In the dynamic world of Indian sportswear, one name stands out: Shiv Naresh. Founded by Shiv Prakash Singh, Director, the company has grown from a modest tailoring shop into a powerhouse in the athletic apparel industry. Singh’s leadership has helped the company build a reputation for quality and innovation. His deep understanding of industry trends, consumer preferences, and market challenges has positioned Shiv Naresh as a dominant player in India’s growing sportswear market.
Currently having a workforce of over 800 employees, Shiv Naresh is a name synonymous with quality and performance. The brand proudly outfits athletes at both national and international levels.
Every Indian athlete who has won an Olympic or Asian medal has donned the company’s apparel, states Singh, emphasizing the brand’s deep-rooted connection to Indian sports. From humble beginnings to national prominence, the company has remained committed to delivering top-tier performance wear tailored to the needs of elite athletes.
Championing domestic manufacturing
Largely driven by the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the sportswear industry is moving toward domestic manufacturing. Highlighting this transformation, Singh notes, approximately 90 per cent of sportswear is now produced in India.
Historically, India has always relied on imports for high-performance fabrics, but Singh is optimistic for the future. As more manufacturing companies establish operations in India, the country will soon be able to meet all its fabric requirements domestically, he affirms.
Observing a changing mindset among Indian consumers, Singh says, there is a growing aspiration among Indian netizens for locally made products, and they are willing to pay a premium for them.
This presents a valuable opportunity for Shiv Naresh to expand its reach beyond professional athletes and tap into the growing passive wear market, he adds.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite its successes however, the brand Shiv Naresh faces ongoing challenges. The company needs to constantly innovate to meet global sportswear standards and maintain their edge in the industry, aver Singh
Taking significant steps towards expansion, Shiv Naresh has embraced online sales besides also establishing 38 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs). The company’s future lies in offering high-quality apparel to a broader audience. It can establish a strong presence in the passive wear segment only by focusing on quality and service, asserts Singh.
Looking ahead
As India's sportswear industry grows, Shiv Naresh stands at the forefront, embodying the spirit of resilience and innovation. The brand sets new standard with its commitment to excellence and a vision for the future. As more athletes choose Shiv Naresh, the company’s legacy will inspire future generations of sports enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike.
A staunch advocate of domestic manufacturing, Singh is a strong supporter of the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, reducing the country’s reliance on imported sportswear. As a thought leader in the industry, he continues to champion the importance of quality, service, and Indian heritage in the global market.
His vision ensures that Shiv Naresh remains a symbol of excellence in the Indian sportswear market for years to come.
