The Bollywood actress, Preity Zinta and the Indian cricket sensation, Shubman Gill, have teamed up to invest in DRIVE FITT, a groundbreaking gym chain to revolutionize the fitness industry.
Founded by Australian entrepreneurs Mark Sellar and Deke Smith, DRIVE FITT uniquely combines state-of-the-art gym equipment with dedicated cricket training facilities.
Scheduled to open its first Indian location in Gurgaon in October, followed by Noida in November, DRIVE FITT aims to capitalize on India’s immense cricket craze. The chain has ambitious expansion plans, targeting 300 franchises nationwide within three years.
Speaking about the launch, renowned actress Preity G Zinta, Co-Founder, DRIVE FITT, said, “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, Co-Founder, DRIVE FITT, added, “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.”
Talking about the launch, Deke Smith, CEO & Co-Founder, DRIVE FITT, said, “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, DRIVE FITT, shared, “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.”
Nikhil Kakkar, former COO of Gold’s Gym, has joined DRIVE FITT as COO. With 16 years of experience, he will oversee operations and franchising.
DRIVE FITT’s unique blend of gym equipment and cricket training caters to a wide audience, from fitness enthusiasts to aspiring cricketers. As the chain expands, it’s poised to become a major player in India’s booming fitness market, valued at an estimated USD 9.5 billion by 2025. Cricket’s popularity, accounting for 85% of India’s sports spending in 2022, further strengthens DRIVE FITT’s potential.
The brand’s offerings are shaped by Gill and the Australian cricketers Chris Lynn and Ryan Harris, who are also co-founders.