India’s sports market is poised for robust growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10–12% through 2030, driven by government initiatives and rising public interest in fitness and sports, according to a report by CareEdge Ratings.
Currently valued at around USD 52 billion, India’s sports sector comprises USD 31 billion from core sub-sectors and USD 21 billion from allied segments. The sector already contributes nearly 0.9% to the national GDP—comparable to several major sporting nations.
The report attributes this positive trajectory to the growth of India’s sports equipment manufacturing industry, which is gaining international momentum. Sports exports during April 2024 to January 2025 stood at USD 497.3 million and are expected to reach approximately USD 660 million by FY26.
India exports about 60% of its sports goods, with Jalandhar (Punjab) and Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) accounting for nearly 75–80% of total production. New hubs are also emerging in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, and Jammu, focusing on specialised areas such as sportswear, synthetic gear, and indoor sports equipment.
The sports sector’s interconnectedness with industries such as media, telecom, education, tourism, and real estate also amplifies its multiplier effect—boosting both economic and social development.
CareEdge emphasised that continued policy support, infrastructure development, and export promotion will be vital for India’s emergence as a global sports manufacturing powerhouse in the years ahead.
