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Tag: Adidas

  • adidas celebrates Benzema’s historic win with a stunning short film ‘Hand of Gold’

    adidas celebrates Benzema’s historic win with a stunning short film ‘Hand of Gold’

    Mumbai: adidas is celebrating French footballer Karim Mostafa Benzema’s historic win with a stunning short film, Hand of Gold,which sees the player’s iconic hand bandage transform into gold.

    The film embodies the idea that everything KB9 touches on-pitch turns to gold. The film shows Benzema’s hand bandage turning from white to the colour of victory, communicating the inspiring story of a young boy from Bron in France, who shaped a career through determination to make it to the top.

    Since 2005, Karim Benzema has challenged for the highest honour in the game. With his golden touch, he’s overcome all rivals and become one of the most decorated players of this era. His historic Ballon d’Or win last night in Paris marks what has not just been a remarkable season, but a remarkable career.

    The achievement of this award is a culmination of all the games played before it. The player’s signature look, Benzema’s hand bandage, which epitomises the phrase “Impossible Is Nothing,” is a symbol of his success in overcoming obstacles in football.

    It symbolises the struggles he has faced and overcome on the field to get to where he is now—at the pinnacle of world football—after a series of hand injuries in 2019 forced him to wear it throughout every game.

    Since 2007, adidas has partnered with Benzema, celebrating on-pitch achievements at various milestones in his career, including this historical win. To further mark this milestone, the brand has created a hyper-limited not-for-sale golden-x speedportal boot for Benzema.

    Furthermore, adidas and Benezema’s club, Real Madrid, have collaborated for a special edition gold-named and numbered Real Madrid Kit, which will be available for a limited time from 18 October, on Real Madrid official stores, realmadrid.com and select adidas stores.

  • Adidas whips up football frenzy ahead of FIFA 2022 in India

    Adidas whips up football frenzy ahead of FIFA 2022 in India

    MUMBAI: As the countdown to the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup- scheduled to take place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December- begins, football frenzy seems to have already caught the world’s soccer fans by storm. Come November, diehard fans will be making their once-in-four-year pilgrimage to Qatar in the Arabian Peninsula to watch the ultimate footballing clash among nations for the coveted trophy.

    In India the buzz was created seven months before the start of the tournament with the launch of Al Rihla – the official match ball for the World Cup- a feat repeated 14 times. Launched by sports brand Adidas, the ball aims to provide the highest accuracy and reliability on the field due partly to its new panel shape and surface textures. Translated as “the journey” in Arabic, Al Rihla has been inspired by the architecture, iconic boats and the flag of Qatar.  

    Additionally, Indian fans can now root for their favourite teams, dressed in the team colours and soak in the atmosphere, sitting in the comfort of their homes while their favourite nation battles it out with their opponents. To whip up the emotional connection and interest in the Cup, the official supplier, Adidas, revealed the ‘Home and Away’ federation kits created for national teams participating.

    Thus, Indian fans can now identify with their favourite teams like Argentina, Germany, Mexico, Spain, and Japan, wearing their favourite kits. These kits not only integrate different cultures and represent gender equality but also the spirit of each nation, according to the brand. It comprises Mixtec art created by the indigenous people of Mexico to ‘Yatagarasu’, Japan’s mythological three-legged origami crow and vibrant purple hues in Argentina jersey.

    The eco-friendly kits, in tune with adidas’ commitment to conserving natural resources, are created using lightweight, heat-applied sportswear. Fans can join Adidas’s ongoing campaign to end plastic waste as well. According to the brand, the kits are made of 100 per cent recycled polyester and contain 50 per cent Parley Ocean Plastic—using plastics collected from remote islands, beaches, coastal communities, and shorelines, preventing it from polluting our oceans.

    FIFA and Adidas share a 50-year-old relationship, with the latter supplying the official match ball for all FIFA World Cup matches from 1970 onwards. Closer home, the brand has been the flag bearer of creating a buzz around one of the world’s most watched games with its initiatives. Even though India is not among the playing line-up and may be far from qualifying for future editions of the blue riband tournament, there is no lack of fan support for the playing countries.

    In India, traditionally, fan choices range from South American teams like Brazil and Argentina to European teams like Germany and Spain. There’s also the populace of Goa rooting for Portugal considering their history, as do fans from Pondicherry who throw their weight behind France.

