Meghana HarikumarBengaluru: In a rousing celebration of endurance, strength, and togetherness, cult UNBOUND made its grand debut on April 12, 2025, at KTPO, Whitefield, transforming the Bengaluru venue into a pulsating epicenter of fitness and community. With over 5,000 participants coming together from all corners of the country, the event marked a pivotal moment in India’s growing fitness movement, seamlessly blending athleticism with collective spirit.
The inaugural cult UNBOUND wasn’t just a championship—it was a full-day immersion into what the future of inclusive fitness could look like. Designed to welcome every fitness enthusiast regardless of gender, age, or skill level, the championship featured eight functional workout zones. These zones challenged participants across diverse routines and intensities, offering a stage for everyone from weekend warriors to experienced athletes.
Throughout the day, the energy remained electric. Over 50,000 repetitions were clocked, more than 10,000 kilograms of fitness equipment was moved through dynamic drills like pushing, pulling, and lifting, and close to 1,400 kilometres were covered in combined running and rowing efforts. These feats of stamina and strength were matched by a deep sense of camaraderie, as athletes not only competed but also cheered each other on in the spirit of shared resilience.
Adding a unique dimension to the event was the Leaders Circuit—a specially curated version of the main challenge, designed for CXOs and senior leaders from some of India’s top companies. The format, while slightly dialled down in intensity, retained the essence of the competition and echoed the growing commitment of India’s corporate leadership towards holistic wellness.
Naresh Krishnaswamy, CEO of Curefit Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., encapsulated the event’s ethos, stating, “At cult, we’ve always believed that fitness goes beyond reps and routines. It’s a deeper journey grounded in community, resilience, and personal transformation. With cult UNBOUND, we set out to create more than a competitive platform; we aimed to spark a movement that celebrates collective progress and the power of shared effort. Witnessing thousands of individuals challenge their limits and support one another was a powerful affirmation that when we move together, we move further.”
That spirit was felt not just on the competition floor but across the entire event space. Cult UNBOUND brought with it a festival-like atmosphere filled with high-energy group experiences, interactive wellness activations, and alternative fitness sessions that encouraged spectators and participants alike to get involved. From hula hooping and capoeira to yoga, poi spinning, and dance fitness, these community-driven activities brought together people of all ages and interests. Each moment reflected cult’s overarching philosophy—fitness is for everyone, and it can be joyful, communal, and transformative.
Santhosh Kumar, CTPO of Cult, highlighted the essence of this dynamic gathering: “Cult UNBOUND is a testament to the power of community and shared commitment. It’s inspiring to see how people from diverse backgrounds came together to challenge themselves, support each other, and celebrate the true spirit of fitness.”
The championship also honoured excellence with prizes and giveaways totalling ₹10,00,000, including a ₹6,00,000 cash prize pool distributed among top performers. Champions like Tiruvan, Imliyanger, and Rajathsomanna in the Men’s Singles category, and Yashaswini, Roshika, and Sugandha in the Women’s Singles category, were applauded for their exceptional performance and awarded with trophies and leaderboard placements. Their achievements were celebrated not just by the crowd but also by celebrity guests and leading fitness influencers who joined the festivities.
But the biggest win of the day wasn’t the cash prize or the trophies. It was the palpable sense of inspiration that radiated from the venue. For many, the event marked a personal milestone—overcoming fears, pushing boundaries, and discovering strength in shared effort. For India’s larger fitness community, cult UNBOUND signaled a new era—one where fitness is not defined by elite performance, but by inclusivity, connection, and purpose.
As the sun set over KTPO and the final reps were counted, the buzz didn’t fade. Instead, it lingered as a powerful reminder that when movement meets meaning, it creates momentum. Cult UNBOUND may have wrapped up its first edition, but it has already cemented itself as a defining chapter in India’s fitness journey—setting the bar not just higher, but broader and more inclusive than ever before.
Editor
Meghana Harikumar
