Meerut’s sports goods industry, once known primarily for its cricket bats, has grown into a major manufacturing and export hub, with thousands of small and large units now producing equipment for a wide range of sports.
According to the district industries department, Meerut currently has around 5,000 to 7,000 sports goods manufacturing units, while the annual export of sports equipment from the district is estimated at around Rs 975 crore.
Cricket bats, balls and stumps remain among its best-known products, but manufacturers now produce hockey sticks, footballs, volleyballs, carrom boards, tennis and badminton equipment, sports nets, protective gear, kit bags, sportswear, boxing gloves, gym equipment and shuttlecocks.
LEGACY SPANNING NINE DECADES
Meerut’s sports manufacturing industry dates back nearly 90 years. According to the industries department, some families began manufacturing footballs in the city between 1935 and 1940. The industry received another major push after Partition, when migrants from cities such as Sialkot and Peshawar brought their skills and experience to Meerut.
Over the decades, local manufacturers expanded beyond footballs and cricket bats, turning the city into a diversified sports goods production centre.
GOVT SCHEMES GIVE INDUSTRY A PUSH
Industry players credit government initiatives, including Uttar Pradesh’s One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, interest-free loans, machinery subsidies and the Centre’s Khelo India programme, with helping small businesses expand.
Charanjit Bhatia, owner of Buchi Sports, said Meerut had only four or five sports units in its early years, compared with thousands today. He said easier access to loans and subsidies of up to 50 per cent on new machinery had helped manufacturers increase production and adopt newer technologies.
Aditya Mahajan of BDM Sports said Khelo India and other government initiatives had helped broaden Meerut’s identity beyond cricket bats, with manufacturers now catering to several sports.
FROM MEERUT TO GLOBAL MARKETS
Meerut-made sports goods are exported to countries including Australia, South Africa, England, the US, West Indies, New Zealand, Germany, France, Sri Lanka, Russia and Bangladesh.
The industry supports not only large manufacturers but also thousands of workers and small businesses involved in stitching, polishing, fitting, packaging, transportation and supply.
With manufacturers increasingly focusing on technology, quality, design, branding and exports, Meerut is steadily strengthening its position as a global sports goods hub, with annual exports of nearly Rs 975 crore.
– Ends
With inputs from Usman Chaudhary
Published By:
Ritaban Misra
Published On:
Aug 28, 2026 16:52 IST
