Founded by RJ Anmol, Grav8 Sports is pioneering a unique ecosystem that seamlessly blends sport, fitness, and professional networking into the demanding lives of India’s senior business leaders. This innovative platform addresses the common challenge faced by CXOs: maintaining physical activity amidst high-pressure schedules.
Grav8 launched India’s first CXO Pickleball League in Mumbai in September 2025. This invite-only event successfully brought together senior business leaders for a blend of competition, expert coaching, and hospitality. Notable participants included Olympic medallist and former World No. 1 Saina Nehwal, along with Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, and CXOs from prominent companies such as HDFC ERGO, WNS, Hitachi Systems, and DSK Legal.
Following its initial success, Grav8 partnered with Regalia Business Parks, a Hiranandani Group company, to expand its reach. The initiative quickly grew from Mumbai to a multi-city platform, encompassing Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Goa. The CXO Baddy League, extending the format to badminton, was subsequently executed in Mumbai in October 2025 at NSCI Dome, further cementing Saina Nehwal's role as brand ambassador and attracting partners like Yotta Data Services.
Integrating Fitness into Boardroom Culture
The core idea behind Grav8 is to tackle a significant gap: while senior leaders manage intense workloads, fitness often becomes the first casualty. Grav8 leverages the engaging nature of sport to make physical activity more accessible, social, and enjoyable, ensuring it doesn't feel like another obligation.
The objective extends beyond mere social gatherings. Grav8 aims to infuse movement directly into boardroom culture. For professionals whose lives revolve around meetings, calls, and travel, these sporting events create opportunities where fitness becomes an integral part of their professional routine. The competitive element fosters engagement, while the social environment allows colleagues and peers to forge natural relationships through shared active experiences.
Professional Athletes and Brand Partnerships
Grav8's association with established sporting personalities enhances the experience. Beyond Saina Nehwal, leading Indian pickleball players, including Asia No. 1 Armaan Bhatia, have participated alongside CXOs. At the Bengaluru edition, Bhatia shared the court with business leaders and former Titan MD C.K. Venkataraman, providing participants with access to elite sporting expertise.
This model also presents a distinct opportunity for brands. Instead of conventional corporate event placements, Grav8 situates brands within an active environment where decision-makers are directly participating in the experience. Its growing network of partners includes global names such as Barclays, KPMG, Google, Adidas, Spotify, Hitachi, WNS, and HDFC ERGO.
Founder's Vision for Corporate India
RJ Anmol envisions a significant shift in how corporate India approaches wellness. "We started with one simple question: how do we make fitness a regular part of the lives of people who are constantly managing high-pressure businesses?" he stated. "If we can make sport a regular part of the C-suite routine, we can build a culture where fitness, competition, and community become part of how India’s business leaders work and live."
Grav8 is now set to expand its platform further, introducing women leadership formats, founder-investor experiences, and broader corporate sports programs. The consistent goal across all initiatives remains to create more opportunities for professionals to engage in sport and integrate physical activity into the modern workplace culture.