About

The people behind BoulderBox

Founders, coaches, setters, the front desk and the kitchen. Between us we have over 50 years of climbing. Our goal is a friendly place for climbing in India to grow.

  • 13 crew
  • 50+ years of climbing
  • 2018 open since
The crew

Meet the team

  • Vrinda BhageriaCo-Founder

    Vrinda Bhageria

    Co-Founder
    “I now climb for the sheer joy of it.”
    • Climbing since 2009
    • Graphic designer
    Read Vrinda’s story

    I studied graphic design in an art college in the US. Started climbing in my final year of university there.

    Until then I had never really played many sports or spent much time outdoors. I would struggle to even stay fit. Climbing changed all of that. It helped me not only get fit and become strong physically, but I gained immense confidence in other aspects of life.

    Over the years I’ve travelled and climbed in locations in India and other parts of the world. I’ve met people and learnt a new way of life through climbing. I now climb for the sheer joy of it.

  • Yadu BhageriaCo-Founder

    Yadu Bhageria

    Co-Founder
    “Slowly, it has become somewhat of an obsession for me.”
    • Climbing since 2008
    • Mathematician
    Read Yadu’s story

    I'm a mathematician by education and enjoy playing with data and dabbling in the equity markets.

    I started climbing because I got injured as a runner about a decade ago. Within a year, I had stopped running and I was only climbing. Slowly, it has become somewhat of an obsession for me. Now that I'm helping open a gym, I can devote even more time to it!

    I like climbing because of the process of problem solving and execution involved in the physical movement.

  • Arun FaujdarBusiness and growth

    Arun Faujdar

    Head of Business & Operations
    “Make climbing accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful for our community.”
    • Ex Delhi Under-19 cricketer
    Read Arun’s story

    A former Delhi Under-19 State Cricketer and Post Graduate in Sports Management.

    I've always believed that sport has the power to bring people together, build confidence, and help us discover what we're capable of. My journey through sports, fitness, and operations has taught me that great experiences are built not just through facilities and programs, but through strong communities.

    At BoulderBox, my focus is on creating a space where everyone feels welcome whether you're stepping onto the wall for the first time or pushing your limits as an experienced climber. Every decision we make is guided by a simple goal to make climbing accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful for our community.

    I look forward to seeing you at the BoulderBox and being part of your climbing journey.

  • Toshirenla Ao (Arenn)Front desk

    Toshirenla Ao (Arenn)

    Operations Associate
    “I'm happy to help, and i hope you have the best experience visiting our centre.”
    Read Arenn’s story

    Hi, I am Arenn. I'm so thrilled after joining as an Operations Associate at Boulder box. I have years of work experience as a front desk associate in Aloft hotel - Bangalore. I love to explore new places and travel as it helps me to learn about the diverse cultures and ways of life!

    My job role is to welcome you, clear all the doubts & inquiry and build a strong community. I'm happy to help, and i hope you have the best experience visiting our centre.

  • Tongkem I. Konyak (Atong)Front desk

    Tongkem I. Konyak (Atong)

    Operations Associate
    “I’m learning & experiencing new things every day and I love it.”
    Read Atong’s story

    I recently moved to New Delhi in search of a better opportunity & exposure! I think I just found one by joining ‘The BoulderBox’ as an Operations Associate. I'm trained in hospitality & management and previously I worked as a soft skills trainer.

    Although I hail from the hills, I had no climbing experience until I joined ‘The BoulderBox’. I couldn't be happier to start this journey from here. The climbing community, in general, is the most supportive & encouraging folks I have come across! I’m learning & experiencing new things every day and I love it.

    I look forward to seeing you at the centre. Cheers! :)

  • Kevileno (Vivi)Front desk

    Kevileno (Vivi)

    Front Desk Associate
    “I’m usually the first person you’ll meet when you walk in.”
    Read Vivi’s story

    Hi, I’m Kevileno, though most people call me Vivi, a member of the BoulderBox front desk team. I’m usually the first person you’ll meet when you walk in, and I enjoy making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Whether you’re visiting for your first climb or you’re a regular, I’m always happy to help with questions, memberships, bookings, or anything else you need to make the most of your visit.

