New Delhi/Srinagar, Apr 28 (KNO): Dedicating World Intellectual Property Day to the intersection of sports, innovation and youth opportunity, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Tuesday announced a major policy push aimed at strengthening India’s sports innovation ecosystem, while placing special emphasis on Jammu and Kashmir’s emerging sporting and craftsmanship identity.
Addressing the event themed IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate! in New Delhi, Goyal, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), announced that all intellectual property registrations related to sports, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, designs, traditional knowledge and geographical indications will be exempt from fees for three years with immediate effect.
He said the move is a “special drive” to accelerate innovation in the sports sector and directed that an official notification be issued without delay.
The minister also said the government will extend facilitation support under existing schemes to assist innovators, students, artisans and stakeholders in securing IP rights and easing their entry into the IP ecosystem.
J&K Ranji Team Felicitated; Historic Win Highlighted
In the valedictory session, Goyal felicitated the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy team for their breakthrough performance, particularly their landmark victory over eight-time champions Karnataka.
The achievement, he said, came after a long gap of 67 years and stands as a “moment of pride” for J&K cricket and an inspiration for young athletes across the region.
He noted that the development reflects sustained government efforts to expand sports infrastructure, tourism and industrial opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir, enabling greater youth participation in diverse fields, including professional sports.
GI Willow Bat Called Symbol Of J&K Craftsmanship
During the programme, the minister received a GI-tagged Kashmir willow cricket bat as a warm gesture from the J&K team, which he later acknowledged on social media.
Goyal described the bat as a powerful symbol of India’s craftsmanship and intellectual property strength, stating that it is among the most prominent sports-related products to receive a Geographical Indication tag. He urged its wider global promotion and emphasised strengthening its manufacturing base within Jammu and Kashmir to boost visibility in international markets.
Push For Sports Manufacturing Hubs And J&K Ecosystem
The minister called for developing dedicated sports manufacturing clusters in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir and Meerut, highlighting their potential to emerge as key hubs for sports goods production.
He stressed the need to scale up domestic manufacturing of equipment, including bats, balls, hockey gear, training aids and fitness equipment, saying this would strengthen indigenous value chains and generate employment.
Focusing on Jammu and Kashmir, he underlined the opportunity to build specialised manufacturing ecosystems that can support local livelihoods while positioning the region in national and global sports markets.
Goyal further urged innovators and students to convert ideas into intellectual property at an early stage, stressing the importance of ownership and value creation. He reiterated the government’s guiding vision of innovate, patent, produce and prosper, noting that India’s expanding free trade network is opening new opportunities for creators and manufacturers.
The minister also mentioned d the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and recalled 100 years of sporting ties between the two countries. He highlighted the growing economic scale of sports, including rising valuations of franchise cricket teams and expanding sports viewership in India.
Goyaal aso referred to India’s ambitions to host the 2036 Olympic Games and the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics, urging greater participation of youth from Jammu and Kashmir in global sporting platforms.
Referring to Sports Policy 2025, he emphasised strengthening school-level sports, expanding infrastructure, and ensuring equal opportunities nationwide. He cited initiatives such as sports academies for tribal talent and urged greater use of CSR funds for sports infrastructure, including open gyms and rural outreach.
Notably, the event also saw the launch of the Viksit Bharat Digital Matrix 2026, Design Hackathon, organised by DPIIT in collaboration with IIT Delhi, focusing on smart wearable technology and IP-driven innovation—(KNO)