims Q42Statements on India's 2004-05 export growth and WTO merchandise export share
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Report with target of USD 8.1 billion sports goods exports by 2036. Reports are only 14 Prelims questions, mostly on publisher; card only.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.