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Glenn Maxwell pads up for business in India with Drive Fitt innings
MUMBAI: It wasn’t a cricket pitch, but a business pitch that bowled over Glenn Maxwell this time. The swashbuckling Aussie didn’t just swing for the fences—he signed the dotted line, launching his first-ever business venture in India. Known for turning matches on their head, Maxwell is now turning heads with his sharp business move by joining Drive Fitt, a sports club brand that’s looking to fuse cricket, fitness, and recovery into one high-octane offering.
So, what made the big show jump from the crease into the boardroom?
Hint: it’s not just about protein shakes and treadmills.
It’s about a sweaty love affair with cricket, high-performance training, and the magic of muscle recovery—served with a side of cutting-edge tech.
Maxwell has officially invested in Drive Fitt, a membership-based sports club rooted in cricket, fitness and recovery. Designed with bleeding-edge tech and elite-level sports science, Drive Fitt promises to redefine how India trains, recovers, and plays.
“This marks Maxwell’s first investment in an Indian venture”, the company announced on 10 April in New Delhi, noting the Australian all-rounder’s enthusiasm for the brand’s vision and its crack team of founders. With a passion for cricket and a growing obsession with recovery (thanks to an injury-laden yet adrenaline-charged career), Maxwell found the concept a no-brainer.
“For Maxwell, investing is about backing the right people,” the release read. “And he believes the team’s vision and dedication will make Drive Fitt successful in India.”
Let’s not forget—this isn’t Maxwell’s first dance with India. His long-standing relationship with the country through the IPL made him the poster boy for foreign players who just get it. That insider knowledge, the hustle of international T20s, and his athlete-first mindset made him the perfect poster boy for a cricket-meets-fitness brand.
“Joining the Drive Fitt team is exciting for me,” said Maxwell. “Cricket, fitness, and recovery have been essential to my journey, and this concept brings them together uniquely and innovatively. I’m looking forward to contributing my experience and helping shape a space that supports athletes at every level.”
Drive Fitt, co-founded by actress Preity Zinta, cricketer Shubman Gill, and entrepreneurs Mark Sellar, Deke Smith, and Vikram Aditya Bhatia, is already swinging for the fences. With Maxwell on board, they hope to knock it right out of the park.
“Having Glenn join us at Drive Fitt is truly special,” said Zinta. “I’ve always admired his forward-thinking, athlete-first mindset which seamlessly aligns with our vision.”
Gill, too, couldn’t hide his excitement, “Having Glenn on board brings immense value to our shared vision. His global experience and commitment to fitness and recovery make him an ideal partner.”
Behind the flashy headlines and star-studded quotes lies a serious plan. Maxwell won’t be a mere cheque-writing mascot. He’s expected to dive into training methodology, content development, and player development, while helping shape a fitness ecosystem tailored for pros and amateurs alike.
Drive Fitt, for those keeping score, is on a mission to help every aspiring cricketer train like a pro. With Maxwell’s brain (and brawn) in the mix, the startup may just bowl over India’s fitness scene.
“It’s incredibly exciting to have Glenn support what we’re building,” said co-founders Sellar and Smith. “He brings not just experience and credibility, but also a deep understanding of what athletes genuinely need.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Glenn Maxwell to the Drive Fitt family,” added CEO Vikram Aditya Bhatia. “His passion for the game and first-hand experience with elite-level training and recovery make him an invaluable partner.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
