Will the ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ Reduce India's Reliance on Imported Sports Goods?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ aims to reduce imports of sports goods.
- The policy promotes domestic manufacturing and innovation.
- It is expected to create new startups in the sports sector.
- Increased demand for sports equipment is anticipated.
- Integration with national initiatives will enhance infrastructure and job opportunities.
New Delhi, July 23 (NationPress) The Union Cabinet's endorsement of ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ is set to unlock significant economic potential by fostering new startups and enhancing domestic manufacturing, according to a report released on Wednesday.
Currently, India exports 60 percent of its sporting goods. The global sports industry generates approximately $600 billion annually, yet India's share is relatively small. Even modest advancements in this area could yield considerable economic and social benefits.
The policy encourages innovation through startups, promotes CSR investments, supports local manufacturing, and nurtures public-private partnerships, as stated by CareEdge Ratings in their report.
With the Cabinet's approval of ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ (National Sports Policy – 2025), India aims to establish itself as a global sports powerhouse with eyes set on the 2036 Olympic Games. This new initiative will replace the 2001 policy and is expected to stimulate growth in the sports goods manufacturing sector while enhancing business prospects for industry players.
The policy will also take into account return on investment (ROI) for private entities, making their participation in sports development both appealing and sustainable. Emphasis will be placed on integrating the sports equipment manufacturing sector with national initiatives like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, aimed at improving sports infrastructure, creating job opportunities, and enhancing product quality and market competitiveness.
“The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 will increase demand for sports equipment across various disciplines. The growth of sports infrastructure in both urban and rural regions will greatly benefit India’s sports goods manufacturing sector,” stated Puneet Kansal, Director of CareEdge Ratings.
This growth is expected to allow companies in the industry to achieve higher revenues through increased production capacity. Additionally, new manufacturing hubs are anticipated to emerge in the medium term to meet the rising demand, he noted.
The Indian sports equipment manufacturing market is currently experiencing robust growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and government initiatives aimed at boosting sports participation. Moreover, the expansion of e-commerce platforms makes sports equipment more accessible to consumers throughout the country, further energizing the market, according to the report.