ITV

Category: Marketing

  • FlowerAura & Tinder Mixers partner for a Floral Fusion workshop

    FlowerAura & Tinder Mixers partner for a Floral Fusion workshop

    Mumbai: FlowerAura, the leading online gifting platform in India, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Tinder Mixers scheduled to be held on the 18 and 25 May 2024 in Delhi and Mumbai, with Bengaluru and Hyderabad soon to follow; the much-anticipated event promises to be an evening of creativity and fun as it offers attendees an opportunity to connect with new people while indulging in the artistry of arranging flowers and crafting cocktails.

    Tinder Mixers bring like-minded people together in an offline social setting to discover new experiences and always leave with a good story. One such discovery offered within the mixer is Floral Fusion created by FlowerAura. The workshop offers floral bouquet crafting as well as a flower-infused cocktail-making session. This workshop adds a new dimension to the clutter-breaking engagement that Tinder Mixers are known for; a relaxed, indoor environment where attendees can explore their creative sides all while associating with new.

    Sharing his thoughts on the partnership and upcoming event, FlowerAura co-founder Shrey Sehgal said, “We are thrilled to partner with Tinder, one of the leading dating platforms, for the upcoming event, Tinder Mixers. FlowerAura, as purveyors of floral elegance, understands the parallels between new blossoming connections and their expression through flowers, as every flower tells a unique story. Through our meticulously crafted floral arrangements, we seek to capture the essence of these connections, and with this collaboration, we aim to celebrate the myriad expressions of human emotions. Together with Tinder, we unveil an enchanting flower arrangement workshop, a celebration of newfound experiences, affection, and the power of human connection. Our immersive flower arrangement workshop will guide people towards meaningful conversations and connections that have the potential to last a lifetime.”

    The event is limited to 40 people and is exclusively curated to offer them the best time, this includes two complimentary cocktails to kick-start the evening, two complimentary appetizers to satisfy your taste buds, and all the necessary ingredients for the workshop, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.

    Tickets for Tinder Mixers are now live, so don’t miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable event.

    For Delhi Tickets: https://insider.in/tinder-mixers-delhi-may18-2024/event

    For Mumbai Tickets: https://insider.in/tinder-mixers-mumbai-may25-2024/event

  • Ipsos acquires Crownit

    Ipsos acquires Crownit

    Mumbai: Ipsos, one of the world’s leading market research companies, announces the acquisition of Crownit. This company provides a mobile and online panel and data collection platform, giving access to India’s largest community of consumers across 40 cities.

    Crownit’s mobile-first strategy empowers Ipsos to digitize a large part of its offline research capabilities, leveraging India’s increasing mobile penetration to reach a broader spectrum of socioeconomic groups. This approach enhances digital sample representativeness, resulting in faster, high-quality data collection and improved efficiency.

    Ipsos CEO Ben Page commented: “This acquisition marks a significant step in expanding Ipsos India’s data collection capabilities, by shifting from traditional offline methods to a more agile and efficient online approach, and by improving data quality and security. It supports our growth in India, enabling us to reach a wider audience and to gather more robust insights for our clients.”

    Crownit CEO Sameer Grover added: “Joining the Ipsos family is an important milestone for our company. We are excited to leverage our mobile-first platform and expertise to enhance Ipsos’ data collection capabilities and support their vision of the future of market research in India. We are excited to serve our clients with combined strengths of Ipsos and Crownit.”

    “Speaking on the acquisition of Crownit, a leading online market research and mobile-first platform, Ipsos India CEO Amit Adarkar said, “Crownit’s mobile-first capability and panel ecosystem will significantly up Ipsos’ ability to offer a high quality and representative online/ mobile access. Despite its size and maturity, Indian market research industry has not been able to drive online / mobile data collection so far. Ipsos’ acquisition of Crownit will be a game changing development for the industry. We will be able to offer our clients increased agility, as well as cutting edge innovations in data collection methodologies. This would indeed be transformational.”

    Crownit’s end-to-end ecosystem streamlines data collection processes, while advanced features will provide Ipsos with a competitive edge in the market research industry locally.

