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Tag: Karthik Balagopalan

  • Puma India & Bumble partner to launch a joint singles run

    Puma India & Bumble partner to launch a joint singles run

    Mumbai: Sports brand Puma India has partnered with Bumble, the women-first dating app, to launch a singles-only running event. This collaboration merges sport and dating, offering young adults a new way to meet in person ahead of Singles’ Day (11 November).

    Targeting ages 21–35, the three km run will take place in Bengaluru on 10 November, starting at Nexus Koramangala mall and ending with a social mixer for runners to connect.

    With sports becoming a key factor in social connections, a recent Bumble survey found 72 per cent of Indians are open to a sports-themed first date, and 44 per cent consider a lack of interest in sports a dealbreaker. Puma and Bumble are combining their strengths—Puma’s focus on running and Bumble’s commitment to fostering connections—to create a unique experience.

    Puma India MD Karthik Balagopalan said, “At Puma India, we are committed to looking for novel ways of engaging with our young consumers and bringing them together through the power of  sport. Finding a like-minded partner in Bumble, who shares our vision of creating unique properties for youngsters to meet and connect, is exciting. We strongly believe that the running community is a great opportunity for people to meet, jointly experience the thrill of this fantastic sport and make new memories. Together with Bumble, we have created a differentiated meeting experience that is all about movement, energy, and in turn foster a vibrant running community in the country. We can’t wait for everyone to see what we have planned together for the run and the year ahead.”

    Bumble India senior marketing manager Pracheta Mazumdar said, “With the growth of sports documentaries and international competitions, sports is playing a bigger role in how we connect so it’s not surprising that it’s also showing up in a big way in dating. Our research shows that for 1 in 3 single Indians, a shared love of sports has now become a ‘must have’ regardless of whether they actively participate in sports or just watch it. This reflects a changing approach amongst singles to fit their dating life into their personal lives, focusing on turning what they already enjoy into a date instead of treating dates as a separate activity. We’re excited to partner with Puma India to bring this to life with a singles run that allows our Bumble community to meet like-minded people in a relaxed and fun setting, reducing the pressures often associated with dating.“

    Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “We at Havas have always believed in fostering meaningful connections through our meaningful media ethos. This collaboration between Puma India and Bumble – two extremely popular youth-oriented global brands for the singles-only run is a testament to the human need for connection and companionship. The stage is set for singles to bond through this unique platform, which is a delightful mix of fitness and fun. This collaboration is just what is needed to bring in a spirit of freshness and community building in the lives of youngsters who will be participating in the run.”

    Puma India has been actively promoting running as a sport, supporting key events like the Vedanta Delhi Half-Marathon, Ladakh Marathon, quarterly Nitro 5k and 10k runs, and weekly training sessions in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, led by Puma India run coaches. This partnership with Bumble marks the start of more experiences designed to inspire connection through sport and running.

  • Puma India unveils ‘You need balls’ campaign

    Puma India unveils ‘You need balls’ campaign

    Mumbai: In a daring move to redefine perceptions, ahead of the women’s key cricketing season, sports brand Puma India launched a bold campaign with – Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh, amongst others – as true gamers. Giving a fresh spin to its iconic property, Cricket is everyone’s game, the sports brand executed a dynamic photoshoot with the ace cricketers, headlining — You need balls.

    The imagery captures the cricketers in bold poses and puts the spotlight on their record-breaking achievements. Apart from Harmanpreet and Richa, the photoshoot also features Sajana Sajeevan, Hemalatha Dayalan, and Asha Sobhana.

    Commenting on the campaign, Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian Cricket Team, & Puma ambassador, said, “There’s no denying that cricket has historically been a male-dominated sport, but we women are fiercely changing that perception. We’ve been on a mission to shift the narrative since Puma’s groundbreaking Cricket is everyone’s game campaign, and this fresh take hits home as it reminds everyone of what truly matters in cricket. Whether you’re batting, bowling, ‘keeping, or fielding, it’s all about balls. We’re here to change the conversation and show that true glory is earned ball-by-ball.”

    ●    It took 115 balls for ace captain Harmanpreet Kaur to stare down Australia and smash an unbeaten 171 runs, propelling an iconic win in 2017.

    ●    With only 29 balls, Richa Ghosh smashed her way to a record-breaking 64, becoming the highest-scoring wicketkeeper-batter, against UAE in 2024.

    ●    It took just 52 skillful balls for Asha Sobhana to make her mark, clinching a 4-wicket haul with a stunning 4/21 on her debut against South Africa in 2024.

    ●    Hemalatha Dayalan’s unbeaten 41 off 24 nail-biting balls led her team to victory over Bangladesh in 2024.

    ●    To clinch an unbeaten victory, Sajana Sajeevan needed only 1 ball for a match-winning six at Bengaluru, 2024.

    PUMA ambassador wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh added, “Every ball in cricket presents a new challenge, and that’s what makes the game so exciting. Success is defined by how you handle each ball you face, every time you step onto the field. Whether you’re behind the stumps or at the crease, You need balls to ace the game. I am extremely happy to be a part of such a historic campaign with Puma.”

    With this campaign, Puma India shifts the conversation from tokenism and outdated notions of ‘balls’ to celebrating the grit, determination, and achievements of our cricketers. The sports brand has long been a strong advocate of how cricket is not just a gentlemen’s game and has been making significant efforts to shatter gender biases and champion women’s sports.

