In a major milestone aimed at giving impetus to sports and leather industry of Jalandhar to make it competitive across the globe, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MSME-Technology Development Centre (PPDC), Meerut to open an extension centre in Jalandhar.
“It is a historic day as due to strenuous efforts of the state government this centre will be opened here to give Filip to sports industry by ensuring its Research and Development (R&D), said the Industry Minister of Punjab Mr Sanjiv Arora, while addressing
A stakeholders’ meeting on sports goods manufacturing.
The Cabinet Minister said that this initiative is a big leap forward to strengthen city’s globally renowned sports goods manufacturing sector adding that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed today between the Process cum Product Development Centre (PPDC), Meerut, and the Government Institute of Leather and Footwear Technology (GILFT), Jalandhar, for setting up an exclusive Technology Extension Centre in the city. Mr Arora said that the agreement has been formally inked by Principal Director, PPDC Meerut, and Principal, GILFT Jalandhar, Rohit Dahiya.
The Cabinet Minister described the initiative as a “game-changer” that would help position Jalandhar’s sports industry among the world’s leading manufacturing hubs. He said the proposed Technology Extension Centre, to be set up at an estimated cost of Rs.10 crore, will offer state-of-the-art facilities for testing, training, skill development and research and development (R&D) to meet evolving global standards.
Mr Sanjiv Arora said that Punjab has emerged as the largest contributor to India’s sports goods manufacturing, accounting for nearly 65 per cent of national production and about 70 per cent of exports.
The Cabinet Minister said that Jalandhar alone houses more than 1,000 manufacturing units and supplies sports equipment to over 150 international markets. Mr. Arora further said that the new centre would help the local industry remain competitive in a rapidly expanding global market.
Quoting global trends, he noted that the international sports equipment market, valued at around USD 180 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8 per cent by 2030.
The Cabinet Minister said that India’s sports economy is expected to touch USD 80–90 billion by 2030, and Punjab will continue to play a decisive role in this growth story.
Mr. Arora said that the Technology Extension Centre will focus on understanding the specific requirements of the sports and leather industry and preparing a skilled workforce aligned with modern technologies, automation and sustainable manufacturing practices.
He added that the Punjab Government has already provided land for the project, reflecting the state’s commitment to industrial growth under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Cabinet Minister also highlighted slew of initiatives to be launched by Punjab Government to strengthen domestic production at grassroots. He noted that the several key reforms were launched after a thorough consultation with the stakeholders of concerned industries. Mr Arora also welcomed all in this historic event to give a major fillip to sports industry of the state.
The Cabinet Minister said that Jalandhar is a hub of sports industry and the products manufactured here are acclaimed world over. He said that Today’s event is a joint effort of NitI ayog, and GOP to further give major push to the sports industry of the state.
Mr Arora expressed hope that this stakeholders meeting on sports good manufacturing will go a long way in scripting a new success story in the sports good manufacturing.
The Cabinet Minister said that Punjab has emerged as a leading state in India for sports equipment manufacturing adding that with I its long-established ecosystem, the state caters not only to domestic demand but also to the global market through significant exports of sports goods. He said that Punjab contributes a major share to the country’s production and exports of sports goods, supported by skilled manpower, cluster-based manufacturing, and strong policy backing.
Mr Arora said that this sector in Punjab has evolved from traditional craftsmanship to an organized, export-oriented manufacturing hub that meets the needs of international brands, sports federations, and institutional buyers.He said that this sector provides direct employment to over 150,000 people and indirect employment to over 300,000 through logistics, packaging, and other services.
The Cabinet Minister said that state’s main manufacturing hub is located in Jalandhar, home to over 1,000 manufacturing units and recognized as the key center for production and export of sports goods in India. He said that Jalandhar’s cluster is globally known for hand-stitched footballs, cricket gear, protective sports equipment, and fitness products, catering to both domestic and international markets.
Mr Arora further said that Punjab-based manufacturers supply equipment to major global brands such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, Decathlon, and New Balance, strengthening Punjab’s position as a reliable global sourcing base.
The Cabinet Minister said that Punjab’s competitiveness in sports goods manufacturing stems from its strategic location, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly environment.
He said that proximity of state to Delhi NCR, extensive road and rail connectivity, access to international airports, and integrated logistics infrastructure support efficient supply chains is also pivotal for it.
Mr Arora said that state’s long-standing expertise in sports goods production, combined with a strong ecosystem of MSMEs, component suppliers, and export-oriented units, drives cost efficiency and accelerated processes.
The Cabinet Minister said that Punjab continues to focus on technology upgradation, automation, standardized manufacturing, and export expansion. He said that with steadily rising domestic demand, growing exports, and evolving global supply chains, the state remains a leading hub for sports equipment manufacturing in India. Mr Arora further said that the state government is committed to give fillip to sports industry in Punjab for which no stone will be left unturned.
Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Vice Chairman NITI Aayog Suman Bery, Senior Advisor NITI Aayog Sanjeet Singh, and Administrative Secretary, Department of Industry and Commerce, Kamal Kishore Yadav, also highlighted the importance of technology upgradation and innovation in sustaining Punjab’s leadership in sports goods manufacturing.
Punjab Horticulture and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat thanked the NITI Aayog and the Punjab Government for giving this New Year gift to Jalandhar district, saying that the initiative would significantly strengthen the city’s capacity to tackle global competition. He termed Jalandhar’s sports industry as the backbone of Punjab’s economy and said that it has played a pivotal role in driving industrial growth in the state. The Minister added that the sports goods sector has generated ample employment opportunities for the youth, both directly and indirectly, and has helped Jalandhar carve out a distinct identity on the global manufacturing map. He expressed confidence that with continued institutional support and policy backing, the industry would scale new heights and further contribute to economic development and job creation in Punjab.
Congratulating Jalandhar’s sports industry on the establishment of the Technology Extension Centre, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery called upon local manufacturers to focus on quality and innovation, stating that sustained investment in these areas would pave the way for creating strong global brands.
Earlier in the day, the NITI Aayog team visited prominent sports goods manufacturing units in Jalandhar, including Saavi International, Alpha Hockey and Shrey Sports. Mukul Verma of Saavi International briefed the team on Jalandhar-made products being used at global platforms, including rugby balls used in the Women’s Rugby World Cup and hockey equipment featured in the Olympics.
An exhibition showcasing Jalandhar-made sports goods, safety gear and related equipment was also organised, drawing appreciation from policymakers and industry leaders alike.
Prominent amongst others present on the ocassion included Vice Chairman of Punjab Small Scale Industries & Export Corporation (PSIEC) Dinesh Dhall, Chairman District Planning Committee Amritpal Singh.
Later, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal on behalf of Jalandhar District Administration presented momento to all the dignitaries upon for their participation in the event.
