Meerut, long known for producing cricket bats, is rapidly transforming into one of India’s largest sports goods manufacturing centres. Supported by government incentives, improved manufacturing technology and rising demand for sporting equipment, the city is expanding into multiple product categories while creating new employment opportunities.

Industry leaders say the growth is being driven by policy support from both the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre, helping manufacturers modernise production and diversify beyond traditional cricket equipment.

Meerut Expands Beyond Cricket Bats

While wooden cricket bats remain a major product, manufacturers in Meerut now produce a broad range of sports equipment.

Factories are manufacturing products for:

• Cricket
• Badminton
• Football
• Athletics
• Gymnastics
• Table tennis
• Carrom
• Plastic and fibre sports equipment

Manufacturers say rising timber costs and environmental concerns have accelerated the shift toward plastic cricket bats. Advances in production technology have also made plastic bats lighter, more durable and increasingly popular for indoor cricket, tennis-ball cricket and box cricket.

Government Schemes Fuel Industry Growth

Industry representatives credit several government initiatives for accelerating Meerut’s manufacturing expansion.

Key schemes supporting the sector include:

• One District One Product (ODOP)
• Khelo India
• Interest-free loan schemes
• Machinery subsidies of up to 50%

These incentives have enabled many small and medium-sized manufacturers to invest in new machinery and expand production capacity.

Charanjeet Bhatia, owner of Buchi Sports, said the company recently established a plastic bat manufacturing unit after receiving benefits under the subsidy programme.

He added that Meerut has evolved far beyond its reputation as India’s cricket bat capital.

Thousands of Manufacturing Units Now Operating

According to industry estimates, Meerut’s sports manufacturing ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years.

Manufacturers estimate the city now has nearly 5,000 to 7,000 large and small sports goods units, compared with only a handful several years ago.

The sector’s annual turnover is estimated at Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore, reflecting the industry’s growing contribution to Uttar Pradesh’s economy.

Buchi Sports alone manufactures between 8,000 and 10,000 plastic cricket bats every day, highlighting the increasing demand for affordable sporting equipment across India.

Khelo India Creates New Opportunities

Manufacturers also point to the Centre’s Khelo India initiative as a major catalyst for industry growth.

Aditya Mahajan, owner of BDM Sports, said the programme has boosted demand for a wide variety of sports equipment while encouraging manufacturers to diversify their product portfolios.

Along with cricket equipment, factories now produce badminton racquets, tennis equipment, table tennis products, carrom boards and other sporting goods.

He said affordable financing through state-backed loan schemes has particularly benefited small manufacturers looking to scale operations.

Women’s Participation in Manufacturing Rising

One of the most notable changes has been the growing participation of women in Meerut’s sports goods industry.

Manufacturers say skill development centres established in nearby villages have helped train women for factory jobs.

As a result, women’s representation in the workforce has increased from around 1% to nearly 9-10% in recent years.

Workers employed in the industry say employment opportunities and workplace facilities have improved significantly.

Many women now view factory work as a stable source of income that also supports their families.

Industry Seeks Dedicated Sports Manufacturing Cluster

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

Industry leaders have urged the Uttar Pradesh government to establish a dedicated sports manufacturing cluster and provide additional industrial land for new factories.

They argue that improved infrastructure would help increase exports, attract fresh investment and strengthen Meerut’s position in the global sports goods market.

Meerut’s Growing Role in India’s Sports Economy

As India witnesses rising participation in sports and fitness activities, demand for affordable, high-quality sports equipment continues to grow.

With policy support, technological upgrades and expanding production capacity, Meerut is steadily positioning itself as one of the country’s most important manufacturing centres for sporting goods.

Industry experts believe that continued investment and infrastructure development could further establish the city as a global destination for sports equipment manufacturing.

FAQs

1. Why is Meerut known as a sports goods hub?

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

2. Which government schemes are supporting Meerut’s sports industry?

Major initiatives include the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, Khelo India, machinery subsidies and interest-free loan programmes.

3. What sports equipment is manufactured in Meerut?

Factories manufacture cricket bats, badminton racquets, football equipment, athletics gear, gymnastics products, table tennis equipment, carrom boards and plastic sports goods.

4. Why are plastic cricket bats becoming popular?

Manufacturers cite rising timber costs, environmental concerns and improved manufacturing technology that has made plastic bats lighter and more durable.

5. How large is Meerut’s sports manufacturing industry?

Industry estimates suggest the city has around 5,000-7,000 manufacturing units with an annual turnover of approximately Rs 15,000-20,000 crore.

6. How has women’s employment changed in the industry?

Women’s participation has increased from around 1% to nearly 9-10%, supported by skill development programmes and improved workplace conditions.

7. What challenges does the industry still face?

Manufacturers are seeking a dedicated sports manufacturing cluster, additional industrial land and better infrastructure to support future growth.

8. Why is Meerut important for India’s sports sector?

Meerut plays a key role in supplying sports equipment across India and is emerging as a major manufacturing hub supported by technology, government policies and growing domestic demand.