Most professional athletes spend their entire careers perfecting their game. However, some far-sighted players plan their future in business-oriented fields. Some Indian sportspersons attained success off the field after they hung up their boots.
Here is a list of Top 10 Indian sportspersons who turned entrepreneurs:
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Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, one of the current giants in the world of batsmen, is as determined in business as he is on the field. To stay in shape and make people fit, he began a line of gyms, Chisel, in 2015. Chisel has been an overwhelming achievement and is now available in over 70 areas across India. Kohli also co-owns an FC Bengaluru United football team in Bengaluru. WROGN, his branding company, also represents Virat’s desire to develop a range of clothing options for millennials. He seems to have made some wise investments.
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Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh, who inspired the Indian cricket team to win the 2011 World Cup, launched the journey capital firm YouWeCan in 2012 after defeating cancer. Yuvraj funds entrepreneurs and startups that have a positive desire to revolutionise health care in India. Yuvraj Singh Foundation plans to fund innovative medical technologies and new types of medicines that help enhance people’s lives.
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Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev, one of India’s finest all-rounders, has started various businesses after retirement. He cofounded a luxury hotel and a chain of theme restaurants, “Captain’s XI,” scattered around North India. Furthermore, he also launched a bright yet energy-efficient stadium light provider. Most importantly, although he doesn’t have a formal business degree, he never misses a single opportunity in any of the sectors.
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Mahesh Bhupathi
This legendary tennis player cofounded Scentials, a premium ayurvedic beauty brand, in 2018. Furthermore, in the same year, he launched the Indian sportswear brand Zeven. However, his most fabulous brainchild appeared in 2014. It was the International Premier Tennis League. This idea was a revolution because it brought tennis stars to Asian fans. Mahesh supplemented his example and showed that sports businesses can be successful due to innovative ideas that fit local needs. His companies were an example of inspiration for present days to all Indian athletes to strive to own entrepreneurial projects.
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Abhinav Bindra
India’s first individual gold medalist, Bindra, established the Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance Centre in 2015. This state-of-the-art shooting academy in his hometown of Mohali provides world-class facilities and expertise to nurture budding marksmen. Realising the many challenges his fellow shooters face, the Bindra Foundation also intends to support potential talents in the sport of shooting. Bindra, the first individual Olympic gold medalist, has a responsibility to help fellow shooters fulfil their potential. High-achieving athletes can also contribute to their sport by giving to underprivileged sportspersons.
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Saina Nehwal
This badminton legend founded the Paree Group in 2018 to raise women’s health and hygiene standards. Through her brand, Saina aims to make inexpensive sanitary products easily accessible to underprivileged communities. Her efforts poignantly demonstrate how successful women in sports can ignite social change. With Saina as their inspiration, many more Indian girls take up sports and pursue their ambitions. Her exemplary venture proves athletes are influential role models in and outside their field.
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MS Dhoni
Dhoni, a popular Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, founded a chain of fitness centres called SportsFit. He also co-owns the Indian Super League football team Chennaiyin FC and the Ranchi-based Pulse polo team. Dhoni recognises opportunities and makes calculated investments, reflecting his cool, analytical leadership on the pitch. He explores diverse avenues and does not limit himself to one market. Dhoni sets a benchmark for how Indian captains can be versatile leaders in both sports and business.
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Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, a renowned Indian batsman, has multiple successful post-retirement ventures. He co-owns the Indian Super League football team Kerala Blasters and the Mumbai franchise in the Premier Badminton League. Tendulkar also launched the Sachin Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy to coach young cricketers. Additionally, he has an investment in the Badminton World Federation Premier League team, Bengaluru Blasters.
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Mary Kom
This iconic boxing champion from Manipur launched the Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation in 2012 after winning multiple world titles. With this, she supports amateur boxers across India with equipment, training and competitive opportunities. Mary also founded the Chanu Boxing Academy in her hometown to give underprivileged girls and boys free coaching. Her aim to “give back to boxing” has empowered thousands seeking a career in her sport. Mary sets a role model for how hard work and determination can uplift entire communities.
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Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, one of India’s finest spin bowlers, cofounded Spektacom Technologies in 2018. This technology company develops innovative sports gear integrated with sensors and data analytics. Kumble also co-owns Tenvic Sports along with Vasanth Bharadwaj. It is a sports consulting and training firm guiding athletes. He invested in Sportz Village, India’s most prominent sports consultancy, to offer world-class amenities. Through such diverse ventures leveraging new-age tech, Kumble demonstrates how sports and business can effectively merge for the future.
