Fitness and sportswear brand, Boldfit, has roped in the Indian table tennis star, Manika Batra, as its newest brand athlete, signalling a bold push beyond cricket and into India’s emerging sports ecosystem.
The move marks Boldfit’s first foray into table tennis and is part of its wider strategy to back non-mainstream disciplines — with pickleball also on its radar — as it looks to broaden its footprint in the Indian sporting landscape.
But this isn’t just another endorsement deal. The collaboration will include co-branded table tennis merchandise, athlete-led product innovation, and grassroots engagement to boost the sport’s visibility.
Boldfit Founder Pallav Bihani said, “Manika represents resilience, boldness and a relentless drive to move forward. She joins us to inspire the next generation of athletes who don’t wait for permission to make their mark.”
Batra, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Olympian, and widely regarded as the face of Indian table tennis, echoed the sentiment. Known for her aggressive playing style and distinctive long-pimpled rubber, she said, “This partnership felt natural. We’re not just talking about performance, we’re reimagining what building an Indian sports brand looks like for real athletes.”
KL Rahul, Boldfit investor and brand ambassador, welcomed her on board, calling her journey “inspiring” and aligned with the company’s mission to empower athletes across disciplines.
The signing comes on the heels of Boldfit’s recent association with cricketer Arshdeep Singh and underlines its intent to diversify its athlete roster. With Batra’s arrival, Boldfit aims to elevate table tennis in India through performance-driven products, athlete storytelling, and grassroots programs — a step that could inspire more brands to bet on India’s underrepresented sports.
