Premium Squash Equipment Import & Retail for Indian Athletes
The Opportunity
India's top-ranked squash player Anahat Singh and emerging athletes lack access to world-class squash equipment domestically as the sport makes its Olympic debut in 2028. Currently, Indian squash players must source rackets, balls, and gear from international markets, creating a supply gap and opportunity for localized retail distribution.
Market Size
₹15-20 crore by 2028 (estimated from 5,000+ competitive squash players in India × ₹3-4 lakh equipment investment per player over 2 years, plus growing recreational segment post-Olympics announcement)
Business Model
Import premium squash rackets, balls, court shoes, and accessories from manufacturers (Dunlop, Head, Tecnifibre) and establish exclusive distribution through multi-brand retail stores in metro cities and sports complexes, plus direct-to-athlete B2B sales.
Equipment retail margin: 35-40% on rackets (₹15,000-₹50,000 per unit) and balls (₹2,000-₹5,000 per dozen)Team sponsorships & bulk sales to squash academies: ₹5-10 lakh annually per academy contractOnline e-commerce channel: D2C through website targeting serious players nationally
Your 30-Day Action Plan
Contact 3-5 international squash equipment manufacturers (Dunlop, Head, Tecnifibre, Wilson) to understand distribution rights, minimum order quantities, and pricing for Indian market
Identify 10-15 squash clubs and academies in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore; conduct 5 in-depth interviews with coaches and top players on unmet equipment needs and budget
Register business entity, obtain Import-Export (IEC) code from DGFT, and apply for GST registration under 'Sports Goods Retail' category
Secure retail location (300-400 sq ft) in a sports-focused or premium shopping district; finalize supplier agreements and place first order of ₹8-10 lakh inventory
Compliance & Regulatory Angle
Import duties on sports equipment vary by HS code (squash rackets: 10-15% basic customs duty); GST 5% on sports goods; IEC (Import-Export Code) registration mandatory; compliance with BIS standards for balls and safety equipment; no specific squash licensing required but sports complex partnerships may require NOC from state sports authorities.
Regulatory References
Required to legally import sports equipment and obtain duty benefits under trade agreements
Determines 10-15% basic customs duty on squash rackets and balls
Tax compliance for retail sales; input tax credit available on imported inventory
Required for squash balls and some protective gear to ensure quality and safety standards
Mandatory compliance for physical store operations in each state
Ready to Act on This Opportunity?
Generate a 7-step execution plan — validate the market, build the MVP, model the financials, map the risks, and ship in 30 days.