Mumbai, India – Krishna Kotian, a versatile actor, producer, marketing leader, and entrepreneur, has officially stepped into the sports industry with the launch of YANA Sports, a women-centric sports initiative designed to empower women and promote mental wellness through table tennis.
The company’s flagship initiative, the YANA League, will debut on 8th March 2026, coinciding with Women’s Day, marking the beginning of a purpose-driven movement that blends competitive sport with emotional strength and community support.
The Meaning Behind YANA: “You Are Not Alone”
YANA stands for “You Are Not Alone.” The name reflects the core philosophy of the initiative — building a strong, supportive ecosystem where women feel empowered, connected, and mentally resilient.
In today’s fast-paced world, women often juggle multiple roles — professionals, entrepreneurs, homemakers, students, and leaders. YANA Sports aims to create a platform where women can step away from daily pressures, rediscover their confidence, and form meaningful bonds through sport.
“YANA Sports is about creating a community that believes in the power of sports to transform lives,” says Krishna Kotian. “Through table tennis, we are not just hosting a tournament — we are building a support system where women uplift each other and prioritize mental wellness.”
The YANA League: More Than a Tournament
The YANA League is envisioned as an open women’s table tennis tournament welcoming participants from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. The format is designed to be inclusive, competitive, and community-driven.
Unlike traditional tournaments focused solely on performance, the YANA League emphasizes:
- Mental well-being through sport
- Confidence building
- Peer support and networking
- Community engagement
- Celebrating participation as much as victory
Launching on Women’s Day adds symbolic weight to the initiative. It transforms celebration into action — encouraging women to step forward, compete, and claim space in the sporting arena.
Krishna Kotian’s Professional Journey
Krishna Kotian brings decades of experience across advertising, entertainment, and strategic leadership to this new venture. He has held prominent roles as Business Head and CXO at leading agencies and production houses, including:
- JWT
- Lowe Lintas
- CINEYUG
- Shashi Sumeet Productions
- MAD Studios
These roles have equipped him with deep expertise in brand building, audience engagement, content strategy, and operational leadership. His transition into sports entrepreneurship reflects his ability to combine business acumen with purpose-driven vision.
Entrepreneurial and Advisory Roles
Beyond corporate leadership, Krishna Kotian has also been actively involved in entrepreneurial and advisory capacities.
He serves as an Advisor at Two Men Creation LLP, a creative marketing company delivering innovative solutions for films and brands. Additionally, he is associated with IIFTC, a film location conclave that facilitates collaboration between filmmakers and destinations.
These experiences underline his strength in ecosystem building — a quality that now fuels his ambition to build a sustainable women-first sports platform through YANA Sports.
A Passion Rooted in Personal Experience
An avid table tennis player, Krishna Kotian has participated in multiple tournaments and continues to pursue the sport passionately. His personal connection with table tennis influenced the decision to make it the flagship sport of YANA Sports.
Table tennis is accessible, dynamic, and inclusive across age groups. It enhances reflexes, concentration, agility, and emotional control — qualities that contribute significantly to mental strength. By choosing this sport, YANA ensures participation is welcoming and achievable for women from varied backgrounds.
Sports and Mental Wellness: A Powerful Combination
One of the most distinctive aspects of YANA Sports is its focus on mental wellness. Physical activity is scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance emotional resilience. However, structured community-driven sports platforms specifically designed for women remain limited.
YANA League aims to fill this gap by:
- Creating safe and inclusive competition spaces
- Encouraging peer encouragement over pressure
- Promoting emotional well-being alongside athletic performance
- Building a long-term community beyond a single event
The initiative is not just about trophies and titles — it is about transformation.
A Movement in the Making
With its inaugural edition set for 8th March 2026, YANA Sports is poised to make a meaningful impact. The league is expected to bring together women from across Mumbai, with long-term plans to expand into a larger inter-city format.
Krishna Kotian’s leadership, combined with his strategic marketing expertise and passion for sport, positions YANA Sports as more than a tournament — it is a movement aimed at fostering strength, solidarity, and self-belief.
As the name beautifully conveys, You Are Not Alone — and through YANA Sports, women will have a platform where they can compete, connect, and grow together.