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DELHI, MARCH 31, 2026
Calling it a defining
opportunity for the country’s sports ecosystem, Secretary (Sports), Union Ministry
of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hari Ranjan Rao on Tuesday urged industry leaders
to position India as a global hub for sports goods manufacturing, stating that
the present phase represents a “golden moment” for the sector to scale
internationally and enhance export competitiveness.
Addressing
exhibitors, international buyers and stakeholders at the 4th edition of the
India Sporting Goods Fair (ISGF) 2026, Rao said the sports manufacturing
industry is entering a high-growth phase supported by policy momentum,
innovation and expanding global demand. “This is the golden moment for India’s
sports goods industry; think big and scale globally,” he emphasised, outlining
the Government’s ambitious vision to transform India into a major manufacturing
and export destination for sports equipment.
Highlighting the
scale of opportunity, Rao noted that India is targeting a massive increase in
sports goods exports from approximately ₹3,000 crore to ₹80,000 crore in the coming years. “If we
have to move from ₹3,000 crore to ₹80,000 crore, every manufacturer will have
to multiply their scale nearly 25 times. If you do not dream big, you will not
be able to achieve it,” he said, urging entrepreneurs to adopt aggressive
growth strategies driven by investment, technology and global partnerships.
He also called for
India to host the world’s largest sports goods exhibition in the future,
inviting participation from leading global manufacturers and innovators.
Stressing the Government’s commitment to supporting the sector, Rao informed
that ₹500 crore has already been allocated
in the Union Budget to strengthen sports goods manufacturing, with policy
backing aimed at encouraging new entrants, fostering joint ventures and
promoting international collaborations.
Joint Secretary
(Sports), Vineel Krishna, echoed the Government’s optimism about the sector’s
growth trajectory, stating that sports manufacturing is poised to play a
significant role in strengthening India’s position in the global sports
economy. “The Government is very ambitious about expanding the sports goods
manufacturing sector, not only to meet domestic demand but also to enhance
India’s global export potential,” he said.
He further revealed
that the proposed sports goods manufacturing scheme is expected to be launched
in the coming months after necessary approvals, signalling enhanced policy
support for the industry. Krishna also noted the increasing interest shown by
several State Governments in promoting sports manufacturing clusters and
facilitating infrastructure development.
“The next decade is going to be
transformational for the sports sector, and all of you will be part of this
growth story,” he added, encouraging manufacturers and exporters to capitalise
on emerging opportunities.
Organised by the Sports Goods and Toys Export Promotion Council, the India Sporting Goods Fair (ISGF) 2026 is being held from March 31 to April 2 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka. The 4th edition of the fair features 75 exhibitors showcasing a wide spectrum of products including athletic equipment, badminton and tennis gear, boxing accessories, cricket equipment, fitness products, sports apparel, indoor sports equipment and toys.
With strong policy backing, rising global demand and increasing industry participation, ISGF 2026 underscores India’s growing ambition to emerge as a leading global centre for sports goods manufacturing and innovation.