    Finally, this acquisition complements Ipsos’ existing online panel, iSay, by increasing online reach and representation in India. It will provide clients with access to a more diverse and representative pool of respondents, ultimately leading to richer and more actionable market intelligence.

  • Lead a meaningful and healthier life with playR

    Lead a meaningful and healthier life with playR

    Mumbai: Amidst our chaotic and sedentary lifestyle, we often tend to forget how significant it is to take care of our physical fitness. Moreover, at times even when we wish to invest we forget how important it is to choose the right brand for ourselves that enhances and elevates our lifestyle.

    playR, a leading lifestyle and sports brand offers a wide range of products across different categories. With their presence in over 350 retail stores globally, playR aims to encourage consumers to lead a healthier and a more meaningful and purposeful lifestyle. Their goal has always been to focus on “Player first” and their slogan “Let’s Play” promises to provide and create products that are “Real” assuring consumers of comfort and style. Their wide range of products includes apparel such as t-shirts, jerseys, jackets, shorts, tracksuits; equipment such as bats, balls, gloves, pads; mountain, city, hybrid and road bicycles; accessories such as bags, yoga mats, bottles, etc., as well as limited-edition items.

    Bicycles

    playR has manufactured and introduced cutting-edge bicycles that integrate modern technology and exquisite craftsmanship.  The price range of their bicycles start from Rs 11, 899 and goes upto Rs. 21, 599. There are six different categories of bikes provided by playR in varied sizes including Atom Alloy, BFF, BFF Fat, Crew, Score and Stallion bikes. playR bicycles assure utmost comfort to their riders and include features such as tire quick release, disc brakes and so on.

    Few of the most preferred bicycles of playR are Stallion 29 inch 21 Speed, Atom 27.5 inch Alloy Single Speed, #Bff 24 inch Fat Tyre 7 Speed, and so on. Speaking in terms of size, playR offers bicycles in various colours that align with the customers needs without compromising with their styles.

    Accessories

    Being the global merchandise partner for five IPL teams including CSK, MI, PBKS, KKR and RR, playR has come up with a wide range of merchandise and accessories starting from customized caps, bottles, mugs as well as gym bags for all the sports fans out there. Be it fancy RR Royals Ceramic Mugs, MI Fan Cap or convenient KKR Play Fight Win Shakers, playR has it all.

    Jerseys

    With the IPL season around, playR understands the importance of enhancing fan experience and has come up with stunning customized jerseys for all the IPL fans out there. Be it MI, KKR, RR, CSK or PBKS, playR presents jerseys for all the loyal fans of these teams and continues to engage its fans.

    Sports equipment

    From cricket bats to tennis balls, playR’s sports equipment lineup is carefully crafted with precision and advanced materials to deliver optimal performance be it on the field, court, or pitch.  

    Apparel

    In the apparel category, playR offers a diverse range of products including stylish, casual and comfortable t-shirts to performance-oriented shorts, ensuring that athletes and enthusiasts alike have access to high-quality garments which enhances their performance and style.

  • Svish launches hair removal spray with Shikhar Dhawan as brand ambassador

    Svish launches hair removal spray with Shikhar Dhawan as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Svish, a trailblazer in men’s grooming, is delighted to announce the latest breakthrough in male personal care: Svish hair removal spray, now proudly endorsed by cricket sensation Shikhar Dhawan. This collaboration signifies a remarkable fusion of sporting prowess and grooming innovation, revolutionising the way men approach hair removal.

    The endorsement of Shikhar Dhawan, a symbol of style and grooming in the world of cricket, underscores the superior quality and performance of Svish hair removal spray. His association with Svish exemplifies the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation in men’s grooming.

    Svish hair removal spray has already captured the attention of discerning consumers for its pioneering features and unparalleled performance. Notably, it is the world’s first hair removal spray certified by Safe Cosmetics Australia, ensuring utmost safety and efficacy in every application.

    Key features of Svish Hair removal spray:

    ●    Made safe certified: Svish Hair Removal Spray bears the prestigious certification from Safe Cosmetics Australia, guaranteeing its adherence to stringent safety standards, and assuring consumers of a trusted grooming experience.

