India's Ambitious Goal: Boosting Sports Goods Exports to ₹80,000 Crore

Transforming India's Sports Goods Industry

New Delhi, March 31: India is setting its sights on dramatically increasing sports goods exports from around ₹3,000 crore to an impressive ₹80,000 crore. Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao emphasized the need for manufacturers to think big and embrace innovation during his address at the 4th India Sporting Goods Fair (ISGF) 2026.

The event, which commenced today, aims to position India as a leading global hub for the manufacturing and export of sports goods.

Rao described this period as a pivotal moment for the growth of India's sports goods sector, stating, "To achieve the leap from ₹3,000 crore to ₹80,000 crore, manufacturers must scale up their operations nearly 25 times. Without ambitious goals, success will remain elusive."

He urged manufacturers to pursue aggressive growth strategies, expand their global reach, and focus on innovation and investment, particularly highlighting the importance of youth and emerging entrepreneurs in this journey.

"Let’s aim to host the largest sports goods exhibition in the world right here in India, attracting exhibitors from all corners of the globe," Rao added.

Reiterating the government's support, he mentioned that ₹500 crore has been earmarked in the Union Budget for this sector.

Rao expressed a desire to see more new manufacturers enter the sports goods market, encouraging the industry to explore joint ventures and international collaborations, with the Ministry ready to assist in these partnerships.

Joint Secretary (Sports) Vineel Krishna shared the government's ambitious plans to not only satisfy domestic demand but also to boost India's export capabilities in the sports goods sector.

"We are optimistic about launching a sports goods manufacturing scheme in the coming months, pending necessary approvals," he noted, also mentioning the growing interest from state governments in fostering the expansion of this industry.

"The next decade promises to be transformative for the sports sector, and everyone involved will contribute to this growth narrative," he concluded.

The ISGF, organized by the Sports Goods and Toys Export Promotion Council, runs from March 31 to April 2, 2026, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, featuring 75 exhibitors showcasing a wide array of products, including athletic gear, badminton and tennis equipment, boxing supplies, cricket gear, fitness tools, sports apparel, indoor sports items, and toys.