Many elite athletes spend their whole careers honing their talents. However, several forward-thinking athletes hope to pursue commercial professions after retirement. Many Indian athletes have successfully entered the corporate world, leveraging on their public image and work ethic. These individuals flourish in a variety of business disciplines by using their athletic background, discipline, and networks. Their success stories encourage contemporary players to think about life beyond athletics, demonstrating that the abilities and attributes developed on the field can be efficiently translated to entrepreneurial endeavors, providing new chances for themselves and contributing to the economy.
Here's a list of the top ten Indian sportspeople who turned entrepreneurs:
Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev, one of India's best all-rounders, has founded several enterprises after retiring. He co-founded a premium hotel and a series of theme restaurants called "Captain's XI," which are distributed throughout North India. He has established a brilliant yet energy-efficient stadium lighting supplier. Most significantly, despite not having a formal business degree, he never passes up an opportunity in any of the areas.
Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, one of India's best spin bowlers, co-founded Spektacom Technologies in 2018. This technological startup creates unique sporting gear that incorporates sensors and data analytics. Kumble also co-owns Tenvic Sports with Vasanth Bharadwaj. It is a sports consultancy and training business that guides athletes. He invested in Sportz Village, India's leading sports consultancy, to provide world-class amenities. Kumble exemplifies how sports and business might effectively mix in the future through such diversified companies that leverage cutting-edge technology.
Mahesh Bhupathi
This great tennis player co-founded Scentials, a luxury ayurvedic cosmetics company, in 2018. In the same year, he also started Zeven, an Indian sportswear company. However, his most spectacular creation debuted in 2014. It was the International Premier Tennis League. This notion was revolutionary since it introduced tennis stars to Asian audiences. Mahesh expanded on his example, demonstrating that sports businesses may be successful thanks to new concepts that meet local requirements. His firms served as a motivation for today's Indian athletes to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, one of the world's best batters today, is as dedicated in business as he is on the field. In 2015, he founded Chisel gyms to help individuals remain in shape and get fit. Chisel has been a huge success and is currently offered in over 70 locations across India. Kohli also co-owns the Bengaluru-based FC Bengaluru United football team. WROGN, Virat's branding firm, also shows his drive to progress. WROGN, his branding firm, also symbolizes Virat's goal to create a line of clothes for millennials. He appears to have made some excellent investments.
Abhinav Bindra
Bindra, India's first individual gold winner, founded the Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance Center in 2015. This cutting-edge shooting academy in his birthplace of Mohali offers world-class facilities and experience to help aspiring marksmen. Recognizing the numerous hurdles that his fellow shooters encounter, the Bindra Foundation wants to promote budding shooting talent. Bindra, the first individual Olympic gold champion, has a responsibility to assist other shooters reach their full potential. High-achieving athletes can also support their sport by donating to impoverished athletes.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh, who inspired India's cricket team to win the 2011 World Cup, founded the journey capital business YouWeCan in 2012 after overcoming cancer. Yuvraj sponsors entrepreneurs and businesses with a strong passion to transform health care in India. Yuvraj Singh Foundation intends to finance revolutionary medical technology and new sorts of drugs that would improve people's lives.
Saina Nehwal
This badminton legend formed the Paree Group in 2018 to improve women's health and hygiene. Saina's company strives to make affordable sanitary products more accessible to poor people. Her efforts highlight how successful women in athletics can spark societal change. With Saina as an inspiration, an increasing number of Indian girls participate in sports and achieve their goals. Her exceptional enterprise demonstrates that athletes can be significant role models both inside and outside of their area.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, a prominent Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, created the SportsFit brand of workout centers. He also owns the Indian Super League football side Chennaiyin FC and the Ranchi-based Pulse polo team. Dhoni identifies openings and makes smart investments, demonstrating his calm, analytical leadership on the field. He explores other options and does not confine himself to a single market. Dhoni exemplifies how Indian captains can be effective leaders in both sports and business.
Conclusion
The move of athletes into successful corporate jobs demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of abilities acquired via athletics. This move helps not only the sportsmen themselves, but also the economy and society by providing employment and motivating others. As more players pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, we have a better grasp of the various job options accessible after athletics. The stories of Indian sportsmen who have excelled in business are striking illustrations of how hard work and smart thinking can lead to success in a variety of fields.