    ●    Proprietary ingredients: Crafted with a blend of premium ingredients including Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Chamomile, and Shea Butter, Svish Hair Removal Spray offers a harmonious balance of effectiveness and skin care benefits.

    ●    Aloe vera: Renowned for its hydrating and soothing properties, Aloe Vera helps to calm the skin and minimise irritation during hair removal, ensuring a comfortable experience.

    ●    Witch hazel: With its natural astringent properties, Witch Hazel helps to tighten pores and reduce inflammation, promoting smoother skin post hair removal.

    ●    Chamomile: Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal ingredient for sensitive skin, soothing redness and discomfort caused by hair removal.

    ●    Shea butter: Known for its moisturising and nourishing qualities, Shea Butter hydrates the skin and enhances its elasticity, leaving it feeling soft and supple after hair removal.

    ●    360-degree nozzle: Svish Hair Removal Spray boasts a cutting-edge 360-degree nozzle design, allowing for effortless application from any angle, even in the most hard-to-reach areas, ensuring thorough coverage and convenience.

    Svish hair removal spray is readily available for purchase on leading online marketplaces including Amazon, Flipkart, as well as quick commerce platforms like Zepto and Blinkit, enabling consumers to experience the next level of grooming convenience.

  • Aristobrat launches new boxer collection

    Aristobrat launches new boxer collection

    Mumbai: Aristobrat, a leading apparel brand in men’s slow fashion, has launched a new collection of boxers that redefines conventional apparel and celebrates the intimacy shared between couples. This new boxer collection surpasses the ordinary, showcasing sleek design, comfort, and sensuality while also igniting irresistible sparks of desire in one’s partner. With a bold motto, ‘It’s for Him, but liked by Her,’ the brand is set to redefine the very essence of modern masculinity and intimate fashion.

    Boxers, according to a press release from the company,  have become monotonous, with an abundance of designs featuring checks or polka dots that lack widespread appeal. With the modern gentleman in mind, Aristobrat’s boxer collection is designed to raise the wearer’s confidence and emphasize his innate masculinity, making a bold statement of style and attraction.  Whether worn as a foundation for daily attire or showcased as a statement piece, Aristobrat’s boxers are more than just inner garments; they are expressions of individuality, radiating the essence of suave appeal and magnetic charm.

    Says Aristobrat director &  CEO Karan Singh: “Traditionally, men’s clothing has been overlooked. As we launch our latest boxer collection, we’re not just redefining men’s wear; we’re reimagining moments of intimacy. It’s not just about what he wears; it’s about the experience it creates for both. Aristobrat’s boxers offer versatility, designed to be worn indoors while also providing comfort for lounging. This timeless designs distinguishes them from others in the market. These boxers are suitable for sleeping, leisurely afternoons, or simply slipping into after a long day and ditching your trousers. Our aim at Aristobrat is to evoke admiration, spark connection, and redefine comfort, allowing love to speak in the quiet moments of lounging.”

    Aristobrat’s collection includes a range of impeccably designed items such as sport-luxury polos, formal shirts, occasion shirts, trousers, all-purpose pants, and their signature Tjamas- a true crossover between pants & pajamas, each crafted to serve as a cornerstone in every man’s wardrobe. The affordable luxury brand takes pride in the fact that it never has dead stocks, actively selling all the inventory it generates. This conscious business practice aligns with the its ethos of promoting mindful consumption, reducing waste, and contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.

  • Adani Wilmar tops Kirana Club report for stellar customer service and order fulfillment

    Adani Wilmar tops Kirana Club report for stellar customer service and order fulfillment

    Mumbai: Adani Wilmar emerges as a frontrunner in the newly released Kirana Club Insider report findings, showcasing the performance of FMCG brands in crucial servicing aspects of customer service. The brand has secured an A+ rating for its exemplary performance in efficient order fulfillment. Outshining renowned brands, Adani Wilmar’s commitment to prompt delivery resonates strongly with kirana retailers.

    With a focus on addressing retailers’ pain points, the report highlights the significance of timely product delivery. Adani Wilmar’s absence from the list of brands associated with out-of-stock issues as well as defective products emphasises its proactive approach to inventory management, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains and mitigating potential revenue losses.

