Secretary (Textiles) Neelam Shami Rao visited the Decathlon SportsLab in the Lille metropolitan region of France, highlighting opportunities to strengthen collaboration between India and the global sporting goods major in performance textiles, sportswear innovation, advanced materials and technical research and development. The development was shared on the official LinkedIn page of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The visit provided an opportunity to understand Decathlon’s research-driven approach to developing sports products, with the SportsLab focusing on the relationship between the human body, movement and sporting performance. Decathlon says its SportsLab comprises four specialised laboratories covering thermal comfort, movement sciences, body morphology, and sensory and behavioural sciences. Its research teams use tools and testing methodologies to study body movement, physical characteristics, product comfort and material performance, helping translate scientific insights into product development.
During the visit, advanced work in biomechanics, body morphology, movement sciences, thermal comfort and product testing was showcased, demonstrating how research and technology can contribute to the development of products that deliver improved performance, safety, comfort and functionality. Such research is particularly relevant to sportswear, where factors including fabric behaviour, body movement, temperature regulation, fit and material performance can influence the overall user experience.
The discussions also highlighted the potential for a deeper India-Decathlon partnership across performance textiles, sportswear innovation, advanced materials, sustainability, circularity, product testing and technical R&D. India’s established textile and apparel manufacturing base, expanding technical textile capabilities and growing innovation ecosystem position the country as an important partner for the next phase of Decathlon’s global sourcing, manufacturing and product development ambitions.
Decathlon already has a significant presence in India. According to the company’s India careers platform, Decathlon entered the Indian market in 2009 and now has more than 130 stores, four warehouses, nine partner factories and 24 industrial processes in the country, supported by more than 5,000 teammates. The company also highlights its research and development capabilities, with innovation activities across France and a track record of generating patents through its R&D efforts.
India is also integrated into Decathlon’s wider global production network. The company says it works with suppliers across 45 countries or regions and, as of December 2025, had production offices supporting sourcing activities in India and other South Asian markets. Its manufacturing ecosystem covers multiple industrial processes, including textiles, footwear, metallurgy and electronics.
Decathlon has developed a broad sporting goods proposition spanning sportswear, footwear, equipment and accessories, with products serving more than 60 sports. Its Indian retail network has expanded substantially, with the company’s current store locator listing more than 100 stores across multiple states and offering access to thousands of products.
Founded in Lille, France, in 1976, Decathlon has grown into a global sporting goods company with an integrated approach spanning product research, design, manufacturing, distribution and retail. Its model combines specialist sports expertise with product development and direct retail, enabling the company to work closely with athletes and users throughout the product-development process.
The visit to the SportsLab therefore underlines the growing relevance of research and technology in the evolution of sportswear and technical textiles. For India, deeper engagement with Decathlon could create opportunities not only in manufacturing and sourcing but also in advanced material development, performance testing, sustainable production, circularity and innovation-led product development. The interaction reflects the broader potential for India to strengthen its role in the global technical textile and performance apparel value chain while supporting international brands in developing next-generation sporting products.
