SportEdge Meerut Launched | 01 Dec 2025

Why in News? 

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, launched SportEdge Meerut to accelerate India’s global standing in sports manufacturing, boost innovation and enterprise, and position Meerut as an internationally recognized sports hub. 

• He also inaugurated a Centre of Excellence in Sports Goods Manufacturing, a dedicated Badminton Racket Unit at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. 

Key Points 

SportEdge Meerut 

• Collaboration Framework: SportEdge partners with the Sports, Physical Education, Fitness and Leisure Skills Council (SPEFL-SC), the British Asian India Foundation (BAIF), and the National Entrepreneurship and Skill Training (NEST) initiative to build evidence-based learning and strengthen cluster operations through pooled Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support. 
• Enterprise Development: BAIF and NEST will empower over 5,000 nano-entrepreneurs through targeted investments and capacity-building, while providing artisans, enterprises, and youth access to modern skills, technology, and global markets. 
• Ecosystem Approach: The initiative unites government, industry, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners, the Sports and Society Accelerator (SSA), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international bodies to drive holistic growth in India’s sports sector. 
• Impact Goals: SportEdge aims to make Meerut a leading sports manufacturing hub by scaling 1,000 women-led nano-enterprises, raising incomes by at least 25%, ensuring annual earnings of ₹1 lakh, and improving long-term credit access, with potential for national replication.

Centre of Excellence in Sports Goods Manufacturing 

• About: Supported by the Sports, Physical Education, Fitness and Leisure Skills Council (SPEFL-SC) and leading industry partners, the Centre of Excellence is designed as a state-of-the-art facility for advanced sports goods manufacturing and training. 
• Skill Development: The centre aims to equip youth and local artisans with modern technical skills, enhance product design and quality standards, and promote increased participation of women in skilled manufacturing roles. 
• Industry–Academia Linkages: The Centre of Excellence will strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and industry, reinforcing Meerut’s position as a national leader in sports goods manufacturing and contributing to India’s growing global presence in the sector. 
• Infrastructure Support: Members of Parliament and local legislators will allocate Local Area Development Funds to upgrade sports infrastructure in Meerut, accelerating grassroots facility development and fostering greater community participation and sporting culture across districts.