    To provide fans with a once-in-a-lifetime ’watching experience, ‘ marketers and brands in India developed innovative schemes, as witnessed during the 2018 World Cup. Hotels and entertainment offer various services to the fans, while football-crazy states like West Bengal, Goa and Kerala paint streets and colonies in the colours of their preferred teams. The media also adds to the frenzy by giving ‘kick-by-kick’ updates on games happening on distant shores.

    This time the buzz is only expected to get bigger and better for Indian football fans. Post the array of offers from adidas, which includes dressing the fans with their favourite team colours; it is only a matter before other companies start providing exciting offers to the Indian fans. So, bring on the munchies, toot the vuvuzelas and groove to the FIFA tournament anthem wearing your favourite team kit while they step onto the field.

     

  • Adidas, Rohit Sharma partner to launch a sustainable apparel collection for the Indian market

    Adidas, Rohit Sharma partner to launch a sustainable apparel collection for the Indian market

    Mumbai: adidas and Rohit Sharma have signed a collaboration to launch their first-ever collaboration in sustainable apparel for the Indian market. This collection comes in continuation of adidas’ and Rohit’s long-standing partnership and commitment to end plastic waste. Rohit has been committed towards this cause in partnership with adidas, as was witnessed during the past two editions of the IPL, where he used the global stage to showcase specially crafted shoes, highlighting the cause and spreading awareness around marine plastic pollution.

    The stylish and sustainable collection will comprise an array of products ranging from training t-shirts, training pants, shorts, track suits, polo t-shirts, round neck t-shirts, sweatshirts, and lounge pants. The collection has been designed by leading experiential designer Aaquib Wani in collaboration with Rohit. The limited edition collection will be available in select stores and on adidas.co.in.

    Speaking at the launch, Indian Cricket Captain Rohit Sharma said, “Marine pollution is one of the biggest challenges mankind faces today. Oceans are key to our survival, and it is a world like no other and must be protected. My association with adidas over the years has been a major step towards spreading awareness for the cause, which is why I am proud to collaborate with them for this collection. Ending plastic waste is a priority for us both, and this collection is a result of unparalleled commitment and effort towards saving the oceans.”

    Sharing his thoughts at the launch, adidas India senior director Sunil Gupta said, “Sustainability has been one of the core values for adidas over the years. We have been on a mission to help end plastic waste, and all of our efforts ladder up to this goal. We believe that collaboration, creativity, and eco-innovation are the winning formulas to save our oceans and end the global plastic crisis. As our sustainability ambassador, Rohit has always been at the forefront of our quest to end plastic waste, which is why this collection marks a milestone for our partnership. It is through this partnership that we aim to spread awareness and inspire millions out there to join us in our effort to end plastic waste.”

  • Adidas becomes official footwear partner for the India CWG contingent

    Adidas becomes official footwear partner for the India CWG contingent

    Mumbai: Sportswear giant Adidas comes on board as the official performance footwear partner for the Indian contingent at the 22nd Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 in Birmingham, England scheduled from 28 July to 8 August 2022.

    Interestingly, Adidas unveiled Supernova (its latest performance footwear), along with a customised backpack and duffle bag for the athletes as part of the official CWG kitting during their send-off ceremony. The brand has always been at the forefront of supporting and empowering athletes with the best-in-class performance enhancing gear.

    This year’s CWG contingent includes some of Adidas’ leading athletes like Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Hima Das, Nikhat Zareen, Manpreet Singh, Jeremy Lalrinnunga and Manika Batra, who will be gunning for Gold in their respective sports.

    Speaking on this partnership with the IOA, Adidas senior director-brand Sunil Gupta said, “We are incredibly proud of this partnership with the Indian Olympic Association for the CWG. Our endeavour is to support our athletes with the best performance gear to enhance their sporting experience and setting them up for success.”

  • adidas, Rohit Sharma team up in quest to end plastic waste

    adidas, Rohit Sharma team up in quest to end plastic waste

    Mumbai: Sportswear brand adidas has been an advocate of ending plastic waste in the oceans for many years now. Echoing this thought, the Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was spotted wearing spikes with the ‘End Plastic Waste’ message in Mumbai Indians’ match on 24 April.