  • Maibam ChingkheinganbaSetting and coaching

    Maibam Chingkheinganba

    Head Setter & BB Athlete
    “I know it’s still a long way to go, but it’s all perseverance!”
    • 2018 Asian Games
    • Asian Youth Champion, twice
    Read Maibam’s story

    I started my journey in climbing when i was just 7 years old. As a kid, i was more into athletics than in academics. Rather than being confined in one space, i liked playing, exploring places and trying new things out. And with climbing, comes the perks of exploring places, travelling to different environments and meeting new like minded people. Now climbing has become an important part of my life.

    So far, I’ve been able to secure Asian Youth Championship on two occasions. In addition, i have also achieved 9 consecutive National Championships medals. I also am the reigning India’s National speed Champion. My other accomplishments include competing in the 2018 Asian Games and finishing second in India's composite ranking and having ranked 2nd combined rank in India.

    My ultimate goal is to become a World Champion in all discipline i.e. Speed, Lead and Bouldering. I know it’s still a long way to go, but it’s all perseverance!

  • Suraj SinghSetting and coaching

    Suraj Singh

    Climbing Coach
    “A supportive environment that fosters growth, confidence, and a lifelong love for climbing.”
    • 15+ years climbing
    • World Cup competitor
    Read Suraj’s story

    I have been passionate about climbing for over 15 years, with experience spanning World Cups, national competitions, and outdoor climbing destinations across the globe. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of competing at the highest levels, which has given me a deep understanding of the physical, technical, and mental aspects of the sport.

    For the past 6 years, I’ve been dedicated to coaching, working with diverse climbing communities and gyms. My coaching approach focuses on developing well-rounded athletes by combining movement efficiency, strength training, and mental resilience. Whether working with beginners or advanced climbers, I aim to create a supportive environment that fosters growth, confidence, and a lifelong love for climbing.

  • Niladri BainSetting and coaching

    Niladri Bain

    Climbing Coach
    “Always striving to inspire others to embrace the outdoors.”
    • Developing a crag in Purulia
    Read Niladri’s story

    My adventure journey began with a thrilling trek through the Pin Parvati Valley, which ignited my obsession with high places. As a passionate outdoor climber, I have a deep love for exploring rock faces, boulders, and high-altitude crags. Whether it's tackling granite boulders in Hampi and Purulia, or scaling the towering walls of Badami, I'm always focused on pushing my personal limits and discovering new routes. Beyond climbing, I'm also passionate about hiking and have trekked through numerous offbeat passes in the Himalayas. Currently, I'm working with my team to develop my home crag in Purulia. When I'm not climbing, I'm sharing my experiences through training, route-setting, and mentoring fellow climbers-always striving to inspire others to embrace the outdoors and push their own boundaries.

  • Shrawan ChauhanSetting and coaching

    Shrawan Chauhan

    Climbing Coach & Operations Associate
    “BoulderBox has since become my second home.”
    • Started as an intern
    Read Shrawan’s story

    I’m a college student currently studying Economics and Physical Education. My journey into the world of bouldering began as an intern at BoulderBox, where, despite having no prior experience with climbing, I quickly fell in love with the sport due to my passion for sports and physical challenges. BoulderBox has since become my second home—the place where I feel happiest and most myself.

    My current goal is to dedicate the next few years entirely to bouldering, striving to become a stronger climber. I’m particularly focused on improving my finger strength and mastering slopers, determined to push my limits and grow within this incredible community. Whenever you visit BoulderBox, you’re likely to find me there—training, climbing, and smiling.

  • Sachin SarojSetting and coaching

    Sachin Saroj

    Climbing Coach
    “Every fall just made me want to come back stronger.”
    • National bronze, Men’s Lead
    Read Sachin’s story

    I started climbing when I was 13 years old, back in 2017. Before that, I spent most of my time playing cricket, but the moment I tried climbing, I knew this was something different. It wasn’t just about strength, it was about problem-solving, pushing limits, and figuring things out on the wall. The first time I tried climbing, I had no idea it would turn into the biggest part of my life. At first, I struggled. I wasn’t the strongest or the most technical, but every fall just made me want to come back stronger. Year after year, I trained, competed, and kept improving. This year, I won a bronze medal in Men’s Lead at the National Championships, but I know this is just the beginning. Climbing isn’t just a sport for me, it’s a challenge, an obsession, and the thing that keeps me moving forward every single day.

