A cycling trip to Leh taught OYO India & SA boss a few things about teamwork

Rohit Kapoor, CEO, India and South Asia, OYO Hotels and Homes, says his idea of fitness is to stay away from the gym. “I must have enrolled at a gym maybe 50 times and quit 50 times. But if it’s got anything to do with the outdoors — cycling, cricket, football, golf — I’m there.”

He recalls a cycling trip he took from Manali to Leh in 2017, with 13 others. “I was not very happy with my level of fitness and I decided to do something I like, which is cycling, to get back in shape. Cycling long distance for me serves two purposes — fitness and my passion to travel.”

The trip helped Kapoor learn some valuable lessons too. “Given the kind of terrain, weather and living conditions, it was a test of endurance — physically, mentally and emotionally.


Teamwork helped us survive everything and make it fun. It’s also something I value and place immense trust in, in my professional life as well,” he added.

Even after the trip concluded, Kapoor remained disciplined, he said. “I realised the value of waking up early. I have also become very disciplined with food, as I realised just how difficult it is to burn unnecessary fat,” Kapoor said.