“I’ve always wanted to see an India where every sport is followed, celebrated, and played. A new generation is proving that India can produce world-class athletes and build brands for the global stage. The vision is to build an end-to-end sports platform from India, spanning manufacturing, consumer brands, and sports distribution. It’s a belief that India can help shape the future of global sport, not just participate in it,” he wrote.
Today, that vision feels closer than ever.
In his aspiration to push boundaries, Virat Kohli turned down what many athletes would consider an easy decision – an estimated Rs 300-crore contract extension from Puma spread over eight years. Instead, the former India cricket captain chose a riskier path, investing Rs 40 crore of his own capital in Agilitas Sports and moving the one8 brand into a business in which he holds equity. Founded in 2023 by former Puma India and Southeast Asia Managing Director Abhishek Ganguly, along with Atul Bajaj and Amit Prabhu, Agilitas is pursuing a vertically integrated model that combines product design, manufacturing and retail.
“That’s how we introduced the brand to the world, and watching one8world come to life in front of thousands of people in my home city was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. “That’s why I’ve joined Agilitas as an investor and as a co-founder and co-creator of one8world. one8 is built on a belief I’ve carried throughout my career: progress comes from pushing boundaries, raising standards, and daring to do things differently. “The vision is clear. It’s time to build something that will outlive all of us. That’s the journey we’re on.
