NITI Aayog's report on India’s Sports Equipment Manufacturing Sector Launched

**Executive Summary** Launched on March 19, 2026, the NITI Aayog report, "Realizing the Export Potential of India’s Sports Equipment Manufacturing Sector," outlines a strategy to establish India as a global manufacturing and export hub. The document sets an ambitious target to scale sports goods exports to USD 8.1 billion by 2036. It identifies the sector as a key driver for employment and economic growth, supported by the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and the proposed National Sports Governance Act. **Key Points / Main Content** **Strategic Objectives and Targets** * Scale India’s sports goods exports to approximately USD 8.1 billion by 2036. * Position the country as a competitive, innovation-driven, and export-oriented global hub. * Leverage the sector’s labour-intensive nature to generate employment and industrial growth. **Regulatory and Structural Reforms** * Incorporate sports goods into the Ministry’s Allocation of Business Rules to reflect their strategic importance. * Implement structural and administrative reforms to improve the ease of business operations. * Introduce fiscal incentives to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian manufacturers. **Infrastructure and Cluster Development** * Develop new sports manufacturing clusters and upgrade existing ones, such as those in Jalandhar and Meerut. * Establish world-class testing and certification infrastructure to meet international standards. **Global Branding and Partnerships** * Promote "Brand India" within the global sports goods market. * Encourage strategic partnerships with leading international players to integrate into the global value chain. * Utilize the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and the National Sports Governance Act as primary enablers for the ecosystem. **Impact Analysis** **Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports** **Impact** The Ministry now holds formal responsibility for sports goods under the Allocation of Business Rules and must drive the sector's contribution to economic growth. **Action Required** The Ministry must work toward realizing the "Khelo Bharat Niti 2025" and finalizing the National Sports Governance Act to strengthen the sports ecosystem. **Sports Equipment Manufacturers (including Jalandhar and Meerut clusters)** **Impact** Manufacturers will gain access to upgraded clusters, fiscal incentives, and improved testing infrastructure, facilitating higher export volumes. **Action Required** Businesses need to adopt international quality standards, engage in "Brand India" promotion, and seek partnerships with international players. **NITI Aayog** **Impact** As the reporting body, NITI Aayog provides the strategic roadmap for unlocking the sector’s untapped export potential. **Action Required** NITI Aayog must continue to provide policy guidance and monitor the implementation of recommendations for administrative and structural reforms.

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