Overview
- Released on March 19, the NITI Aayog report lays out a seven-pronged strategy with proposed fiscal support of Rs 7,500 crore for 2027–2031 to build a competitive export base in sports equipment.
- Proposals include Rs 2,000 crore for export-enabling investments, Rs 4,000 crore for four greenfield clusters, Rs 1,000 crore to modernise legacy hubs, plus Rs 500 crore for a unified Brand India push.
- Key fixes target a 10–25% cost disadvantage through rationalised duties on critical inputs and capital goods, domestic testing and certification capacity, and administrative steps such as a dedicated sports goods promotion cell.
- The cluster plan prioritises new export-oriented hubs in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, alongside upgrades in established centres like Jalandhar and Meerut.
- By 2036, the report projects sports goods exports of $24 billion and equipment exports of $8.1 billion with about 54 lakh cumulative jobs, though the recommendations still await government adoption and funding.