Mridul Das,
founder of Sportskin International Private Limited, is now working at the
forefront of the sportswear industry, leading innovation and setting the
standard for other brands and players. With over 20 years of experience in
fashion and sportswear, including 15 years at the globally renowned Adidas,
Mridul has been instrumental in establishing and growing high-revenue
categories. His deep industry knowledge and passion for design and performance
have driven his entrepreneurial journey, with a vision to transform India’s
activewear landscape by promoting innovation and empowering brands to develop
high-performance products with a positive environmental impact.
Could you tell us about your company, Sportskin International Private Limited, and its services?
Sportskin is a comprehensive consulting firm that provides end-to-end solutions in the activewear and sportswear industry. Our services span across Activewear and Athleisurewear product design and development, R&D services, manufacturing consultancy, sourcing consultancy, Activewear start-up, and go-to-market strategies. We partner with brands, manufacturers, startups, and institutions to deliver tailored solutions in activewear and streetwear, ensuring sustainability and innovation are at the core of everything we do to drive business growth.
What motivated you to start Sportskin International, and how does your sports background and leadership style drive the company's vision and growth?
The motivation behind Sportskin comes from my experience in the sportswear world, where I noticed a gap in the market for end-to-end solutions that combined innovation with sustainability within the Activewear domain. A lifelong passion for sports has given me a deep understanding of the importance of performance, durability, and comfort in activewear. I decided to use my knowledge and network to help brands and aspiring manufacturers navigate this activewear space, leading to the creation of Sportskin in 2023. My leadership style focuses on strategic growth with a long-term vision, empowering my team to collaborate closely with our clients to provide tailored solutions. This approach has helped us build long-term partnerships and deliver measurable success.
Could you walk us through your professional journey, sharing some of the key milestones and achievements that shaped your career?
My journey began with a strong foundation at NIFT, which paved the way for hands-on experience in design and manufacturing. This led me to join Future Group where I led in establishing a sportswear private label. Later, I moved into category management at Adidas, where I drove growth in high-revenue segments such as men's training and navigated the challenges of categories like kidswear, golf, and accessories. My pursuit of further business management knowledge through IIM Kolkata’s Executive program equipped me to lead strategic initiatives for exponential growth, resulting in significant year-on-year revenue increases and deeper consumer engagement. Founding Sportskin opened a transformative chapter in my career, enabling me to collaborate with global brands, manufacturers of all scales, and leading institutions to deliver cutting-edge sportswear solutions. Today, Sportskin has evolved into a trusted partner, driving the success and growth of brands, buyers, and manufacturers worldwide.
I always believe in that "Growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone, and every step forward is a step toward transformation."
What innovations in MMF fabrics and sportswear excite you, and how has your expertise in these areas contributed to Sportskin's success?
I'm particularly excited about the growing use of MMF (man-made fibers) in sportswear. Recycled polyester and other sustainable materials have enabled us to create high-performance gear that aligns with the environmental standards global brands are demanding. Sportskin is at the leading edge of these innovations; our partnerships with manufacturers in developing activewear using recycled fabrics have gained significant interest from global brands. This focus on sustainability and innovation has been a key factor in our success.
What are your main goals for the future of Sportskin, and how do you plan to position India as a leader in the global sportswear market?
Our goal at Sportskin is to become the go-to partner for global activewear brands, offering expertise in design, manufacturing, and sustainability. We see tremendous potential in positioning India as a leader in the global sportswear market by focusing on sustainable production, innovative fabric technologies, and building efficient supply chains. By partnering with leading manufacturers and brands, we aim to drive growth and innovation in India’s sportswear industry.
What advice would you give to aspiring sportswear designers and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses in the industry?
My advice would be to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to design, sustainability and technology. The sportswear market is evolving rapidly, and consumers now demand not only high-performance products but also ethical and environmentally friendly ones. Additionally, focus on long-term partnerships and quality over quantity. Be open to innovation, and always keep the end-user experience at the forefront of your designs.
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