  • RiteshCafe

    Ritesh

    Chef de BoulderBox
    “Refuel, recharge, and linger a little longer because of good, tasty food.”
    • Runs the cafe kitchen
    Read Ritesh’s story

    Hi, I am Ritesh. I manage the kitchen here at the BoulderBox cafe.

    My experience is shaped by fast-paced kitchens like FreshMenu and Mithaas, where consistency and quality are everything. With experience across continental, Indian, and Asian cuisines, I bring a versatile approach to the menu. I focus on clean flavours, satisfying portions, and food that complements an active, athletic lifestyle.

    For me, it’s not just about cooking. It’s about creating a space where climbers can refuel, recharge, and linger a little longer because of good, tasty food.

  • Anwar SayeedBusiness and growth

    Anwar Sayeed

    Growth & Marketing
    “Every route is a puzzle, which is what makes it fascinating.”
    • Sports marketing
    Read Anwar’s story

    Hi I am Anwar, my background is in Business Intelligence and Sports Marketing.

    My journey started with sport. I studied Sports Management and worked across sports events and football. That is where I saw how powerful sport can be in bringing strangers together into a community.

    Climbing added a different layer to it. It is not just physical; it is a movement mastery that requires elite kinesthetic intelligence for problem-solving. Every route is a puzzle, which is what makes it fascinating.

    Today, I work on growth and marketing at BoulderBox. I focus on getting more people to discover climbing. I also work on partnerships and sponsorships around climbing events. The goal is simple. Build awareness and grow this sport at a grassroots level in India.

    I am fortunate to work here because climbing is still niche, yet BoulderBox is already the leader in the nation. Climbing is still a niche sport. Not many people pay attention to it yet. That attitude bothers me. Working here feels like a small step towards changing that.

  • Could you be next?

    We are always happy to hear from great people, for any role.

    See careers

Four legs

The centre dogs

  • Joey, the 'good' dog'Good' Dog

    Joey

    I'm most definitely not a good boy. Instead I am certainly a bad boy. But it cannot be helped.

    When I see new people my instincts kick in. Then I vigorously approach them and constantly tell them I must smell them in order to calm down.

    Life goes on. I'll go sleep now.

  • Hobbes, the 'crag' dog'Crag' Dog

    Hobbes

    I'm the local indoor 'crag' dog. My job involves sitting on the pads and being a good boy. I often let humans pet me because it makes them feel better.

    I occasionally get over-excited when urging climbers through the crux and get in the way. But Im a good boy so I get out of the way as soon as Im made aware of it.

  • Brie, the 'yoga' dog'Yoga' Dog

    Brie

    I like running and helping out with yoga. My personal favourite asana is the downward dog.

    I try and help patrons of my gym push themselves by providing extra pressure in various directions during intense stretches. I take tentative steps towards building pressure and jump right away if it gets too much for them (or me)!

2008 to today

The journey so far

Each hold is a step on the route.

  1. 2008

    Starting to climb

    We started climbing on separate continents. I, Yadu, started in 2008 at boarding school in Somerset, UK. Vrinda started in 2009 in Chicago, USA, during her graphic design degree.

  2. 2011

    A wall at home

    Back in Delhi, we found that facilities simply did not compare with the ones we started out on. Our passion for climbing led us to build a bouldering wall at home. Over the years, friends from all over the world have climbed and set with us there.

  3. 2016

    Finding a location

    The need for a world-class climbing gym in the capital was very clear to us. In 2016, Vrinda started looking for a location. After countless site visits, she chose the Vasant Kunj site.

  4. Spring 2018

    Ideas and designs

    With the location final, the work truly began: wall designs, planning the space and more.

  5. Summer 2018

    Construction

    Construction of the building and the climbing walls began. We adjusted many parts of the walls on site to make the most of the space.

  6. Autumn 2018

    Finding the team

    As construction went on, we started interviewing people for our team. We knew Varun from the Delhi climbing scene, Rahul was an ever-present figure in Indian climbing, and we met Viraj through the interviews.

  7. Winter 2018

    Ready to open

    Refining the construction was an endless process. When we were sure the centre was safe, we took our leap of faith. Thanks to our tremendous team, the final preparations went on around the clock.

  8. Today

    Still growing

    BoulderBox runs classes for kids and adults, birthday parties, corporate days, yoga in the studio and a cafe with its own kitchen. Our goal is the same as on day one: help the climbing community in India grow.