RJ Anmol @Gravate Sports(grv8)
Q1. You’ve been one of India’s most celebrated RJs, reviving the retro era and winning the “Best RJ of India” award. From radio to television, YouTube, and now entrepreneurship, how has your journey shaped your decision to co-found Gravate Sports (grv8)?
Ans. Thank you so much for the kind words. Honestly, my journey has not been a carefully planned one—it has simply been about following my heart. From advertising at Times of India, to two decades in radio, to starting my YouTube channel, every move has been driven by passion.
After 20 years in radio, I felt it was time to pursue something that truly excited me—sports. With pickleball gaining momentum, I sensed it was the right time to step in. My philosophy is simple: if you chase only money, you might lose interest when it doesn’t come. But if you chase passion, the joy (“maza”) will always stay, and success will follow.
Q2. Having successfully created platforms like Couple of Things and co-authored a best-selling book, what inspired you to step into sports entrepreneurship with Gravate Sports (grv8)?
Ans. I’ve been a sportsperson all my life—though I often joke that I’ve been a “failed” one, because I always ended up with silver medals! My father was a big inspiration—an athlete who kept winning gold medals, even running 100 meters competitively well past the age of 45.
That sporting culture shaped me. I play badminton and have always believed sports should be part of everyone’s life—whether you’re an actor, a professional, or a corporate leader. Sports act as an equalizer and keep you grounded. I wanted to infuse that spirit across schools, corporates, and even among senior citizens. To make it impactful, I had to lead the effort, and that’s how Gravate Sports (grv8) was born.
The name came from the idea that one player exists in every sport—gravity. We gave it a twist and created “Gravate Sports (grv8).”
Q3. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally. What excites you most about introducing and scaling this sport in India through Gravate Sports (grv8)?
Ans. Before deciding anything, I made sure to play pickleball myself—to feel the game, understand how it works, and experience its impact. It’s a simple, inclusive sport that can be played across age groups without barriers of gender or background.
The thrill lies in being part of a movement that’s fresh, exciting, and accessible. Cricket already has a stronghold in India, but pickleball is something new that can unite people and grow rapidly. That’s what excites me most about bringing it here.
Q4. The CXO Pickleball League is a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. What vision do you have for this league, and how do you see it bringing leaders together?
Ans. We brainstormed many IPs around pickleball, padel, and other sports, but the CXO Pickleball League stood out for two reasons. First, nothing like this exists in India—a premium league exclusively for CXOs. Second, when top leaders engage in sports, it inspires their entire organization.
For example, when leaders like Sanjeev Mantri of ICICI Lombard play, the culture of fitness trickles down to employees across the company. That’s powerful. This is why we designed the league at a premium level—with venues like the Taj and champions like Saina Nehwal joining in. It’s not just about the sport, but about creating influence from the top.
Q5. With your background in entertainment and storytelling, how do you plan to make the CXO Pickleball League more than just a sporting event?
Ans. Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do, and the league had to reflect that. We wanted it to be more than just “play and go home.”
So, along with serious competition, we’ve built an experience. Leaders are already attending coaching sessions ahead of the big league on September 27th. At the event, besides pickleball, we’ll have padel trials, a billiards lounge, coaching support, warm-up and recovery sessions, even foot massages. It will be about networking, learning, playing, and creating memories.
We want every participant to leave with a story worth sharing—an unforgettable experience curated by Gravate Sports (grv8).
Q6. Gravate Sports (grv8) is entering a highly dynamic and competitive ecosystem. As Co-Founder, what are your immediate priorities in building the brand?
Ans. While we have a three-year roadmap, my belief is that work should speak louder than words. Right now, our complete focus is on executing the CXO Pickleball League on September 27th with perfection.
When leaders like Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Anuj Tyagi (HDFC Ergo), Anuj Gupta (Hitachi), and Arijit Sen (WNS) step onto the court, it will mark our first big step in the right direction. Once we get this right, everything else will follow.
Q7. Looking ahead, what legacy do you want to build at Gravate Sports (grv8), and how do you see the CXO Pickleball League evolving?
Ans. Legacy is a big word, and I believe it should not be the starting point. If you give your 100% with passion and dedication, a legacy will naturally follow.
For me, the dream is to integrate sports into schools, bring corporates into fitness, and encourage senior citizens to stay active. I already have an IP in mind for seniors that I’d love to implement soon.
As for the CXO Pickleball League, with partners like CXO Lanes on board, we are committed to taking it to the next level. Together, we’re not just creating a league, but building a movement.