    Designed by Aaquib Wani with inputs from Rohit himself, the shoe emphasises on saving our oceans, through an interesting piece of shoe art that showcases a whale along with red sea corals and plants.

    The country’s ace cricketer will continue to don these shoes through the remainder of the IPL season to promote his goal of ‘Ending Plastic Waste.’ With this initiative, Rohit takes the field to bat for a cause- for every run he scores adidas India will pick up 10 plastic bottles from the beaches of Mumbai. The move promoted through exquisite ocean-artwork on the shoe, carries forward the message of ‘Together Impossible is Nothing.’

    Interestingly, Rohit had earlier walked onto the field like a man on a mission with his ‘Save the Rhinos’ message from last year’s IPL.

  • Hrishikesh Shende joins RP Sanjiv Goenka Group as COO – sports

    Hrishikesh Shende joins RP Sanjiv Goenka Group as COO – sports

    Mumbai: Hrishikesh Shende has joined Kolkata-based multinational conglomerate RP Sanjiv Goenka Group as its chief operating officer – sports, according to his LinkedIn update.

    In a career spanning 17 years, Shende is a sports industry professional with experience in brand marketing, consumer product marketing, sports market, sponsorship sales, and contract negotiations. Under RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, he will be managing the sports brands Lucknow Super Giants (IPL franchise), RP-SG Mavericks (table tennis), and ATK Mohun Bagan Football Club.

    His previous assignment was sports lead at RoundGlass, an Indian NGO based in Punjab. He was associated with adidas for eight years and was business director sports – emerging markets before he moved on from the sports giant in 2021. He also had a stint with IMG Reliance as general manager – football. Prior to that, he was working at Liverpool Football Club.

    Shende has completed his MBA in the football industry from the University of Liverpool and LLB from Government Law College, Mumbai.

  • Para-badminton player Palak Kohli joins adidas’ athlete roster

    Para-badminton player Palak Kohli joins adidas’ athlete roster

    Mumbai: Sportswear brand adidas has brought in para-badminton player Palak Kohli into its athlete roster which includes women athletes such as Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Hima Das, Nikhat Zareen and many others.

    With Palak on board, the brand will continue to celebrate and inspire women from the world of sports as part of its ‘Impossible in Nothing’ campaign.

    “Palak is an exemplary para-badminton player from Jalandhar who at just 19 is an inspiration for millions of people out there,” said a statement. Her accolades include- three gold medals at the 2019 National Para-Badminton Championships- Girls Singles (U-19), Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, gold medal at the Asian Youth Para Games 2021 (SL3- SU5 Doubles) & Bronze medal (SU5 Singles & SL3-SU5 Mixed doubles), among many more.

    “Our attitude ‘Impossible is Nothing’ continues to unite a strong, diverse and powerful community of women athletes who are changing the game. I am delighted to welcome Palak to the adidas family,” said adidas senior director Sunil Gupta. “She echoes our values, and her winning attitude is an inspiration to millions out there. We see her power, we celebrate the possibilities she sees, and we will be an ally to her to make her impossible, possible.”

    “I am excited to be a part of an iconic brand like adidas,” said Palak Kohli. “I have always been inspired by the brand & all the other athletes that are associated with it. I always set high goals for myself, I want to go out there and win medals and championships for my country. I am confident that my association with adidas will help me achieve my goals and inspire many others to see that ‘Impossible is Nothing.’”

  • Manika Batra joins adidas’ athlete roster with ‘Impossible Is Nothing’ campaign

    Manika Batra joins adidas’ athlete roster with ‘Impossible Is Nothing’ campaign

    Mumbai: Sportswear giant adidas has brought table tennis player Manika Batra on board as a part of its initiative to celebrate and boost women in the world of sports. The duo aims to drive credibility and inclusivity in sports, further fanning the aspirations of upcoming women sportspersons across the country, stated the brand.

    Manika joins adidas’ rich roster of women athletes, consisting of stellar names like Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Hima Das, Nikhat Zareen, to name a few.

    This partnership focuses on empowering women to realise their dreams as the brand continues to be an ally for women breaking barriers and creating a reverberating impact in the world of sports. The brand partners with Manika Batra, an Arjuna Awardee in 2018 and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna winner in 2020, and many more.

