Sporting apparel and goods retailer Decathlon has committed to investing approximately Rs 930 crore in India in the next five years to cement its position as one of the most successful global sports goods brands in the country, Sankar Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer, Decathlon India, told the media.
“This investment will enable us to reach a wider audience and offer a more comprehensive sports experience,” Chatterjee said, adding that the additional capital infusion will be used towards launching new stores, digital assets and bolster its supply chain among other things.
Decathlon India has posted a revenue of ~Rs 4,000 crore in India in FY24 and plans to double this figure in the next 3-5 years. The French company, which currently operates 127 stores in 50 cities in India and counts the country among its top 10 international markets, plans to take its store count up to 190, in 90 cities. It will also increase focus on Tier II.
Currently, 8% of sourcing is from India and about 60% sales generated in India is made in India. The brand will focus on India’s potential to become a global manufacturing and innovation hub for its goods and apparel and will also focus on nurturing local talent.
Green Plans
Decathlon has also announced that it is moving its manufacturing facilities to green energy, aiming for a 50% reduction in carbon footprint.
The company recently went through a rebrand, with an updated visual identity in the form of a new icon called L’Orbit, which represents the brand’s renewed mission to ‘inspire people through the wonders of sport’.
The company said that it was rolling out the new designs to change the look and feel of its stores nationwide.
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Ambitious Plans for Padel Business
India’s rising interest in padel, a racquet sport known for its simplicity and accessibility, is prompting Decathlon to ramp up its efforts in the country. The sports retail giant has announced an ambitious plan to grow its padel business by over 300% and capture 75% of the Indian market share by 2026.
Padel currently has over 1,800 registered players in India. The sport’s appeal lies in its lower physical demand compared to other racquet sports like tennis and squash, making it popular among players of all ages. According to the Indian Padel Federation, the sport is expected to flourish in the coming years, with cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad expected to have 30-40 courts each by the end of 2024, totaling over 200 courts nationwide.
“Padel’s rapid growth in India is a testament to the nation’s love for racquet sports and the rising interest towards new team challenges. At Decathlon, we are dedicated to inspiring movement through the wonders of sport, fostering community connections, and promoting healthy lifestyles,” Chitransh Srivastava, Racket Sports Leader, Decathlon India, said.
“By offering high-quality, affordable equipment and access to world-class facilities, we aim to support the development of Padel and make it accessible to everyone. Our goal is to spearhead this exciting journey, enabling Padel to become a mainstay in the Indian sports landscape,” Srivastava added.
Decathlon has already taken steps to support this growth by establishing its first padel court in North Bengaluru. The company plans to increase the availability of courts across the country, aiming to make the sport more accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, Decathlon offers a range of padel rackets in stores located in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gujarat, with plans to expand from 12 racket models in 2024 to 28 in 2025, including options tailored for kids and women.
About Decathlon
Decathlon is a French global sports retailer and manufacturer, known for providing high-quality, affordable sporting goods for all skill levels—from beginners to professional athletes. Established in 1976, it operates 1,750 stores worldwide, supported by a team of 101,000 dedicated employees. The company’s mission is to inspire movement and promote healthier lifestyles by making sports accessible to everyone while fostering community connections and supporting a sustainable future.
