By Meerut, the unassuming city in Uttar Pradesh, is quietly playing a big role on the world stage. It produces some of the best sports equipment professionals and amateurs use worldwide. For many, the word Meerut may not instantly conjure up state-of-the-art sporting equipment. However, for those who know, it’s a different story. With its reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovation, Meerut has become a powerhouse in the global sports manufacturing industry, producing everything from cricket bats to hockey sticks and footballs to boxing gloves.Â
The Heart Of Indiaâs Sports Manufacturing
Indiaâs sporting goods industry was valued at around $3.9 billion in 2021 and is poised to reach over $7 billion by 2027. However, Meerut accounts for 60% of this production, making it the single most important city for the sporting world. Moreover, Meerut’s sports goods industry is deeply rooted in history. The industry took off as far back as the 19th century, with artisans using locally sourced wood and leather to craft sporting equipment for British soldiers stationed in India.
Today, this tradition has evolved into a sprawling network of over 1,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in sports manufacturing, making Meerut a prime destination for sports goods production in India. The sector employs around 90,000 people and provides even more indirect livelihoods through ancillary businesses.
Cricket: A Game Changer Of Indian Sporting Goods Industry
While sporting goods for various sports are produced in the city, cricket remains the dominant industry. In India, cricket transcends being just a sport; it is considered a religion. Moreover, the city is home to two of the most prominent bats ever, SG and BDM. On top of that, the city of Meerut is also well-renowned for crafting some of the most sought-after balls in the world. Kookaburra, an Australian brand known for making some of the best cricketing equipment, has its roots in Meerut, with large-scale production of its world-class balls happening here.Â
Diverse Offerings: From Badminton to Boxing
As mentioned above, Meerut is home to the manufacturing of sporting equipment for pretty much every sport. The city is a leading producer of badminton rackets, footballs, and athletic gear. In fact, 40% of all badminton rackets produced in India are made in Meerut, catering not just to the domestic market but also to international markets. Â
Meerut has also made significant strides in football. The city produces over 1 million footballs annually, most of which are used in national tournaments and for practising in international tournaments. In short, Meerut is the go-to place if you are searching for both professional-grade footballs and affordable training footballs.Â
For boxing and other combat sports, manufacturers in Meerut have made a name for themselves in producing high-quality, robustly durable equipment. The city exports high-quality boxing gloves, punching gloves, and headgear to countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada, maintaining a steady demand for their products.Â
Innovation and Craftsmanship
Despite being a traditional industry, manufacturers in Meerut have embraced modernization and innovation.Many companies have adopted advanced technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD) to enhance the precision and quality of their products. Manufacturers are creating sports goods that meet international quality standards like EN 71 (European Norms) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). Meeting these standards is important for manufacturers to ensure that their products are legal in other countries and to meet the standards of the companies they are manufacturing for. For instance, Kookaburra has high standards when it comes to its equipment. This is why manufacturers also have to keep these standards in mind.Â
The sector has also witnessed an increasing focus on environmentally sustainable production practices. For example, several companies have started using eco-friendly materials to produce sports goods, especially in footballs, where synthetic leather reduces reliance on animal products.
Global Reach and Future Potential
Meerutâs sporting goods are exported to over 100 countries, including the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and South Africa. This makes Meerut one of the world’s largest manufacturing hubs. In 2023 alone, the total exports from Meerut accounted for almost $260 million, a 12% increase from the previous yearâs $198 million.Â
The city has also benefited from various government initiatives aimed at bolstering the country’s sports manufacturing industry. Under the Make in India initiative, several new policies have been introduced to provide financial support and improve manufacturing infrastructure, making Meerut an attractive destination for investment in the sector.
Moreover, global events like the Olympics and the increasing popularity of sports leagues worldwide and in India are expected to further boost demand for Meerut’s sports goods in the coming years. With India emerging as a global force in sports, Meerut is perfectly positioned to leverage this momentum and turn out as the go-to place for anything sports.Â
Human Touch in Manufacturing
While modern technology has entered the sports goods industry in Meerut, the real strength lies in the hands of the artisans. India has been renowned for having some of the best artisans in the world for thousands of years now. The same can be seen in the sports manufacturing sector. Generations of craftsmen have refined their skills, passing down their knowledge and expertise through the years. Many of Meerutâs successes can be attributed to these workersâ dedication to producing goods with the highest precision, quality, and durability levels.
