Indian Sporting Goods are
well known around the world and have made a mark in the global sports
goods market. They have established their identity in many countries
across the world, irrespective of whether they belong to the developed,
developing and Eastern Block including CIS Countries. The industry,
which operates at the cottage industry level has emerged as a principal
and reliable supplier of quality sports goods to the international
market.
The Indian Sports Goods industry, which exports nearly
60% of its total domestic output to the sports loving people the world
over, has matured into a globally competitive & creative entity. Be
it a cricket bat or a hockey stick or a football, the contribution by
the Indian sports goods industry to the international sports goods
market has been remarkable.
The sports goods industry in India is largely concentrated in the
cottage and small-scale sector. Hence there is a paucity of resources
for technology upgradation and effectively marketing of the products.
This industry is highly labour intensive, providing employment to the
weaker sections of the society and also employs a large number of women
work force.
Steps Towards Development
A creative approach and a sense of responsibility to the society at
large, characterizes the Sports goods industry. It has devoted itself to
meet future demand by innovating new products, for new markets. The
economic reform process underway in India and the liberalised industrial
policies, have motivated the small scale units, which have remained the
hallmark of the industry, to achieve the goals set forth by the
Government.
The Indian Industry is seeking joint ventures and technical
collaborations preferably with buy back arrangements, for the sports
goods items having vast export potential and hitherto not manufactured
in India. Already a number of manufacturing-cum-marketing collaborations
have matured in certain non-traditional disciplines. Many more are in
the offing, with the help and assistance of the leaders in the sports
world.
