The story
The sports-goods trade came to Jalandhar after 1947, when craftsmen from Sialkot in west Punjab resettled in the city and started making bats, balls and hockey sticks. Basti Sheikh, Basti Nau and the sports-goods market became the hub, with family firms supplying national teams and exporting widely. Over the last two decades, Chinese competition in balls and Meerut's growth have cut Jalandhar's export share. The cluster has moved towards fitness equipment, protective gear and branded sportswear.
In numbers
Jalandhar has over 3,000 sports goods units.
CareEdge Ratings — Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 report · 2025Jalandhar's share of India's sports goods exports had fallen from a 90% peak to roughly 35%.
YourStory — Nike, Adidas and Puma once sourced from this Punjab city. What happened? · 2026Citing the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council, Jalandhar accounted for 60 per cent of the total sports goods exports from India.
The Tribune — Special coverage, Jalandhar sports goods · 2009
Ways in for a newcomer
- Contract manufacturing of fitness and gym accessories
- Online direct-to-consumer brand for cricket and hockey gear
- Supplying school and academy sports kits
- Making components (grips, handles, bladders, packaging) for larger makers
Problems the cluster faces
- Cheaper Chinese balls and gear
- Meerut's growing share of exports
- Rising cost of willow and raw material
- Small firms lack design and marketing reach
Businesses to start here
Cricket Bats →Leather Cricket Ball Making →Cricket Batting Gloves Unit →Badminton Racket Making →Tennis Ball Making →Sports Footwear Unit →Track Suit Stitching →PVC Cricket Bat and Ball Making →