Nivia Sports: From Humble Beginnings to Game-Changing Innovation

Older than global sportswear manufacturers like Nike and Adidas, Nivia Sports is the cornerstone of India’s sports legacy. Founded in 1947 by Nihal Chand Khurbandha during the post-partition era, Nivia’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and leadership.

From pioneering synthetic footballs in the 1960s to outfitting international legends like Lionel Messi, this homegrown company manufactures 20,000 sports products daily.

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As part of #offcampus, Masters’ Union students visited Nivia Sports’ Headquarter in Jalandhar to learn how this 90-year-old Indian company continues to stay relevant.

Watch the video to uncover the story behind this legendary business and see how they craft world-class sports goods right here in India!

Innovation that changed the game

In an era where leather footballs dominated, Nivia made a bold pivot to synthetic materials, improving durability and playability. This move wasn’t just a product upgrade — it revolutionised Indian football. Today, Nivia’s advanced manufacturing processes, from thermal bonding to polyurethane craftsmanship, set new standards in quality and performance.

Scaling success with strategy

With over 20,000 sports products manufactured daily, Nivia’s market leadership spans far beyond football. The brand’s holistic approach to sports includes partnerships with athletes and organisations, positioning it as a key player in the athletic ecosystem.

The future is innovation

Dhruv Khurbandha’s vision for the company is clear: embrace cutting-edge technologies, refresh product lines, and attract a new generation of athletes. 

Whether it’s badminton or football, the focus remains on pushing boundaries while staying true to Nivia’s heritage of calculated risk-taking and continuous improvement.

In a world where sports is evolving faster than ever, Nivia’s story proves that adaptability, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence are the keys to enduring success. This is more than a business story — it’s a legacy of impact on and off the field.