Sports Equipment and Apparel Market Size & Share 2026 – Opportunities for Online Growth with chotu

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sports shop online

The Game Has Changed: Sports Retail Is Now Digital

The sports equipment and apparel market is one of the fastest-growing segments in India – and 2026 is set to be a record-breaking year. With rising fitness trends, local sports leagues, and lifestyle-driven consumers, demand for sports gear and clothing has never been higher.

But here’s the real opportunity: most of this growth is happening online.

Customers aren’t just buying from malls anymore – they’re discovering, comparing, and purchasing directly from their phones. And if you’re a sports retailer or small business owner, this is your moment to build your online store with chotu and capture your share of the booming market.

1. The 2026 Sports Market Outlook: Bigger, Faster, Stronger

According to recent industry insights, the sports equipment and apparel market in India is projected to cross ₹45,000 crores by 2026, driven by:

  • Increased interest in fitness and outdoor activities
  • The rise of youth sports academies and community clubs
  • E-commerce and social media pushing new sportswear brands
  • Local manufacturing and “Made in India” product growth

Consumers are now looking for easy online access to cricket gear, gym equipment, yoga accessories, activewear, and footwear – making it the perfect time to take your store online.

2. The Big Opportunity: Selling Sports Gear Online with chotu

Selling sports products online isn’t just for big brands anymore. With chotu, small and medium shop owners can launch their own branded store in just a few minutes.

Here’s how chotu helps you play to win:

  • Instant Online Store: Create a professional store without coding.
  • WhatsApp Orders: Receive and manage orders directly from WhatsApp.
  • Mobile Dashboard: Track customers, orders, and payments easily from your phone.
  • Easy Sharing: Post your products on social media and send your shop link anywhere.

No complicated setup, no monthly tech hassles – just your business, running digitally 24/7.

👉 Start now for FREE at owner.chotu.com/sell-online.

3. Why 2026 Is the Perfect Year to Go Online

The competition is heating up – and being online gives you a serious edge.

Here’s what successful sports retailers are doing with chotu:

  • Expanding reach beyond local areas through social media sales.
  • Getting repeat orders directly on WhatsApp.
  • Showcasing their full inventory online without physical store limits.
  • Running offers and combos to attract fitness enthusiasts and team buyers.

In short: the future of sports retail is online, mobile, and WhatsApp-first – exactly what chotu is built for.

Final Whistle: The Future Belongs to Digital Players

2026 is not just another year for the sports market – it’s the turning point where digital-first brands will dominate. Whether you sell sportswear, gym accessories, or training equipment, your customers are waiting for you online.

With chotu, you can create your digital store, sell directly through WhatsApp, and grow your business faster than ever.

Be part of India’s sports revolution – start your online store today

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is chotu?
Namaste. I am chotu, your friendly shopboy. I make ordering from your shop simple on WhatsApp.
What does chotu do?
Customers can see your full product list online (like Zepto/Blinkit). They add to cart and order directly on WhatsApp.
Is chotu like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto or Blinkit?
No. Those are delivery apps made for buyers. They control prices, delivery, and own your customer data. chotu is an ordering app made for you, the shopkeeper. You keep full control: prices, payments and your customer info.
Is chotu same as WhatsApp Business Catalog?
Almost, but one big difference: With chotu, you get a ready-made catalog for your shop type. No need to type a single word. Just turn OFF items you don’t sell. Plus, you get a QR code and link to share anywhere.
Do customers order with me directly or with chotu?
Orders come straight to your WhatsApp. chotu does not know what is ordered or who your customer is.
Do customers need to download chotu?
No. They can order by:
  • Scanning your QR code


  • Clicking your shop link

(If they install chotu, it only makes reordering easier.)

So, there are two apps?
Yes, the red chotu app is for buyers, golden chotu Owner app is for you, the shopkeeper. You can install both if you want.

How will my shop look?
Like any online store (Amazon/Flipkart). Buyers can browse, search, and add to cart. Click on LIVE DEMO to see how your shop will look.
Do I need a laptop, Excel, or English?
No. Only a WhatsApp number is enough. Works in all Indian languages. chotu runs only on mobile.
How much does chotu cost?
Starts ₹999, one-time payment. No rent. No subscription. No commission. It’s your shop forever.
How do I get paid?
Customers pay you directly, not through chotu. They can give cash in hand or through UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.). No change in payments at all.


Will chotu deliver orders?
No. Delivery is your choice.
  • Ask customer to pick up


  • Send through your boy/helper
  • Use Rapido, Dunzo, etc.


Can customers pay cash?
Yes. As always.
How will I know if I got an order?
You’ll hear a “ka-ching” on the chotu Owner app and get the order on WhatsApp.
Can customers order at night?
Yes. 24×7. You can deliver when you are open.
My customers have cousins in the USA, can they also order?
Yes. Your shop is now open to the whole world, 24X7.
How do I promote my shop?
When you buy a shop, you get a shop link and a QR.
  • Share shop link on WhatsApp Status, Groups, Instagram, YouTube, etc.


  • Print QR on your shopboard, visiting cards, no-parking boards.


Will I get new customers?
Yes, through your link/QR and local promotion. With VIP Pass, your shop ranks higher on chotu search.
What is VIP Pass?
VIP Pass is a value added service with extra benefits:
  • Higher ranking in customer searches
  • Ability to edit your shop details
  • Priority customer support
How do I buy the VIP Pass?
All shops come with a built-in FREE VIP Pass. You do not need to purchase it right now. You can login to the chotu Owner app to buy the VIP Pass later.
Do I need GST or a physical shop?
No. Just a WhatsApp number is enough. Physical shop is optional.
What does owning a shop mean on chotu?
Like you buy a shop in the real world, you are buying a space in the digital world, which is yours forever.
What if I don’t get orders at first?
Share your shop link with existing customers. Once they try it, they will reorder and refer new buyers. If you have a Google My Business profile, you should update your shop link there too to get more orders.
Who is behind chotu? Can I trust it?
The team has decades of experience at Microsoft, Oracle, airtel and studied at IIT & IIM. They are building chotu with only one purpose: make ordering with local shops as easy as UPI made payments.
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