DRIVE FITT: A New Era in Fitness and Cricket with Preity Zinta and Shubman Gill
Image: DRIVE FITT
Image courtesy: Indian Retailer
Bollywood star Preity Zinta and Indian cricket sensation Shubman Gill have joined forces to launch DRIVE FITT, an innovative gym chain that merges fitness and cricket training.
Founded by Australian entrepreneurs Mark Sellar and Deke Smith, DRIVE FITT aims to revolutionize the fitness industry in India by combining state-of-the-art gym equipment with dedicated cricket facilities.
The first location is set to open in Gurgaon in October, followed by Noida in November, with plans for 300 franchises nationwide within three years.
The Vision Behind DRIVE FITT
DRIVE FITT is designed to cater to India’s love for cricket and growing interest in fitness. The gym chain offers a unique blend of traditional fitness training and specialized cricket coaching, creating a comprehensive environment for people of all ages and fitness levels.
The idea is to provide a space where individuals can pursue their fitness goals while enjoying the excitement of cricket.
Key Founders and Their Insights
Image: DRIVE FITT
Image courtesy: Infomance
Preity Zinta, Co-Founder of DRIVE FITT, shared her enthusiasm, stating:
“I am excited to bring DRIVE FITT to India as it represents a unique fusion of fitness and cricket, two passions that resonate deeply with me and a lot of people in India. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where people of all ages and fitness levels can come together to train, have fun, and stay healthy. I’m excited to bring this innovative concept to India and can’t wait to see how it transforms lives.”
Shubman Gill, also a Co-Founder, explained the inspiration behind the concept:
“The seed of DRIVE FITT was my experience of a lack of accessible, quality training facilities. Growing up, this meant hours wasted in commuting between home, the pitch, and the gym. DRIVE FITT will change this with a unique space that integrates world-class gym and fitness facilities with cricket-infused training. We understand the vital link between physical and mental well-being, and our goal is to help individuals, both aspiring cricketers and fitness enthusiasts, excel both on the field and in life. DRIVE FITT is more than just a gym; it’s a community to empower every Indian with the key to achieve their fitness and wellness goals.”
Deke Smith, CEO & Co-Founder, highlighted the business potential:
“With DRIVE FITT, we’re thrilled to bring a unique blend of cricket and fitness to India. With India’s fitness industry growing at an impressive 25-30% year-on-year and cricket participation surging, DRIVE FITT offers a comprehensive solution for all fitness and cricket enthusiasts of every age. Our goal is to inspire a passion for health and wellness through the excitement of cricket, providing world class facilities and training methods designed by cricketing experts.”
Mark Sellar, Chairman & Co-Founder, emphasized the innovative aspect:
“DRIVE FITT represents a groundbreaking fusion of sport and fitness, tailored for everyone. It’s a place where people can train for cricket, have fun, and get fit and healthy any day of the year. With our state-of-the-art facilities and cricket training programs developed by Shubman Gill and Australian cricketers Chris Lynn and Ryan Harris, we aim to empower individuals to achieve their fitness goals while enjoying the spirit of cricket.”
Leadership and Expansion Plans
Image: Nikhil Kakkar, former COO of Gold’s Gym
Image courtesy: Beauty and wellness India convention
Joining the team is Nikhil Kakkar, former COO of Gold’s Gym, who brings 16 years of industry experience to DRIVE FITT as its COO.
His role will focus on overseeing operations and managing the franchising strategy as the brand expands across India.
DRIVE FITT’s model caters to a wide range of customers, from general fitness enthusiasts to budding cricketers. This unique approach positions the gym chain to become a significant player in India’s fitness market, which is expected to reach USD 9.5 billion by 2025. With cricket being immensely popular in India, accounting for 85% of sports spending in 2022, DRIVE FITT has a strong foundation for success.
Conclusion: DRIVE FITT game changer
DRIVE FITT is set to be a game-changer in the Indian fitness industry, merging the nation’s love for cricket with modern fitness solutions.
With its innovative approach and a team of renowned personalities, the chain is poised to attract a diverse audience and inspire a healthier, more active lifestyle.