Virat Kohli's Bold Leap into Sports Manufacturing: A Game Changer for Indian Athletics
July 1, 2025, 5:22 pm
Virat Kohli, the cricketing titan, is not just a name on the pitch. He’s now a player in the business arena, investing INR 40 crore (about USD 4.7 million) in Agilitas Sports. This Bengaluru-based company is making waves in the sporting goods sector. Kohli’s investment marks a significant pivot in his career, moving from endorsements to ownership.
Agilitas Sports, founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, is not your average startup. It’s a full-stack ecosystem for sporting goods, covering everything from manufacturing to retail. Kohli’s stake of 1.94% is a strategic move, especially after his recent exit from a lucrative INR 110 crore endorsement deal with Puma India. This shift signals a new chapter for Kohli, aligning his brand with a company that embodies his vision for sports in India.
The recent funding round also saw contributions from cricketer Abhishek Sharma and SMLINE Ventures, pushing Agilitas’ valuation to approximately INR 2,058 crore (around USD 242 million). With this influx, the company has raised over INR 600 crore in total. It’s a financial powerhouse in the making.
Agilitas is not just about numbers. It’s about creating a legacy. The company has already made a significant move by acquiring Mochiko Shoes, a key supplier for global brands like Adidas and Puma. This acquisition strengthens its manufacturing base, ensuring quality and innovation in its products. Kohli’s involvement is expected to amplify this effort, leveraging his brand value and strategic insights.
The company’s offerings include in-house brands like One8, Kohli’s lifestyle label, and licensing rights for Lotto in India and Australia. This diverse portfolio positions Agilitas as a formidable player in the global sporting goods market. Kohli’s vision aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, aiming to boost local manufacturing and create jobs.
Kohli’s investment is a bold statement. It’s a commitment to the future of Indian sports. With his influence, Agilitas aims to scale operations both domestically and internationally. The goal is clear: to become a leading name in the sporting goods industry.
But this investment is more than just financial. It’s about passion. Kohli has always been a champion of sports. His transition from player to entrepreneur reflects a deeper commitment to the sporting community. He understands the challenges athletes face and aims to provide them with the best equipment and support.
The sporting goods industry is evolving. With rising competition and changing consumer preferences, companies must innovate. Agilitas is poised to meet these challenges head-on. Kohli’s involvement brings not just capital but also a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the market.
As Agilitas expands, it will likely focus on sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices. The modern consumer is more conscious than ever. They want products that are not only high-quality but also environmentally friendly. Kohli’s brand can lead the charge in this area, setting new standards for the industry.
The landscape of sports in India is changing. With investments like Kohli’s, the country is on the brink of a sporting revolution. Athletes are becoming entrepreneurs, and the lines between sports and business are blurring. This trend is not just limited to cricket; it’s spreading across various sports.
Injuries, particularly in women’s football, have become a pressing issue. The recent discussions around ACL injuries highlight the need for better training and technology. Experts suggest that prevention programs can significantly reduce injury rates. However, there’s no magic bullet. Technology is advancing, but it’s not yet at a point where it can predict injuries with certainty.
Wearable technology is emerging as a potential game-changer. It can provide insights into player performance and health. But the technology must be accessible and widely adopted. Professional teams are already using GPS tracking to monitor player workload, which can help in injury prevention.
The evolution of football boots is another significant development. For years, female players wore men’s boots in smaller sizes. Now, brands like Nike and Adidas are creating female-specific designs. This shift acknowledges the unique needs of women athletes and enhances their performance.
Kohli’s investment in Agilitas Sports is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes. It signifies a commitment to improving the sporting landscape in India. With the right support, Indian athletes can compete on the global stage. Kohli’s vision, combined with Agilitas’ innovative approach, could redefine the future of sports in the country.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s foray into the sports manufacturing sector is a bold and strategic move. It reflects his passion for sports and his desire to contribute to the industry. As Agilitas Sports grows, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Indian athletics. The future looks bright, and Kohli is leading the charge.
Agilitas Sports, founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, is not your average startup. It’s a full-stack ecosystem for sporting goods, covering everything from manufacturing to retail. Kohli’s stake of 1.94% is a strategic move, especially after his recent exit from a lucrative INR 110 crore endorsement deal with Puma India. This shift signals a new chapter for Kohli, aligning his brand with a company that embodies his vision for sports in India.
The recent funding round also saw contributions from cricketer Abhishek Sharma and SMLINE Ventures, pushing Agilitas’ valuation to approximately INR 2,058 crore (around USD 242 million). With this influx, the company has raised over INR 600 crore in total. It’s a financial powerhouse in the making.
Agilitas is not just about numbers. It’s about creating a legacy. The company has already made a significant move by acquiring Mochiko Shoes, a key supplier for global brands like Adidas and Puma. This acquisition strengthens its manufacturing base, ensuring quality and innovation in its products. Kohli’s involvement is expected to amplify this effort, leveraging his brand value and strategic insights.
The company’s offerings include in-house brands like One8, Kohli’s lifestyle label, and licensing rights for Lotto in India and Australia. This diverse portfolio positions Agilitas as a formidable player in the global sporting goods market. Kohli’s vision aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, aiming to boost local manufacturing and create jobs.
Kohli’s investment is a bold statement. It’s a commitment to the future of Indian sports. With his influence, Agilitas aims to scale operations both domestically and internationally. The goal is clear: to become a leading name in the sporting goods industry.
But this investment is more than just financial. It’s about passion. Kohli has always been a champion of sports. His transition from player to entrepreneur reflects a deeper commitment to the sporting community. He understands the challenges athletes face and aims to provide them with the best equipment and support.
The sporting goods industry is evolving. With rising competition and changing consumer preferences, companies must innovate. Agilitas is poised to meet these challenges head-on. Kohli’s involvement brings not just capital but also a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the market.
As Agilitas expands, it will likely focus on sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices. The modern consumer is more conscious than ever. They want products that are not only high-quality but also environmentally friendly. Kohli’s brand can lead the charge in this area, setting new standards for the industry.
The landscape of sports in India is changing. With investments like Kohli’s, the country is on the brink of a sporting revolution. Athletes are becoming entrepreneurs, and the lines between sports and business are blurring. This trend is not just limited to cricket; it’s spreading across various sports.
Injuries, particularly in women’s football, have become a pressing issue. The recent discussions around ACL injuries highlight the need for better training and technology. Experts suggest that prevention programs can significantly reduce injury rates. However, there’s no magic bullet. Technology is advancing, but it’s not yet at a point where it can predict injuries with certainty.
Wearable technology is emerging as a potential game-changer. It can provide insights into player performance and health. But the technology must be accessible and widely adopted. Professional teams are already using GPS tracking to monitor player workload, which can help in injury prevention.
The evolution of football boots is another significant development. For years, female players wore men’s boots in smaller sizes. Now, brands like Nike and Adidas are creating female-specific designs. This shift acknowledges the unique needs of women athletes and enhances their performance.
Kohli’s investment in Agilitas Sports is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes. It signifies a commitment to improving the sporting landscape in India. With the right support, Indian athletes can compete on the global stage. Kohli’s vision, combined with Agilitas’ innovative approach, could redefine the future of sports in the country.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s foray into the sports manufacturing sector is a bold and strategic move. It reflects his passion for sports and his desire to contribute to the industry. As Agilitas Sports grows, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Indian athletics. The future looks bright, and Kohli is leading the charge.