Cricket legend MS Dhoni invests in Bengaluru-based fitness equipment startup Tagda Raho

Cricket legend and former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested an undisclosed amount in a Bengaluru-based fitness startup, Tagda Raho. 

The startup said that MS Dhoni joins hands with Tagda Raho to build a fitter India by reviving the “OG Indian Workout” and expanding the homegrown brand's footprint to make it accessible to Indians across the country.

Expanding footprint

The brand, which has training dugouts in Bangalore, is set to launch its first dugout in Maharashtra in December and is expanding its footprint to four to five additional states within the coming year. 

Tagda Raho is the world's first and only fitness programme that blends traditional Indian equipment with modern training applications. 

What does MS Dhoni say about Tagda Raho?

Mahendra Singh Dhoni said, “Fitness is and has been a part of my life; when I was young, in the form of sports, and now it has evolved to making workouts a part of my everyday routine. When I came across Tagda Raho, the concept really appealed to me. Intrinsically Indian, the equipment used in the workout has been a part of traditional strength training and Tagda Raho has expertly innovated and adapted both the equipment and the movements in a modern avatar. The workout involves movements and an increased range of motion that activates several muscles that usually remain dormant; it focuses on your core and stability and enhances your mobility. This is also excellent for athletes who are now looking at new forms of exercise to maintain their fitness levels and remain injury-free.”

“I believe in investing in startups and homegrown brands that I can help grow from a grassroots level. Tagda Raho for me, is very interesting because of the innovation involved in bringing a perhaps forgotten workout to the forefront once again. I am very excited to be part of the brand’s vision in expanding and taking the workout to all corners of the country,” he added.

Having made waves with the innovative approach to functional training, the brand's movement protocols and equipment modifications have made it effective for anyone seeking fitness improvements as an alternative to a gym.

Reinventing the OG Indian workout

Tagda Raho said it has reinvented the "OG Indian Workout" by combining traditional equipment such as Indian clubs - the Gada, Mudgars, Vajra and Sumtola- with a specially designed training regimen.

The startup claims that its equipment and training program has been used by professional teams and institutions like the Lucknow Super Giants, Haryana Steelers & the National Cricket Academy (NCA), which helped the brand gain recognition and credibility within the industry. 

Rishabh Malhotra, Founder of Tagda Raho, said, “Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been a role model for the country, he defines physical fitness and longevity in sport and we are extremely happy to have him back the Tagda Raho team and vision. His dedication to fitness and supporting homegrown brands perfectly aligns with our mission to empower individuals to lead healthier lives and add a new dimension to Indian physical culture."

The startup's workout experience offers full-body circuits that help people focus on the key pillars of strength, endurance and mobility. It also has patented modular equipment, enabling customization and adaptability to suit different needs.