    Kirana Club insider report findings surveyed over 9,000 retailers on the Kirana Club platform and was conducted from 15 April to 5 May, with a majority of respondents from the HSM (Hindi-speaking market) region.

    https://insider.kirana.club/p/retailers-verdict-on-servicing

  • Asian Paints Ultima Protek celebrates Kerala’s cultural heritage with ‘Reflections of Kerala’ light installation

    Asian Paints Ultima Protek celebrates Kerala’s cultural heritage with ‘Reflections of Kerala’ light installation

    Mumbai: Asian Paints, India’s leading paint and décor company known for its immersive celebrations of India’s cultural diversity, presents ‘Reflections of Kerala’—a beautiful light installation. Created in collaboration with XXL Collective from the St+art India family, this artistic piece honours Kerala’s vibrant culture. The installation is inspired by the special-edition ‘Inspired By Kerala’ packaging of Apex Ultima Protek, Asian Paints’ ultra-durable luxury exterior paint.  Standing tall at 12 feet, the magnificent installation has been set up at Lulu Mall, Kochi.

    Kerala holds a special place in the heart of Asian Paints. As a warm gesture to the people of the state, the brand launched a limited-edition packaging of Apex Ultima Protek in March. This luxury exterior paint has been widely accepted in Kerala homes because of its protective qualities and durability, especially in extreme weather conditions. Its special packaging beautifully pays tribute to Kerala, capturing its rich culture, traditions and art forms. ‘Reflections of Kerala’ installation continues this tribute. It reflects Asian Paints’ commitment to preserving the cultural and architectural beauty of Kerala homes against environmental challenges.

    The larger-than-life installation combines intricate cutout panels with spectacular lighting. Each cutout represents different cultural elements of Kerala’s heritage. Strategically placed lighting behind the cutout project its designs onto surrounding surfaces, casting captivating shadows, narrating the story and spirt of Kerala through the installation.

    The installation showcases classical art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, and Kalaripayattu to iconic symbols such as Kerala’s serene backwaters and vibrant wildlife. It showcases intricate woodwork and gabled roofs seen in temples, mosques, and native homes of Kerala. The play of light and shadow highlight themes of protection and cultural richness, echoing the purpose of Ultima Protek’s special edition pack.

    The ‘Reflections of Kerala’ installation will be on display at Lulu Mall from 14 May to 28 May. People of Kochi are invited to visit and experience this stunning tribute to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage; immerse themselves in its beauty and engage with its intricate design and the play of light and shadow.

  • AVOW joins forces with former GameBake team, forming KYLN

    AVOW joins forces with former GameBake team, forming KYLN

    Mumbai: AVOW, the award-winning, global app growth company specializing in mobile OEM advertising, announced today the setup of a new company with the previous GameBake founders, forming KYLN, a premium multi-channel distribution platform for game & app developers. This strategic collaboration between AVOW and KYLN (formerly GameBake) aims at redefining mobile marketing strategies and advocating for the inclusion of mobile OEMs to enhance marketing efficacy.

    This integration seamlessly complements AVOW’s existing offering of premium mobile OEM advertising inventory from industry giants such as Xiaomi, OPPO, Huawei, Samsung, Transsion, and Vivo.

    AVOW and KYLN are committed to unlocking new user bases beyond the traditional Apple App Store and Google Play Store, focusing on “Alternative App Stores” and other platforms to capture the attention of billions of potential users worldwide. Notably, Android OEMs and Alternative App Stores comprise over 80 per cent of global mobile phones, offering app developers substantial opportunities. This is particularly critical in mobile gaming, the largest app vertical, with global app install advertising spend projected to reach $94.9 billion by 2025, according to AppsFlyer.

    AVOW co-founder and CRO Ashwin Shekhar comments, “We’re excited to collaborate on KYLN and extend a warm welcome to an exceptionally dynamic team and their inventive solutions within AVOW. Together, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive solution unlike any other worldwide, seamlessly delivering both app distribution and user acquisition services. This distinctive blend positions us uniquely within the mobile industry landscape.”

