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Key Points

India's sports market is booming with a projected 10-12% annual growth through 2030, currently valued at USD 52 billion. Key manufacturing hubs in Jalandhar and Meerut dominate production while new centers emerge in southern states. Sports exports surged to USD 497M this fiscal year, expected to hit USD 660M by 2026. Government initiatives and fitness trends are driving this expansion, with the sector contributing nearly 1% to GDP.

Key Points: India Sports Market to Hit 12% Growth with USD 660M Exports by 2026

  • Sports sector contributes 0.9% to India's GDP matching top nations
  • Jalandhar and Meerut produce 80% of sporting goods
  • New hubs emerging in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra
  • Exports hit USD 497M in FY25, eyeing USD 660M by FY26
2 min read

India's sports market to grow at 10-12 pc CAGR by 2030, exports to surge to USD 660 million in FY26: Report

India's sports industry set for 10-12% annual growth through 2030, exports to reach USD 660M by FY26 as manufacturing hubs expand nationwide.

"India's sports market is on track for growth, projected to reach a CAGR of 10-12% through 2030 - CareEdge Ratings"

New Delhi, July 24

India's sports market is expected to register a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10-12 per cent through 2030, supported by government initiatives promoting sports participation and rising interest in fitness, according to a recent report by CareEdge Ratings.

The report estimated the current value of India's sports market at around USD 52 billion. Out of this, core sub-sectors contribute USD 31 billion, while allied sub-sectors add another USD 21 billion.

The report highlighted that this growth momentum is likely to continue in the coming years, as more people turn towards sports and fitness.

It stated "India's sports market... is on track for growth, projected to reach a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10-12 per cent through 2030".

One of the key drivers behind this growth is the Indian sports equipment manufacturing sector, which is seeing steady expansion.

Currently, the sports sector accounts for approximately 0.9 per cent of India's GDP, which is on par with several top sporting nations.

The sector also has a strong connection with other industries like media, telecom, education, real estate, and tourism. This close association gives the sports industry a large multiplier effect, helping to boost overall economic and social development, including health and well-being.

The report further stated that India's sports goods exports have grown steadily in recent years, reflecting strong global demand and local manufacturing strength.

During the first ten months of FY25 (April 2024 to January 2025), sports goods exports stood at USD 497.3 million. CareEdge Ratings expects this number to rise further and reach around USD 660.0 million by FY26.

India exports about 60 per cent of its sporting goods, with two major production hubs, Jalandhar in Punjab and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, together accounting for nearly 75-80 per cent of total production.

Besides these established centres, new manufacturing regions are emerging in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, and Jammu.

These new hubs are focusing on niche segments such as sportswear, synthetic materials, and indoor sports accessories.

With ample room for expansion, the report stated that supportive reforms and infrastructure development will play a key role in boosting the sector's contribution to the economy in the coming years.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the numbers look impressive, I hope this growth reaches grassroots levels too. Our schools still lack basic sports infrastructure. More investment needed in rural areas to nurture future champions!
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Rohit P
Jalandhar and Meerut have been sports equipment powerhouses for decades! Great to see new hubs developing in South and West India too. Make in India is working well for this sector 💪
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Sarah B
Interesting report! As someone working in sports retail, I've seen demand for fitness products double in 3 years. The pandemic really changed Indians' attitude towards health and wellness.
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Vikram M
₹52 billion market but still we import most professional sports gear. Need more R&D investment to make high-quality products locally. Why can't we manufacture footballs as good as Adidas or Nike?
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Kavya N
The multiplier effect on tourism and real estate is underrated! Look how sports cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai have developed. More cities should leverage sports infrastructure for urban development.
M
Michael C
The export figures are impressive but India needs to work on brand value. Most exported goods are white-labeled for foreign brands. Time to build our own global sports brands!

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