Yuzvendra Chahal launches SprintX Playmaker Accelerator for sports startups

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal launched the SprintX Playmaker Accelerator in Hyderabad to support SportsTech, gaming, eSports and New Age Media startups. The programme will provide mentorship, industry access, strategic partnerships and funding support of up to Rs 25 lakh

Hyderabad: Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal launched the SprintX Playmaker Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind full-stack accelerator programme dedicated to SportsTech, Gaming, eSports and New Age Media startups in India.

The launch event was aimed at nurturing innovative startups operating at the intersection of sports and technology.

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Chahal highlighted the growing influence of technology in modern sports.

“Technology has completely transformed the sporting landscape. Over the last seven to eight years, its integration with sports has grown exponentially. From game planning and strategy development to fitness, wellness, recovery and performance enhancement, technology has become an indispensable part of an athlete’s journey,” he said.

Referring to cricket, Chahal explained how data and technology help players analyse opponents’ weaknesses, determine optimal bowling lengths, understand pitch conditions and develop match-specific strategies. He further noted that technology also plays a vital role in post-match recovery, injury management and overall athlete well-being.

Karthik Yanamandra, Founding Partner of 360D Sports and SprintX, said the accelerator aimed to provide comprehensive support to promising startups with innovative ideas in the sports ecosystem.

“SprintX has been created to bridge the gap between innovation and opportunity. We are committed to helping startups scale through mentorship, industry access, pilot programmes, market connections and funding readiness,” he said.

360D Sports and LegaXy have jointly launched SprintX, making it India’s first dedicated full-stack accelerator focused on SportsTech, Gaming, eSports and New Age Media ventures.

The accelerator will support startups working in areas such as athlete training and performance technologies, artificial intelligence-based coaching solutions, real-time performance feedback systems, athlete assessment platforms, smart stadium technologies and sports data analytics.

SprintX will also facilitate collaborations between startups, leading multinational corporations and government stakeholders, helping founders gain access to large-scale opportunities and strategic partnerships.

The programme is designed to provide funding support of up to Rs 25 lakh, subject to eligibility and investment readiness. Karthik Yanamandra also acknowledged the support extended by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Sports Department, Government of Telangana, for fostering sports innovation and startup growth in the state.

Applications are now open for startups through [www.sprintxcel.com](http://www.sprintxcel.com).

Former cricketer and SprintX mentor Jayant Yadav, SprintX mentor G.R. Reddy, Ratnakar, CEO of Hyderabad Angels, Vikrant of Succeed Ventures, LegaXy co-founders Mohammed Sirajuddin and Amitesh, along with industry leaders, startup founders, investors and sports ecosystem stakeholders, attended the launch.