    Key Features of the KYLN Platform:

    1   Integration free: Ensures a lightweight app experience by negating the need for SDK integrations.

    2   Private Source Code: Maintains the confidentiality of source code, differentiating KYLN from other platforms.

    3   Transparency and Choice: Affords partners complete control over their game deployment strategies and ensures visibility of their brand across multiple stores. All operational data is shared with partners through a comprehensive dashboard.

    KYLN CEO Michael Hudson said, “I truly believe that by combining the expertise of mobile OEM advertising specialists from AVOW with our technology, we can take KYLN to new heights – massively simplifying the access to alternative app stores for game & app developers across geographies.”

    The formation of KYLN is another milestone in AVOW’s mission to drive industry innovation, making mobile OEM advertising accessible for brands and apps while remaining performance-oriented. This follows the previous launch of AVOW’s proprietary technology, AVOW Intelligence – a tool developed to revolutionize mobile OEM advertising by offering a smart and holistic view of media inventory across premium mobile OEMs.

    AVOW collaborates with a diverse array of app developers and brands spanning various industries such as Tripledot, Exness, Amazon Prime Video, LOTTO24, AirAsia, Didi Group, Unico Studio, KUMU, OctaFX, JOOM, Kredivo, Navi, Zephyr Mobile.

  • Analysing the rise of video content consumption in India and its implications for marketers

    Analysing the rise of video content consumption in India and its implications for marketers

    In recent years, India has witnessed an exponential surge in video content consumption, fuelled by factors such as increasing internet penetration, affordability of smartphones, and the rise of digital platforms. This seismic shift in consumer behaviour has significant implications for marketers, who are increasingly turning to video as a powerful tool to engage with their target audience. In this article, we delve into the rise of video content consumption in India, its implications for marketers, and strategies for crafting effective video marketing campaigns that resonate with Indian audiences.

    Understanding the rise of video content consumption in India:

    India has emerged as one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for video content consumption globally. Video will account to 85 per cent of all internet traffic in India by end of 2024, showcasing the immense popularity of this medium among Indian consumers. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:

    1.  Increasing Internet penetration: India’s internet user base has been expanding rapidly, driven by initiatives such as Digital India and the proliferation of affordable mobile data plans. As more Indians gain access to the internet, there is a growing appetite for consuming video content across a wide range of genres and platforms.

    2.   Rise of digital platforms: The advent of digital streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, and others has revolutionized the way Indians consume content. These platforms offer a diverse array of video content, including movies, TV shows, web series, music videos, and user-generated content, catering to varied interests and preferences.

    3.   Mobile revolution: The widespread adoption of smartphones has made video content accessible to a vast segment of the population. With affordable smartphones and high-speed mobile internet becoming ubiquitous, Indians are increasingly turning to their mobile devices to consume video content on the go.

       Cultural preference for visual content: Indian audiences have a strong affinity for visual storytelling, making video an inherently appealing medium for communication and entertainment. From Bollywood movies to short viral videos, visuals play a central role in Indian popular culture, driving the demand for video content across demographics.

    Implications for marketers:

    The rise of video content consumption in India presents several implications for marketers seeking to connect with their target audience:

    1   Shift in advertising spend: Marketers are reallocating their advertising budgets from traditional media channels to digital platforms, with a significant portion allocated to video advertising. Video ads offer higher engagement rates and better ROI compared to traditional formats, making them an attractive option for brands looking to reach and influence consumers.

    2   Opportunity for brand storytelling: Video provides a powerful medium for brands to tell their story, evoke emotions, and connect with consumers on a deeper level. Marketers can leverage the storytelling capabilities of video to create compelling narratives that resonate with Indian audiences, building brand affinity and loyalty over time.

    3   Enhanced engagement and interactivity: Video content encourages higher levels of engagement and interactivity compared to other formats. Marketers can leverage features such as interactive ads, shoppable videos, and immersive experiences to captivate audiences and drive action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or sharing the content with others.

    4   Reach across demographics and regions: Video content has universal appeal and transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, making it an effective tool for reaching diverse audiences across India’s vast and heterogeneous landscape. Marketers can tailor their video content to resonate with specific demographics, regions, and cultural nuances, ensuring relevance and resonance with their target audience.

