Power World muscles into India
Talavou Alailima Picture by Ranjith Perera
Power World, Sri Lanka’s largest fitness training chain, in a ground-breaking move, launched 20 Gyms in Bangalore, on a single day, with Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera officially opening them.
“It’s a historical achievement as Sri Lanka-based Power World opened 20 well-equipped Gyms on a single day in Bangalore,” said Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd (better known as Talwalkars) Director, India’s leading Fitness training chain, at a press briefing held at Taj Samudra, Colombo.
Power World Gyms and TBVFL, both market leaders in their respective countries are partners in this joint venture.
“I am certain, Power World will play a pivotal role in India,” said Director Talwalkar.
Entry into the Indian Fitness industry, with the launch in Bangalore, raises Power World Gym’s profile in the Indian sub-continent.
Power World founder Talavou Alailima, a Sri Lanka Shot-putt and Discus throw record holder pioneered physical training centres two decades ago in Sri Lanka.
“Power World Gyms have evolved over two decades and is well-tested. This has enabled us to create a network of 17 thriving Gyms serving over 16,000 members in Sri Lanka,” Alailima said.
“The equipment is world class and second to none,” Alailima said.
“I believe this has tremendous potential to target the under-served majority with affordable Gym facilities. Bangalore is well-known for its large bank of young professionals looking for a healthy lifestyle. Hence, we chose Bangalore as our first launch city in India,” he said.
TBVFL, India’s largest chain of Fitness centres, made a strategic investment in Power World Gyms, its maiden investment outside of India.
With over 176 Gyms across 84 cities, diverse services including Gyms, Spas, Aerobics and Health Counseling under the Talwalkars’ brand, are offered to an active membership of over 166,000.
India has an extremely low penetration of Gyms, compared with most other countries. This is largely attributed to affordability and proximity factors. The Power World-Talwalkars partnership intends to address both these issues and cater to the rapidly growing demand for Fitness facilities in India.
The 20 centres are located in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Giri Nagar, JP Nagar 1st Phase, JP Nagar 7th Phase, Kanakapura, Ramamurthy Nagar, Whitefield, Lingarapuram, Yelanka, Nararabhav, Moodalapalya, Uttarahalli, Nagawara, Rajajnagar, Murugeshpalya, Kudlu, Vidhyaranyapura, Hoodi, Sanjay Nagar, Magashetty Nagar in the city of Bangalore.
Speaking at the press briefing, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said, “My wish is to open up may Gyms in the country.”
“I will soon issue a Gazette Notification on coaches at various Fitness centres in Sri Lanka, to have a valid Trainer Certificate in their respective fields, and they will be registered under special categories,” Minister Jayasekera said.