MUMBAI: Usain Bolt swapped his sprinting spikes for football boots last night, tearing across a floodlit pitch at Mukesh Mills in a raucous 5v5 exhibition match that fused Indian football with glamour. The world’s fastest man, whose passion for the beautiful game rivals his decorated athletics career, brought his trademark swagger to Mumbai in an event curated by Puma India to celebrate the country’s footballing culture.
The Jamaican legend took turns playing for both sides, thrilling fans with bursts of pace that proved his love for football extends far beyond trackside banter. Players from Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC joined celebrities in an evening that blurred the lines between sport and spectacle.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, Puma brand ambassador, conducted the toss—won by Bengaluru FC—before remaining pitch-side to cheer both teams through the match.
“Football has been one of my first loves after track and field, and playing in Mumbai alongside athletes, celebrities and fans was electric,” said Bolt, a Puma brand ambassador. “The passion, the noise, the atmosphere—this is the kind of high that stays with you long after the final whistle.”
The match showcased some of India’s finest footballing talent. Sunil Chhetri delivered sharp passes whilst Gurpreet Singh Sandhu produced heroic saves. Mumbai City FC stars and Puma ambassadors Suresh Wangjam, Akash Mishra and Phurba Lachenpa displayed their skill alongside celebrity names including Dino Morea and Aparshakti Khurana, who brought star power to the pitch.
“Usain Bolt’s visit to India is about celebrating the joy of sport and creating experiences that fans will remember forever,” said Puma India managing director Karthik Balagopalan,. “With this unique football match, Puma brought together icons from sport and entertainment on one stage, with our partner clubs Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC making it even more special. As a sports-first brand, Puma India has always pushed boundaries to create unforgettable moments for fans, and this match was our way of celebrating football fandom in the country.”
The event underscored Puma India’s strategy of blending athletic performance with popular culture, creating memories as fast and unforgettable as the legend who headlined them.
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