    Strategies for effective video marketing campaigns:

    Crafting a successful video marketing campaign requires careful planning, creative execution, and strategic distribution. Here are some strategies for marketers to consider:

    1   Know your audience: Start by understanding your target audience’s demographics, interests, preferences, and online behaviour. Use insights from market research, audience analytics, and social listening tools to inform your video content strategy and messaging.

    2   Tell compelling stories: Create video content that tells a story, evokes emotions, and resonates with your audience on a personal level. Whether it’s showcasing your brand’s values, highlighting customer testimonials, or narrating a captivating narrative, storytelling can help forge meaningful connections with viewers.

    3   Focus on quality and creativity: Invest in high-quality production values and creative execution to make your videos stand out in a crowded digital landscape. Whether it’s stunning visuals, captivating animations, or engaging narratives, strive to create content that captivates and delights your audience.

    4   Optimize for mobile viewing: Given the prevalence of mobile devices in India, it’s essential to optimize your video content for mobile viewing. Ensure that your videos are formatted for smaller screens, load quickly, and are easy to navigate on mobile devices to provide a seamless viewing experience.

    5   Leverage video SEO: Optimize your video content for search engines by using relevant keywords, tags, and descriptions. This will help improve the discoverability of your videos on platforms like YouTube and Google, driving organic traffic and engagement.

    6   Promote across channels: Distribute your video content across multiple digital channels, including social media, email, websites, and digital ad networks. Tailor your distribution strategy to the preferences and behaviours of your target audience, ensuring maximum reach and impact.

    7   Measure and iterate: Track the performance of your video marketing campaigns using key metrics such as views, engagement, click-through rates, and conversions. Use this data to evaluate the effectiveness of your campaigns and make data-driven optimisations to improve results over time.

    The rise of video content consumption in India represents a significant opportunity for marketers to engage with their target audience in meaningful and impactful ways. By understanding the drivers behind this trend, leveraging the storytelling capabilities of video, and adopting strategic best practices, marketers can create compelling video marketing campaigns that resonate with Indian consumers, driving brand awareness, engagement, and loyalty in an increasingly digital world.

    The article has been authored by Media Care Brand Solutions director Yasin Hamidani.

  • PUMA joins forces with Athletics Federation of India as an official kit partner

    PUMA joins forces with Athletics Federation of India as an official kit partner

    Mumbai: Sports brand PUMA India is the official kit sponsor of the 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 a 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.

    Commenting on this landmark deal, PUMA SE CEO Arne Freundt 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.”

    PUMA India managing director Karthik Balagopalan 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.”

    Established in 1946, the AFI is the apex body for running and managing athletics in India and is affiliated with the World Athletics, Asian Athletics Association, and Indian Olympic Association. This partnership with PUMA marks their inaugural alliance with a global sports powerhouse and it is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of India’s athletics teams in various disciplines at international competitions.

    “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 Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwalla.

    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.

    Commenting on the partnership, javelin throw champion Neeraj Chopra said, “As an athlete training for 12 years, I know the importance of high-quality gear for high-level practice. With the Athletics Federation of India teaming up with global sports brand PUMA, Indian athletes across all levels will now have access to training gear of international excellence, assisting us to express our best in our game now. This partnership signals the bright future of Indian sport.”

    Asian Games silver medalist Kishore Kumar Jena added, “PUMA and Athletics Federation of India teaming up to invest in athletes is a big milestone for the Indian sporting scene. I am extremely excited to see how this partnership will transform our game at tournaments worldwide and help us turn our dreams into reality.”

    Subha Venkatesan, 4×400 m relay runner and Paris 2024 qualified, commented, “I am extremely happy to see the collective commitment of Athletics Federation of India and PUMA towards nurturing the next generation of sporting talent and fostering a culture of success in the country. I am confident that this partnership will bring out the best in me and help me achieve my goals this year.”

    Over the years, PUMA has forged partnerships with diverse sporting teams, encompassing global and Indian football giants such as Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC, as well as IPL teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals. The brand also boasts a star-studded line-up of brand ambassadors featuring batting icon Virat Kohli, champion sprinter Usain Bolt, football star Neymar Jr, celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom, and cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami.