KhiladiPro, a Bengaluru-based sportstech startup, has raised $1 million in a pre-seed funding round aimed at transforming the way India identifies, assesses, and nurtures its young sporting talent.
Key Highlights:
- Funding Amount: $1 million
- Stage: Pre-seed
- Founded: August 2023
- Founder: Utkarsh Yadav
- Headquarters: Bengaluru
- Lead Investors: Shastra VC, MGA Ventures
- Other Participants: Family offices and angel investors, including M Pallonji, Jeena and Co., Ayaz Billawala, Nimesh Kampani, and Jaimin Bhat
Purpose of Funding
- Accelerate development of proprietary AI models
- Expand geographically across India
- Strengthen platform partnerships with schools, sports academies, and state associations
What Makes KhiladiPro Unique?
KhiladiPro is among the first Indian startups to combine mobile-based visual AI with globally recognized athlete development frameworks to provide expert-level sports assessment.
- AI-Driven Analysis: Enables video-based evaluation of children’s motor and physical abilities
- For Coaches, Schools & Parents: Delivers standardized feedback and performance insights
- Frameworks Used: Based on Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) and Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) models
Key Products and Initiatives
- KPro Sports Ability Test (SAT): Assesses agility, coordination, strength, and conditioning through mobile input
- Khiladi Ability Index (KAI): A standardized rating system to benchmark athletic potential
- Khiladi Klub: Offers curated training programs for high-potential athletes
- KPro Olympiad: A school-wide assessment program offering competitive and standardized athlete evaluations
With over 56 proprietary AI models, KhiladiPro claims it is building a digitally-empowered, Olympic-aligned pipeline for India’s youth athletes.
Strategic Partnerships
- Collaborates with reputed institutions such as:
- Karnataka Badminton Association
- Handball Association of India
- Delhi Cricket League (DLCL)
These partnerships are helping KhiladiPro make inroads into schools, grassroots centers, and coaching hubs, offering a scalable sports development infrastructure.
Market Outlook
India’s sports-tech industry is forecast to touch $1.5 billion by 2033, according to a report by IMARC Group. The segment’s growth is expected to be driven by platforms that digitize grassroots sports and offer scalable, AI-backed assessment tools—exactly where KhiladiPro positions itself.
