Khelo Tech and Strategy Pvt Ltd (KTSPL) is a startup that provides a comprehensive solution in Sports, Fitness, and Assessment. The company; a brainchild of Anshul Bagai, Founder & CEO of Khelo Tech and Director ASSRM; maintains a team of experts with experience in setting up of Sports Infrastructure, Sports Talent Identification, Sports Events Management, and Conceptualisation of sporting activities for organizations for team building and healthy living. In an e-chat with P. K. Chatterjee (PK), the startup founder, a sportsman, stresses some important aspects driving his mission to build a digital sports management ecosystem. Excerpts…
How did you conceive the idea of starting a business venture centering around sports?
The idea for starting Khelo Tech and Strategy Pvt Ltd has been deeply rooted in my journey as a sportsperson and my lifelong passion for sports. Having actively participated in multiple sports from a young age and with my early career focused on sports management, I developed a profound understanding of the industry. This venture was born out of both my passion and a keen observation of the opportunities emerging in India’s growing sports ecosystem.
While sports are an integral part of our culture, I identified significant gaps in infrastructure, technology integration, and strategic frameworks necessary to nurture talent and support the sustainable growth of the industry.
The inspiration came from recognizing that sports have the potential to drive both individual development and societal transformation. With Khelo Tech, our goal is to bridge the gap between grassroots sports development and professional excellence by leveraging modern technology and innovative strategies. We strive to equip athletes, coaches, and organizations with the tools and resources needed for success.
Our mission is to contribute to a robust sports ecosystem that aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global sports powerhouse.
What is exactly meant by the phrase ‘sports tech innovator’?
We at Khelo Tech work on technology and innovation to enhance various aspects of sports. It encompasses creating, developing, or implementing technological solutions that address challenges, improve performance, and add value to the sports ecosystem.
In India if we talk about Tech Innovation: The first step is Digitisation. The second step would be Data Analytics and usage of data to help Sports stakeholders; and the third step would be Automation.
Then we can work towards:
Technology Integration: Using advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Data Analytics, and Virtual/Augmented Reality (VR/AR) to improve athletic performance, training, and fan experiences.
Innovative Solutions: Creating novel tools, platforms, or systems that solve specific challenges in sports, such as injury prevention, talent identification, game analysis, or fan engagement.
Impact Across Sectors: Applying innovations across different facets of the sports ecosystem, such as:
- Athlete Development: Enhancing training methods, tracking fitness, or analysing biomechanics.
- Sports Management: Streamlining operations, scouting, and strategy through data-driven approaches.
- Fan Engagement: Revolutionizing how fans interact with sports through gamification, immersive viewing experiences, or digital platforms.
- Infrastructure and Accessibility: Building smart stadiums, better facilities, or tools to make sports accessible to all.
- Global Relevance: Innovating in ways that not only address local issues but also contribute to global trends in the sports industry.
For Khelo Tech and Strategy Pvt Ltd, being a ‘sports tech innovator’ is driving positive change in the sports industry through cutting-edge solutions tailored to the Indian sports landscape, while keeping global standards and advancements in mind. This positions us as a pioneer in shaping the future of sports through technology in the Indian scenario.
Please briefly explain how you have successfully transformed your passion into a purpose.
I have been a sports person throughout my life and got to know more about the coaching academies during the time I started taking my son for tennis training. I did a lot of research and tried understanding this Industry, this enabled in successfully transforming my passion for sports into a purpose by channeling my lifelong love for the game and experience in sports management into creating Khelo Tech and Strategy Pvt Ltd.
This journey began with identifying gaps in the sports ecosystem – such as the need for better infrastructure, technology integration, and talent development strategies – and envisioning solutions to address them.
Through Khelo Tech, I’ve aligned my personal passion with a larger mission: to build tech for sports ecosystem that supports athletes, coaches, and organizations. By leveraging innovative technologies and strategies, I’m working to bridge the gap between grassroots development and professional excellence, contributing to the broader growth of sports in India.
The centre piece of our solution, i.e., our Sports Portal, which is built on a smart platform, is providing an easy-to-use system to any person above the age of 12 years.
Will you please focus some light on the activities of ASSRM?
ASSRM (Academy of Sports Sciences Research & Management) plays a pivotal role in promoting the integration of science, research, and management within the sports industry. Its activities are centered around the holistic development of sports professionals and advancing the overall sports ecosystem. Some key activities of ASSRM include:
Research and Innovation: Conducting research on sports sciences, including biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, and psychology, to improve athlete performance and well-being.
Education and Training: Offering specialized programs and workshops to train coaches, sports managers, and other stakeholders. It equips them with modern tools and techniques.
Sports Infrastructure Development: Collaborating on projects to improve and develop state-of-the-art sports facilities.
Talent Development and Management: Assisting in identifying and nurturing grassroots talent, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to excel.
Strategic Consultancy: Offering expertise in sports management, event planning, and operational efficiency for sports organizations and institutions.
Community Engagement: Promoting sports culture through awareness programs, partnerships, and initiatives aimed at increasing participation in sports at all levels.
ASSRM bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, contributing significantly to the professionalization and scientific development of the sports sector. Its efforts align with the broader mission of empowering the sports community and creating a sustainable ecosystem. Read more at Founderlabs.