Kaushal Kishore Pioneering the Indian Sports Flooring Industry with Gravolite

When India declared a state of emergency in June 1975, Kaushal Kishore made a bold decision to leave his hometown of Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and seek opportunities in New Delhi. With a determination to succeed and dreams of a better future, Kaushal ventured into the bustling capital city. Over the next few years, he explored various industries, gaining valuable exposure that would eventually shape his entrepreneurial journey.

During the years between 1975 and 1980, Kaushal Kishore navigated a path through different odd jobs and industries, acquiring a diverse skill set that would prove invaluable in his later pursuits. Recognizing the booming sports industry’s potential, Kaushal and his son, Ashok, leveraged their knowledge of rubber gained during their initial years in Delhi to start a small manufacturing unit producing rubber tennis balls. The duo’s insight into the extensive use of rubber in sports equipment placed them at the forefront of the emerging market.

Today, Kaushal’s grandson, Vaibhav Somani, reflects on his grandfather’s journey. He describes how Kaushal, coming from a family of farmers, sought to establish himself in the big city and make a mark of his own. This marked the beginning of Gravolite, a brand synonymous with sports mats and innovative sports equipment solutions.

The Evolution of Gravolite: From Tennis Balls to Sports Mats

Established in 2009, Gravolite emerged from the vision of Kaushal’s younger son, the late Arun Kumar Somani, who joined the family business in the 1990s. In the 1980s, Kaushal and his sons played a crucial role as third-party manufacturers for prominent sports brands like Stag International. While initially producing rubber tennis balls, their expertise expanded to encompass rubber components for tennis rackets, footwear, and sports mats.

Vaibhav explains that Gravolite‘s growth has always been aligned with market demands. The company gradually diversified its product range to meet specific sports requirements. The journey involved producing mats for Taekwondo, Karate, kabaddi, and yoga. The introduction of Gravolite marked a focused endeavour into sports floorings, particularly wrestling mats. The company’s commitment to providing safe and high-quality flooring for international sports events became the cornerstone of their success.

Seizing Opportunities and Making a Mark:

Gravolite rapidly established itself as a reliable supplier for major sports events, including Pro Kabaddi, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, National Games, and Khelo India. Vaibhav proudly mentions that the brand’s wrestling mats are endorsed by the Wrestling Federation of India, while yoga mats, kabaddi mats, and yoga accessories are approved by the Indian Kabaddi Federation and Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India. Other sports mats, such as Karate mats, judo mats, taekwondo mats, and kho-kho mats, meet the standards set by respective federations.

Gravolite’s strong market presence led to the creation of an exclusive ecommerce platform, clonko.com, dedicated to yoga mats and accessories. The brand also expanded its reach through renowned platforms like Amazon, catering to a diverse range of customers.

Challenges and Innovation in a Growing Market:

While the global sports flooring market is expected to grow, Gravolite faces unique challenges. Customer behaviour, particularly regarding yoga mats, can be unpredictable. Vaibhav notes that motivating individuals to use yoga mats regularly remains a hurdle. Additionally, competing with industry giants like Amazon and Decathlon in online sales presents its own set of challenges.

Yet, Gravolite distinguishes itself through adherence to stringent national and international specifications, setting its products apart from competitors. The company’s commitment to research and development ensures ongoing innovation and improvement of their product offerings.

Gravolite’s journey is one of dedication, innovation, and a commitment to quality. Vaibhav envisions the brand becoming synonymous with Indian sports, playing a crucial role in events like the Super League Kho-Kho Tournament. The company’s relentless pursuit of excellence through research and development will continue to drive its growth, ensuring its position as a pioneering force in the Indian sports flooring industry.