Fitness Fortitude stood as a testament to resilience during the turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. As the global sports and fitness industry grappled with unprecedented challenges, gyms and fitness centers shut their doors, leaving countless trainers and professionals unemployed and uncertain about their future. Amid this crisis, Arijit Ghosh, a seasoned expert with two decades of experience in sales and marketing and a deep passion for fitness, envisioned a transformative solution. With over 63 marathons under his belt since 2014, he channeled his expertise and determination into creating something extraordinary.
As an ambassador for the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports’ Fit India Mission, Ghosh conceptualized Fitness Fortitude—a global platform to connect sports coaches and fitness specialists. After extensive research and strategic collaborations, the platform officially launched in 2023, quickly evolving into a vibrant community both on social media and beyond. Its mission goes beyond mainstream sports like cricket and soccer; Fitness Fortitude is dedicated to promoting a diverse range of sports, nurturing hidden talent in India’s villages, and fostering a global exchange of expertise and inspiration.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Arijit Ghosh, Founder of Fitness Fortitude, shares his vision for empowering sportspersons and coaches to unlock their full potential. He highlights how Fitness Fortitude aims to support their development and underscores plans to spotlight sports outside cricket and football. Here are the most compelling insights from his inspiring discussion.
Q: How does Fitness Fortitude plan to support and develop sportspersons and coaches to help them realize their full potential and make a mark on the global stage?
A: In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the global sports and fitness industry. Governments worldwide ordered gyms and fitness centers to shut down, leaving countless trainers and professionals unemployed and uncertain about their future. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, I envisioned a platform to address these challenges. Drawing from my two decades of experience in sales and marketing and my personal connection to sports and fitness—I’ve completed over 63 marathons since 2014—I felt a profound responsibility to act.
As a Fit India Ambassador for the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, I also had the privilege of interacting with athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts across the globe. These connections deepened my understanding of their struggles during this period. Many talented individuals in rural India—the true roots of the nation—lacked opportunities and platforms to showcase their skills. Furthermore, I realized the need for a solution that could unite sports coaches and fitness specialists worldwide, enabling them to share their journeys, motivate others, and create income opportunities.
Between 2021 and 2023, I conducted extensive research, holding virtual meetings to explore the future of such a platform. This period of introspection and collaboration led to the conceptualization of Fitness Fortitude, which officially launched in 2023. The platform began as a small Facebook group and quickly grew into a global community. Today, it connects sports professionals from diverse disciplines, prioritizing sports beyond cricket and soccer, which often dominate in India.
Fitness Fortitude aims to do justice to underrepresented sports and their practitioners. It serves as a space where talent from the grassroots—especially from India’s villages—can be nurtured and showcased. I firmly believe that our country’s true potential lies in these untapped areas.
The government, despite systemic challenges, has shown a progressive approach by engaging with initiatives like ours. Through Fitness Fortitude, we hope to inspire, empower, and transform the sports landscape, bridging gaps and giving every sportsperson the platform they deserve.
Q: How does your platform benefit sportspersons and coaches, and what specific opportunities or resources does it offer to support their growth and success?
A: The fitness industry has faced significant setbacks, particularly impacting sports professionals. Recognizing this, we’ve developed comprehensive profiles of coaches, focusing on identifying and promoting Indian coaches. To address this challenge, we’ve partnered with state governments across northern India to organize sports talent events in various categories, including running, boxing, and mixed martial arts.
Our first major initiative is set to launch in Guwahati in collaboration with the Government of Assam. The event features a 25-kilometer athletic run, emphasizing athletics as the foundation of all sports. Through this platform, we aim to identify exceptional sports talent and skilled coaches.
The top performers and coaches discovered through these events will be integrated into our platform. This will allow them to not only train and inspire others but also continuously improve their own skills. Our approach is reciprocal—both learning and teaching go hand in hand. As lifelong learners, we believe this mindset fosters growth and ensures smoother progress in every endeavor.
Q: How many coaches have joined your platform so far, and what has been their response to the onboarding process?
A: To be candid, I believe in transparency and accuracy—there’s no room for presenting inflated or incorrect data. While I’ve compiled a robust database of coaches from other countries, my primary focus remains on identifying top Indian coaches. The first talent event, already finalized in Guwahati, marks a significant step in this direction. However, navigating systemic challenges has posed some delays, but we are steadily overcoming them.
The process is dynamic and evolving, and the responses we’ve received so far are encouraging. This progress reinforces my belief in taking the time to build a solid foundation. Launching a platform without sufficient inventory—akin to opening a store without stock—simply doesn’t make sense. My focus remains on curating the best Indian talent, particularly coaches in sports like basketball and volleyball, often overlooked despite their immense potential.
We need a platform that not only identifies but also uplifts these unsung talents—those who might be right next door yet remain unseen. Cricket already thrives, and children naturally gravitate toward it. But it’s time to ensure fairness and recognition across all sports, giving justice and opportunities to those deserving.
Q: Are you planning to offer resources and training for sportspeople and coaches beyond cricket and football, especially in sports with significant untapped potential in India?
A: Our talent drives the success of Silicon Valley, and the same potential exists in sports. However, athletes need the right platform to thrive. They require recognition to unlock their true abilities. Without nurturing their skills and providing opportunities, we cannot expect to witness their full potential on the field.
