Whether it is keeping the Indians on their toes during a match by sending the ball for boundaries or ruffling their opponents with their powerful serves, or making the entire nation cry by lifting the world cup after more than two decades, sports stars have always been close to the hearts of millions of Indians rooting for the game.
But as every player retires after a certain age, they secure their future by investing in various businesses. Some even choose to start their own startup business to keep their income sources open.
Here are five athletes who have had their tryst with entrepreneurship:
1. Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh has inspired millions of his fans around the globe, not just by hitting centuries but also by defeating the life-threatening disease of cancer. Dynamite at the pitch, Yuvraj is now helping others chase their entrepreneurial dreams through his investment firm -YouWeCan Ventures. His firm aims to help exceptional entrepreneurs to build great brands, companies, and productive teams. His company’s motto says, “We give Startups a Start.”
If you have a business plan, you can get help from the best business coach in India and invest in your startup.
2. Virat Kohli
From an excellent batsman on the field to being known as a fierce captain of India, Virat Kohli is the heart of cricket fans in India. But not just on the field, he is a fantastic investor off-field as well. In May 2015 Virat Kohli launched his chain of gyms and fitness centers called Chisel in association with Franchise India. The firm plans to launch a total of 75 centers in three years, while Virat’s investment in the chain is almost INR 90 crores.
In 2014, Virat launched his first fashion brand Wrogn. He is also a co-owner of the Indian Super League Football club FC Goa.
Kohli has also invested in the hospitality sector and owns Nueva- an elite restaurant located in the gastronomical hub of RK Puram. His restaurant features some great palette pleasers like Ceviche de Camarones, Spicy mole, La Caja de Pinturas, Peruvian piscos, and more.
3. Sachin Tendulkar
The God of Indian cricket- Sachin Tendulkar also seems to be the god on the startup pitch. The master blaster has put multiple investments in budding businesses like Smaaash (sports simulation), Musafir (UAE-based Internet travel company), Kochi Franchise, S Drive and Sach (healthcare and sports fitness products), Universal Sportsbiz (celebrity merchandise), and Mumbai Franchise for the International Tennis Premier League.
4. Kapil Dev
After guiding the Indian cricket team to victory in 1983 for the Cricket World Cup, in 2014, India’s best all-rounder – Kapil Dev also co-founded and invested in SloPho, a social gamified collaboration platform slowing users to win prizes by participating in games, contests, pools, and quizzes.
According to publications, he has also invested in PeopleEasy.com, an online grocery portal. Last year, the cricket legend along with London-based Bay Capital Founder Siddharth Mehta and others invested $3 million in SAMCO Ventures.
5. Saina Nehwal
The queen of badminton in India has not just invested in her sports but also ventures and businesses. She chose her father and financial service provider Edelweiss to manage her funds. Later in November 2016, we saw her batting for women’s care by investing in Paree sanitary pads.
These athletes not only prepare themselves for the field but also for their future. Every player has invested in multiple businesses. If you too want to explore different investment sources, you can take an online business coaching program from our website: www.badabusiness.com