PUMA joins forces with Athletics Federation of India as official Kit Partner!

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | May 16, 2024 | News

Puma Athletics Federation of India Official Kit Partner

PUMA India is the official kit sponsor of leading sports body Athletics Federation of India (AFI), ushering in a new era of high performance for the country’s athletes. In a historic multi-year deal, PUMA will now exclusively supply high quality performance kits, speed suits and travel gear to every single athlete under AFI and representing India in track & field, jumps, throws, cross country running and marathons at both domestic and international tournaments.

In the world of sports, the difference between victory and defeat can be razor-thin, often determined by fractions of a second. By providing state-of-the-art products comprising apparel, footwear and accessories - PUMA will equip over 400 athletes with competitive edge, ensuring that every milli-second is maximised to its fullest advantage. This is also the first time that Indian athletes will get access to world class speed suits that PUMA supplies globally to other athletes. The PUMA speed suits are designed to aid freedom of movement, aerodynamics and faster speed, supporting athletes to focus solely on their performance and increase efficiency.

As a global sports brand, PUMA is invested in 17 federations such as Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, Cuban Athletics Federation, Brazilian Athletics Confederation, Athletics New Zealand and Portuguese Athletics Federation, to name a few. PUMA’s partnership with AFI is set to intensify the sports brand’s commitment to amplify sports culture in India and serve as a catalyst for the development, growth and success of the country’s accomplished and next generation of athletes.

Arne Freundt, CEO, PUMA SE said, “More than 75 years ago, PUMA’s founder Rudolf Dassler had the vision to develop products for athletes that would give them the speed, the agility and the nimbleness of a puma. We are excited that we can now bring this spirit to the Athletics Federation of India. India is one of the most dynamic markets and we hope that by achieving success with the Athletics Federation of India, we can together inspire the next generation of athletes.”

Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director, PUMA India said, “At PUMA, we strongly believe in serving the athletes and helping them realise their full potential with our world class performance products. We are thrilled to partner with the Athletics Federation of India and help our athletes perform at the highest levels in various sporting disciplines across the globe. Together with Athletics Federation of India, we will accelerate this transformative journey in Indian athletics.”

Adille Sumariwalla, President, Athletics Federation of India said, “Our association with PUMA represents a significant milestone for India’s athletes. With their high-quality gear, we are not only enhancing the performance of athletes but also creating a culture of excellence within the country’s sporting community. We are confident that this partnership will propel Indian athletics to new heights on the global stage,” said.

With this, several international icons such as Neeraj Chopra (javelin throw), Kishore Kumar Jena (javelin throw), Parul Chaudhary (steeplechase), Subha Venkatesan (4x 400 m relay), Murali Sreeshankar (long jump), Jyothi Yarraji (hurdle), Priyanka Goswami (race walk) and Jeswin Aldrin (long jump) will be seen sporting PUMA’s gear across sporting events. To be sure, kitting under this partnership does not include Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.