Vadodara, June 29 (IANS) The sports goods manufacturing sector was highlighted as a key pillar in India’s emerging sports economy, with Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stating that the segment will play a significant role in positioning the country as a global sporting powerhouse.

Speaking at a seminar held in Vadodara under the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, Mandaviya said sports goods manufacturing, supported by growing participation in sport, is creating new opportunities across innovation, startups, exports and domestic production.

“Central government is working to strengthen the entire ecosystem from grassroots talent identification and infrastructure development to the production of sporting equipment. Initiatives such as Khelo India and the Fit India Movement are contributors to increased youth participation,” he noted.

The seminar was attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who said Gujarat has prepared a roadmap for a “Viksit Gujarat” in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047”.

“The state has been divided into six economic regions, Kutch, Saurashtra, Coastal Saurashtra, North, Central and Surat, with identified focus sectors for each region to ensure balanced development,” he said.

Patel noted that the Vibrant Gujarat platform, initiated in 2003, has evolved into a globally recognised investment forum, with implementation of memoranda of understanding (MoU) in the state reportedly ranging between 70 and 90 per cent.

“The state government remains engaged with industries to resolve operational issues and support investment continuity,” he said.

He also referred to the semiconductor sector, stating that four major plants are currently operational in Gujarat, and highlighted the new industrial policy, which allows industries flexibility in selecting capital subsidy and electricity tariff-related benefits.

A key focus of the seminar was the proposal to develop Chhota Udepur as a sports goods manufacturing hub by leveraging traditional skills and moving towards industrial-scale production.

Mandaviya said increasing sports participation is directly contributing to the expansion of manufacturing capabilities and export potential in the sector.

“Under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, efforts are being made to promote indigenous production, develop sports manufacturing clusters and extend policy support, particularly in view of upcoming international sporting events,” he said.

Chhota Udepur in-charge minister Manisha Vakil underlined the importance of the sports sector in inclusive development.

Technical sessions included presentations by Khelo India Joint Secretary Vinil Krishna and NITI Aayog Programme Director Sanjeet Singh.

The discussion covered product category identification, skill development and entrepreneurship models for tribal youth, strengthening MSMEs, improving market access, adopting environmentally sustainable manufacturing practices, and expanding investment in the sports goods manufacturing sector.

–IANS

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