New Delhi, June 16 -- Don't say it out loud lest you jinx it but corporate India is embracing the active lifestyle. Until recently, "corporate wellness programmes" focused mainly on regular medical check-ups, mental wellness workshops and health insurance cover. Then there was the annual sports day, which usually meant hosting an in-house cricket tournament. The difference now is that a number of companies are partnering with sports brands to support running, pickleball, obstacle-racing and other activities as more India Inc. employees want to participate in such events instead of passively engaging as spectators.

Sometimes, it's an incentive that gives the employee a push; other times it's the employee who pushes the company to bring ab...