Virat Kohli invests ₹40 crore in Agilitas Sports for minority stake, integrates One8

This move comes after Kohli’s nearly 8-year contract expired. ₹110 crore with German sportswear giant Puma. Mint Reported about Agilitas association in April. Agilitas Sports is a sportswear and activewear company founded by former Puma India and Southeast Asia managing director Abhishek Ganguly.

One8 was founded by Kohli in 2017 with his sportswear brand Puma. athletic apparel, performance apparel, footwear and accessories largely through online marketplaces. One8 will now be part of Agilitas as an independent global sportswear brand.

“It will be an independent, global sportswear brand and will compete with the best in the world. sportswear brands in global markets. It will be distributed not only in India but all over the world,” Ganguly said. Mint On Monday.

Ganguly said the domestic market is undergoing a change due to increasing interest in fitness and wellness products.

“The category is growing. People are changing their habits. People wear sneakers and athletic wear to meetings and offices. India is more accepting of the use of sportswear off the field,” he said.

Agilitas plans to launch One8 in India early next year with an omni-channel strategy, positioning it at a slight premium. Distribution will begin via a web store, app and online marketplaces. Select brand stores will open in India by the middle of next year, followed by overseas markets such as the US, UK and Australia by the end of 2026. The brand will sell sportswear, sneakers and accessories for various sports needs.

Not just cricket

Ganguly said One8 will not be limited to cricket-related offerings.

“We are already entering into various sports categories, not just cricket. Many leading athletes in India and across the world are in the process of signing up with the brand, so the brand will be visible at some of the world’s biggest sporting events. This is not a one-athlete, one-sports brand,” he said.

The move comes as India’s sportswear and sneakers market expands. Sportswear in India will continue to grow in double-digit retail value in 2024, outperforming the overall apparel and footwear market, with increases across all categories, according to forecasts by research firm Euromonitor.

India’s sportswear market has grown ₹82,409.6 crore in 2025 ₹67,552.7 crore in 2023, according to Euromonitor data. In this context, the sportswear segment is also expected to rise. ₹39,390.7 crore by 2025 ₹31,502 crore in 2023. Sports shoes, another important element of the category, are expected to rise to 31,502 crore in 2023. ₹43,018.9 crore this year ₹36,050.7 crore in 2023.

“Fitness is becoming long-term lifestyle habits rather than short-term goals,” Euromonitor said. “This shift is increasing demand for activewear that offers comfort, flexibility and versatility, allowing consumers to wear activewear beyond just exercise environments. Athletic wear, which is a combination of athletic and casual wear, has therefore become important as individuals seek versatile clothing that seamlessly blends comfort, functionality and style.”

Financing, agreements

Ganguly founded Agilitas in 2023. Company, ₹100 crore from Nexus Venture Partners in December 2023. ₹400 crore in May 2023 from funds managed by Convergent Finance LLP. The company acquired sneaker maker Mochiko Shoes Pvt. in 2023. Ltd. The deal paved the way for Bengaluru-based Agilitas to play a larger role in the sports manufacturing ecosystem in India.

Last year, Agilitas Sports acquired the long-term licensing rights to design, manufacture and retail Italian sports brand Lotto in India, Australia and South Africa from owner WHP Global. The company will soon open Sports Yard, a 30,000 sq ft multi-brand sports retail store in Bengaluru.

Ganguly says Agilitas is growing ₹600-650 crore so far. He declined to confirm specific media reports about the company launching a new campaign. ₹450 crore round from Nexus Venture Partners, but a potential fundraising is expected within a month, he added.

“Our immediate interest will be to work with those who supported us in the beginning,” he said.