//

The Bangalore-based sports e-tailer also plans to launch portals dedicated exclusively to cycling enthusiasts and outdoor games

Chandra Sekhar Reddy, CEO, Sports365

In a bid to consolidate its position in the online sports business, Indian tennis star Mahesh Bhupati-backed Sports365 has acquired online tennis store Tennishub.in for an undisclosed sum.

As per the agreement, the whole team of Tennishub will join Sports365.

Also Read: Go-Jek suspends and fines 1,400 drivers; protest ensues

“Owing to the synergies across various areas including target customers, operations, vendor relationships, the joined entity would be able to derive greater value of the tremendous opportunity that the sports and fitness segments offer in India,” said Chandra Sekhar Reddy, CEO of Sports365.

Sports365 has also launched a new portal catering exclusively to the needs of running enthusiasts called Runninghub.in. Along with offering a selection of running products, the portal will also act as a platform for runners to share knowledge, content and expertise.

Also Read: Hong Kong-based Oddup raises US$1M in seed round

“The USP of the platform will not be limited to merchandise alone. For the first time in India, runners would be able to get their ‘GAIT Analysis’ done online; all they need to do is upload a small 20-second video. A team of experts would analyse the same and would provide recommendation on shoes that are suitable for every individual runner, ” Reddy said.

The company also plans to launch two new portals — Cyclinghub.in for cycling enthusiasts and Outdoorhub.in for outdoor games — in the next few months.

Also Read: Vgo wants to help local taxi operators take on Uber

Sports365 was started in 2012 by Bhupathi. It is an online sports and fitness goods retailer offering a wide range of products, accessories, footwear and apparel. The startup also runs a B2B segment where it works with schools, colleges, and sports good retailers. It also sells goods at other leading e-commerce platforms like Flipkart in India.

Earlier this year, the firm had raised US$1 million in bridge funding from US-based venture capital firm Zolon Ventures and existing investor Powerhouse Ventures.

Tennishub.in was founded three years ago by tennis player Vishnu Vardhan and sports entrepreneur Afroze Khan. The portal helps tennis players in India to find the perfect products for their level and style of play.

The post Sports365 buys Tennishub, launches portal for running enthusiasts appeared first on e27.

from e27 http://ift.tt/1jthB0S