    On this new association with adidas, Manika Batra said, “Partnering with adidas is an opportunity every sportsperson looks forward to. I am very excited and grateful for this to have come my way especially at a time when the brand is celebrating women through their ‘Impossible Is Nothing’ campaign. I hope with my sport and my association with adidas, I can empower and encourage women to see possibilities irrespective of the challenges so that the nation can witness many more ‘golden girls’.

    Speaking about the collaboration, brand adidas India senior director Sunil Gupta said, “We are thrilled to have Manika Batra as the newest member of the adidas family. She is an inspiration to many young women who aspire to push limits and achieve seemingly unachievable goals. We will continue to drive the attitude, “Impossible Is Nothing” through our athletes while celebrating women in the world of sports”

  • adidas reaffirms its commitment to women in sport in latest campaign

    adidas reaffirms its commitment to women in sport in latest campaign

    Mumbai: Driven by the belief that sport has the power to change lives, sportswear company adidas announced support for those women athletes who are breaking down barriers and driving gender equity, on and off the field of play, with the announcement of ‘its biggest ever commitment to women.’

    This sports season will see the brand launch major new women-focused innovations, alongside enhanced support for established and emerging athletes, and new grassroots programs, the sportswear manufacturer said in a statement. It has accelerated its mission to create ‘real, lasting change for women in sport, powered by the attitude of – Impossible Is Nothing,’ the brand said.

    While this campaign will globally be launched with a film series featuring a diverse portfolio of eminent women from sport, fitness, and lifestyle, the Indian campaign will see the likes of Deepika Padukone, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain and a host of other inspiring women. Joining forces with them, the brand will continue to push for real, lasting change by making the sport more accessible and inclusive for all women in India, according to adidas.

    “Impossible Is Nothing isn’t just a campaign – it’s our brand attitude; the essence of who we are and what we stand for,” said brand adidas India senior director Sunil Gupta, speaking on the launch. “In 2022 we reaffirm our commitment to women. And as part of this commitment, this season’s Impossible Is Nothing campaign is led by the stories of women who have made their impossible possible, with the aim of inspiring others to do the same under the “I’m Possible” message. adidas will continue to be their ally, committed to serving them through innovation in our products and partnerships.”

    The commitment, launched alongside the latest chapter in the brand’s ‘Impossible Is Nothing’ campaign, sees key focus areas such as major investment in women-focused product innovation to recognise and meet the specific needs of women in sport. For instance, in December, the brand introduced Ultraboost 22, built to address differences between male and female instep height, heel anatomy and gait cycle trends.

    The brand said it will continue to support women by encouraging them to create new possibilities through powerful messaging from their women athlete partnerships which include – Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain and Hima Das, who will use the voice of their experiences to inspire women everywhere to build a future in sports.

     

  • adidas signs multi-year deal with Indian football team vice-captain Sandesh Jhingan

    adidas signs multi-year deal with Indian football team vice-captain Sandesh Jhingan

    Mumbai: Sportswear giant, adidas has signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Indian football team vice-captain Sandesh Jhingan.

    As part of the association, Jhingan will work closely with adidas in engaging and inspiring the youth to take the game to the next level. A recipient of AIFF’s ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ in 2014, he was named ‘Men’s Player of the Year’ in 2020-2021 and was also the recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Awards in 2020 for his outstanding achievement in football.

    Brand adidas, India, senior director Sunil Gupta said, “Sandesh is a role model for many young footballers and a perfect combination of passion and talent. With this partnership, we aim to inspire the youth and work towards a common goal of building football from the grassroots level in India. We are thrilled to have Sandesh join the adidas family”.

    An ardent fan of Manchester United, Sandesh will now join the brand’s elite pool of athletes which includes the likes of Lionel Messi, Mo Salah, Paul Pogba, Paulo Dybala, Rohit Sharma, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Manpreet Singh, Simranjit Kaur, Nikhat Zareen, and Jeremy Lalrinnunga. The brand has also partnered with some of the leading football clubs in the world including Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, which define the brand’s commitment to football.

    “My journey with football has been very enriching, and I aspire to make it a far bigger sport in India than it is today. I am thrilled to be a part of the adidas family, and I feel this association will take me closer to my dream of seeing India develop a greater passion for football and gain a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I feel adidas gets my passion and love for football like no other, given its long-standing relationship with the sport,” said Jhingan.