How Meerut Is Becoming India's Biggest Sports Goods Manufacturing Hub

Meerut, long known as India's cricket bat capital, is rapidly transforming into one of the country's largest sports goods manufacturing hubs. With support from government schemes, technological advancements and rising demand for sporting equipment, the city is expanding well beyond its traditional identity.

Manufacturers say initiatives such as the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, Khelo India, interest-free loans and machinery subsidies have accelerated investment, boosted production and created new employment opportunities, especially for women.

Beyond cricket bats: Meerut diversifies its sports industry

While cricket bats remain one of Meerut's signature products, manufacturers are now producing equipment across multiple sports.

The city's factories now manufacture:

• Cricket bats (wooden, plastic and fibre)
• Badminton equipment
• Football gear
• Athletics equipment
• Gymnastics products
• Table tennis accessories
• Carrom boards
• Tennis equipment

Industry leaders say the diversification has helped Meerut establish itself as a comprehensive sports manufacturing destination.

Plastic cricket bats gain popularity

Manufacturers say the demand for plastic cricket bats has grown rapidly in recent years due to rising timber prices and environmental concerns.

Advancements in production technology have made plastic bats lighter, more durable and increasingly comparable to traditional wooden bats. They are now widely used in:

• Indoor cricket
• Box cricket
• Tennis-ball cricket
• Recreational cricket

The growing popularity of these formats has further boosted production.

Government schemes driving industry growth

Industry representatives credit government policies for the sector's expansion.

According to Charanjeet Bhatia, owner of Buchi Sports, manufacturers receive:

• Up to 50% subsidy on new machinery
• Interest-free loans for business expansion
• Support under the ODOP scheme
• Benefits from the Centre's Khelo India initiative

Bhatia said these incentives have enabled many small manufacturers to modernise their facilities and expand production.

Thousands of manufacturing units now operate in Meerut

Industry estimates suggest Meerut has witnessed remarkable growth over the years.

According to manufacturers:

• Sports manufacturing units have increased from just a handful several years ago to nearly 5,000–7,000 small and large units.
• The industry's estimated annual turnover now stands between Rs 15,000 crore and Rs 20,000 crore.

Bhatia said his factory alone produces 8,000 to 10,000 plastic cricket bats every day, reflecting the sector's growing demand.

Khelo India gives fresh momentum

Aditya Mahajan, owner of BDM Sports, said the Khelo India programme and Uttar Pradesh government's industrial policies have transformed Meerut into a diversified sports manufacturing centre.

He said easier access to finance through interest-free loans has particularly benefited small businesses by reducing expansion costs during the initial years.

Manufacturers believe these policies have strengthened Meerut's competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Women's participation rises significantly

The industry has also witnessed growing participation by women workers.

According to manufacturers, skill development centres established in villages have encouraged more women to join factories.

Industry estimates suggest women's workforce participation has increased from around 1% to nearly 9–10% over the years.

Women employed in the sector say better workplace facilities and improved employment opportunities have encouraged greater participation while helping supplement household incomes.

Industry demands dedicated sports cluster

Despite rapid growth, manufacturers believe additional infrastructure is needed to sustain expansion.

Industry representatives have urged the Uttar Pradesh government to:

• Develop a dedicated sports manufacturing cluster.
• Allocate more industrial land.
• Improve infrastructure for exporters and manufacturers.

They believe these measures could strengthen Meerut's position as a global sports goods manufacturing destination.

Meerut aims for global leadership

With expanding product categories, supportive government policies and increasing investment, Meerut is steadily emerging as one of India's most important centres for sports goods manufacturing.

Industry leaders believe continued infrastructure development and policy support could help position the city among the world's leading sporting equipment production hubs.

Key Highlights

• Meerut is expanding beyond cricket bats into multi-sports equipment manufacturing.
• Government schemes like ODOP and Khelo India are driving investment.
• Manufacturers receive subsidies of up to 50% on machinery and access to interest-free loans.
• The city now has an estimated 5,000–7,000 sports manufacturing units.
• Industry turnover is estimated at Rs 15,000–20,000 crore annually.
• Women's participation in the workforce has increased to nearly 10%.
• Manufacturers are seeking a dedicated sports manufacturing cluster.

FAQs

Why is Meerut famous for sports goods?

Meerut has traditionally been India's leading cricket bat manufacturing centre and has now expanded into producing equipment for multiple sports.

Which government schemes are helping Meerut's sports industry?

Manufacturers are benefiting from the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, Khelo India initiative, machinery subsidies and interest-free loan schemes.

What sports equipment is manufactured in Meerut?

The city manufactures cricket bats, badminton racquets, football equipment, athletics gear, gymnastics products, table tennis accessories, carrom boards and more.

How large is Meerut's sports goods industry?

Industry representatives estimate there are between 5,000 and 7,000 manufacturing units with an annual turnover of Rs 15,000–20,000 crore.

What are manufacturers demanding?

Industry leaders have requested a dedicated sports manufacturing cluster and additional industrial land to support future expansion.