Introduction
In the evolving world of sports, the intersection of technology and training is revolutionizing how athletes prepare and perform. SportsSkill, co-founded by Chetan Desai and Abhinav Sinha, is a shining example of this transformation. With over 75 years of combined experience in tennis and squash, the duo has created a platform that integrates video analytics & data-driven analytics and a holistic approach to training. In an exclusive interview with Indian Startup Times, they share their journey, vision, and plans for SportsSkill.
Founding and Vision
What inspired you to start SportsSkill, and how did the idea evolve from concept to reality?
Chetan Desai: “SportsSkill was born from our personal realization of the gaps in grassroots sports. Structured, data-driven insights were missing, and this need became apparent through our conversations with parents, coaches, and academies. With over 55 years in tennis and Abhinav’s 20 years in squash, we envisioned SportsSkill, a platform to democratize sports technology and provide real-time performance insights. Today, it integrates training, fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being under one umbrella.”
What is the primary mission of SportsSkill, and how do you aim to make a difference in the sports training ecosystem in India?
Abhinav Sinha: “Our mission is to democratize sports technology by making advanced training tools accessible to everyone—from grassroots talent to professional athletes. By combining affordability with data-driven insights & video analytics, we aim to empower players, parents, and coaches with actionable data. This vision can revolutionize the sports training ecosystem in India and beyond.”
Market and Strategy
How does SportsSkill address the gaps in traditional sports training methodologies?
Chetan Desai: “Traditional training often lacks real-time feedback and holistic insights. SportsSkill fills this gap by providing an integrated platform to track skills, fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. This ensures personalized coaching and gamified elements that keep athletes motivated.”
Who is your target audience, and how do you engage with them effectively?
Abhinav Sinha: “Our audience includes athletes, coaches, schools, sports academies, and parents. We connect with them through partnerships, grassroots programs like Chance2Sports, and affordable subscription models. Success stories, such as those of Vasundra Nagre, Vedant Shinde, Akanksha Gupta and Anika Dubey, serve as organic marketing tools that build trust and credibility.”
Technology and Innovation
What role does technology play in SportsSkill’s offerings? Are there any AI tools you use to enhance training outcomes?
Abhinav Sinha: “Technology is at the heart of SportsSkill. We use data-driven and video analytics by bringing in multiple aspects of training under one umbrella. In the future, we will use AI and machine learning to analyze data from manual inputs, provide real-time feedback, identify performance trends, and personalize training plans. Features like enhanced matchplay analysis help set realistic goals.”
What unique features set SportsSkill apart from competitors?
Chetan Desai: “Our platform integrates data-driven analytics with gamification features like SkillCoins, encouraging athlete engagement. It offers a holistic, affordable approach suitable for grassroots and professional athletes. Our seamless user experience, video analysis, and affordability sets us apart in a fragmented market.”
Growth and Impact
What milestones has SportsSkill achieved so far?
Abhinav Sinha: “SportsSkill has impacted over 300 users across Pune, Hyderabad, Indore, and Kolkata in its initial phase. Key milestones include partnerships with academies, grassroots programs, and investment from KP Balaraj, validating our vision and enabling further growth.”
How do you measure SportsSkill’s impact? Any success stories you’d like to highlight?
Chetan Desai: “We track engagement metrics, user feedback, and success stories. For instance, the Chance2Sports program nurtured Vasundhara Nagre, Vedant Shinde and others from rural Maharashtra, now ranked in the top of their age group. Similarly, Anika Dube’s national squash titles showcase the platform’s transformative potential.”
Challenges and Learnings
What challenges have you faced in building and scaling SportsSkill, and how did you overcome them?
Abhinav Sinha: “Convincing investors about the potential of sports tech was tough. Securing KP Balaraj’s investment after a year of pitching to over 50 investors marked a significant turning point. Trust-building in grassroots areas was another challenge, which we addressed with affordability and user-friendly design.”
How do you balance responsibilities as co-founders?
Chetan Desai: “We have clearly defined roles. I focus on engaging with the sports ecosystem while Abhinav handles operations, technology, and scaling. This division, combined with our shared vision, ensures seamless leadership.”
Future Plans
What are your plans for expansion?
Abhinav Sinha: “In the next 1-2 years, we aim to expand into global markets like MENA, the USA, and Europe, targeting 5 million users. Enhancing our platform with advanced tech, big data analytics, and school-specific solutions will deepen our impact.”
How will SportsSkill shape the future of Indian sports?
Chetan Desai: “By bridging grassroots talent with professional-grade technology, we aim to produce athletes capable of excelling on global platforms. SportsSkill will democratize advanced training tools, creating an ecosystem where talent from any background can thrive.”
Conclusion
With a clear vision, innovative technology, and inspiring success stories, SportsSkill is poised to transform the sports training ecosystem in India and beyond. By democratizing access to advanced tools and bridging the gap between raw talent and professional opportunities, Chetan Desai and Abhinav Sinha are setting new benchmarks in the sports industry. As SportsSkill continues to grow, it promises to be a game-changer for aspiring athletes across the globe.
