One Sports launches 'Thwack Range' of sports equipment & Services; Aims to promote health, fitness and fun

After its successful debut in Singapore, One Sports launched the Thwack range of sports goods and accessories in India today. The Mumbai-based One Sports, a division of The One Group, also shared the marketing, promotion and distribution plans for Thwack range of sports equipments and services across Asia and Europe.

In the first phase, Thwack range will include a range of badminton rackets, shuttle cocks and accessories along with the Thwack Humanoid, an innovatively designed state-of-the-art human replica to practice mixed martial arts. The Humanoid range will also include Spartrain series of boxing gloves and other accessories. "We are extremely bullish about our global strategy. Even by the most conservative of estimates, we estimate income from our sports equipment and services to exceed INR 250 crore by FY 2014" said Reji Mathew, Managing Director of One Sports

The Thwack SFX / JFX badminton racket has been designed in collaboration with erstwhile world badminton champion (1984-1990), Xiong Guabao, whose scientifically designed grip will improve the game, particularly the forehand and backhand shots. He has crafted this patented design with a unique embedded fingerprint grip to improve the technique of the player. One Sports (Thwack) also launched the Super 5 Series of badminton rackets which is a must in every player's armoury.

"In badminton, backhand shots ' the smash, clear or even drop shots ' are beautiful to watch but difficult to execute with perfection. Playing with a Thwack racket enables muscle memory; therefore the tricky shots of the game can be handled effectively with this racket making the game interesting for both players, in addition to enhancing the skills of the players at all levels. " said the acknowledged Backhand King, Xiong Guabao.

Another unique product unveiled at the launch was the Thwack Humanoid. This product is revolutionary exercise equipment designed on the principles of the Chinese martial art, Wushu. "The Thwack Humanoid replicates the feel of a real human being; not only can it be used as a training equipment for martial arts but is also great for fitness, and relieving stress," said Reji Mathew, Managing Director, One Sports

The Humanoid is made of a combination of PU, natural rubber and steel with suction technology that maintains its stability. "We're very excited to launch the Thwack Humanoid whose utility is not only in the gyms but also in corporate offices. The response for Thwack Humanoid from the European and South East Asia markets especially has been fantastic" added the Managing Director, One Sports.

To complement the marquee products, Thwack also launched accessories like shuttle cocks, punch mitts, gloves along with a range of stylised kit bags. "We also plan to launch training clinics and academies across the globe over the next few years. The mission of One Sports is to engage people all across the world increasingly to adopt a sporty and healthy lifestyle," declared Akhil Ganatra, Managing Director, One Group

It should be noted that Thwack made its debut in Singapore early this year. "In the ensuing six months, we were busy firming up our marketing and distribution alliances across south east Asia, China, India and Europe," said Mr. Mathew. "Next month, Thwack will be launched in Europe. One of the players we signed on to endorse Thwack rackets is Peter Koukal, Number One Czech player scheduled to play for 2012 London Olympics, he added.

Indeed, Thwack has mapped out ambitious plans for its global launches. A large distributor in Malaysia is already on board to cater to the entire retail market in south east Asia. Another exclusive distributor in China will cater to the large Chinese market. In Europe, Thwack is scheduled to launch on January 29, 2012, One Sports has firmed up distributors for 9 countries in Europe ' the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, France and Slovakia. Thwack will be retailed at all major sports goods retail outlets in Europe. In Mumbai, Thwack will have its own branded sections in retail outlets and has already tied up with 5 distributors for other states in India. "We are also planning to sponsor certain tournaments to promote the game, both in India and other countries." revealed the managing director.

Badminton was invented by British soldiers in Pune in the 19th century. The sport travelled across the world and the Chinese became the undisputed champions of Badminton. "We are witnessing kind of a resurgence of this game in India. One sports aims to bring badminton back to its glory at its place of origin. We feel proud to launch Thwack range of sports equipments and services in global markets," declared Mathew. In a few months' time, Thwack will focus on sports apparels and shoes. "We have already started negotiating process with designers to add that Thwack innovation to our apparels and footwear," said Mathew.

One Sports has several other plans to promote the game in India. Along with coach Guabao, the Indian based firm will organise training clinics in different parts of India in association with clubs and gymkhanas. To promote the Thwack Humanoid, One Sports is already partnered with White Collar Boxing tournaments in Hong Kong and Singapore, currently the rage in corporate offices in south east Asia. "We also intend to set up a One Sports Foundation to promote and encourage economically challenged talents that might exist in the country," said Kiran Ganatra, Chairman, One Group.