New Delhi, March 19 -- India has a significant opportunity to emerge as a global hub for sports equipment manufacturing, but structural challenges continue to limit its export potential, noted a report of NITI Aayog released on Thursday.

The report highlights that the global sports equipment market, currently valued at around USD 140 billion, is expected to expand to nearly USD 300 billion by 2036. Despite this growth, India's share in global exports remains modest at approximately 0.5 per cent, indicating substantial untapped potential. In 2024, India exported sports equipment worth about USD 275 million, largely concentrated in categories such as cricket gear, inflatable balls, and fitness equipment.

India's manufacturing ecosystem is...