    Commenting on the occasion, Puma India managing director Karthik Balagopalan said: “At Puma India, we have been strongly advocating that Cricket is everyone’s game. Our new campaign powerfully accelerates this belief, headlined by our incredible cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh. Sport is for all and we as a brand will continue to drive change and create inspiration for the future generation of athletes.”

    As a sports brand, Puma India has a dynamic roster of ambassadors that comprises globally renowned athletes, including para-shooter and double gold medallist Avani Lekhara, Paris 2024 bronze medallist Sarabjot Singh, national hockey team captain Salima Tete, boxing champ MC Mary Kom, cricket icons Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, promising Gen Z cricketers Riyan Parag and Nitish Kumar Reddy, 200m para world champion Simran Sharma, to the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals teams.

  • PUMA India partners with Indian Olympic Association

    PUMA India partners with Indian Olympic Association

    Mumbai: Sports brand PUMA India has announced its partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as their official footwear partner for the Indian contingent to the Paris Olympics and also launched a mega outdoor campaign to celebrate the champions of the game.

    Over 100 Indian athletes, as part of this partnership, will receive podium and travel footwear, trolleys, backpacks, sippers, yoga mats, headbands, wristbands, socks and towels, designed to maximise their training and comfort during the 2024 Summer Olympics. To add, 45 out of the 100 plus Indian athletes across sporting disciplines comprise the PUMA contingent at the Paris Olympics, making the largest squad representing a brand in the country this year.

    PUMA India MD Karthik Balagopalan shared his perspective on this collaboration and campaign launch, stating, “PUMA is dedicated to empowering athletes to surpass their limits and achieve their full potential. Through our partnership with the Indian Olympic Association, we will provide athletes with best in-class footwear and sports accessories, aiming to support their pursuit of excellence at the Paris Olympics. Additionally, we aim to bring to the fore and recognize the milestones achieved by athletes of our country through this campaign. I hope our efforts to celebrate our champions will not only inspire others to give their best but also encourage many young and aspiring athletes to take up Olympic sports in India.”

    This strategic partnership with the IOA, the governing body of Olympics in India, not only affirms PUMA’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant sports culture but also serves as a catalyst for nurturing the growth, progress, and achievements of both current and upcoming generations of athletes in the country.

    “Our partnership with PUMA is pivotal in our mission to elevate the capabilities of our athletes. Equipped with PUMA’s top-quality shoes and accessories, our athletes will be primed to compete at the highest level. The IOA is deeply committed to enhancing India’s medal prospects at the Paris Olympics, and such collaborations are a crucial step towards achieving that goal,” said Indian Olympic Association president and renowned former track-and-field athlete Dr PT Usha.

    Titled “See the Game Like We Do”, PUMA India’s campaign celebrates double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu’s powerful smash, Olympic bronze medalist and hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh’s ability to stop the fastest balls with ease with a series of larger-than-life outdoor spectacles across Mumbai, as it shows Asian Games medalist Kishore Jena’s throw, equivalent to the height of a skyscraper. The campaign by PUMA comes to capture the attention of the country to the superhuman feats of our Indian contingent and their extraordinary dedication, igniting national pride as the athletes head to Paris to achieve the country’s highest glory.

    1   PV Sindhu’s speed of a smash at 349 kmph is three times the speed of Mumbai’s iconic Central Line route. Her exemplary achievement is visualized across the coaches with imagery splashed across coaches of the local train on this route, starting today.

    2   Kishore Jena’s best throw at 87.54 meters, equivalent to the height of a skyscraper, is commemorated by his towering image on the façade of a similar sized structure in Prabhadevi, Mumbai.

    3   Hockey champ PR Sreejesh lightning-fast reflexes and the ability to stop the fastest balls with ease is about 0.15 seconds, which is quicker than a blink. This powerful parallel is illustrated on a digital billboard on the eastern express highway (EEH) serving the cities of Mumbai and Thane.

    By drawing parallels between these record-breaking achievements and common everyday experiences, PUMA aims to inspire the country to take note of the Indian Olympic athletes’ relentless pursuit towards excellence and trailblazing accomplishments.

    “PUMA is proud to be at the forefront when it comes to empowering Indian athletes and celebrating their achievements. This campaign honours the hard work and dedication of our champion players as we stand united in support of them while they take on the world stage. Together, let’s celebrate their journey to success,” said PUMA India associate director & head of marketing Shreya Sachdev.

    Javelin champ and PUMA ambassador Kishore Jena said, “Support from the fans always plays a critical role for athletes in big tournaments, and it’s heartening to see a global brand like PUMA come forward with this amazing campaign to unite the whole nation, encouraging Indian athletes as we chase Olympic glory. I’m confident that high-quality footwear and sports accessories will help us to produce our best show in Paris, leaving no stone unturned.”

    PUMA athletes such as Javelin champ Kishore Jena, professional sport shooter Sift Kaur Samra and equestrian Anush Agarwalla will be experiencing the same world-class gears that propelled legendary Olympics medalists in the past such as Usain Bolt, Merlene Ottey, Shericka Jackson, Heike Drechsler, and many others.

    Professional sport shooter and Paris qualified Sift Kaur Samra said, “I understand that sports demand both physical and mental strength, especially at events like the Olympics where focus is crucial. Having world-class products gives confidence and positively influences performances. PUMA has been trusted by champion athletes worldwide, and I’m thrilled that they’re supporting Indian athletes’ Paris 2024 dream.”

    PUMA has established associations with various sports teams, including renowned global and Indian football clubs such as Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC, alongside IPL teams such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals. Additionally, the brand showcases a roster of distinguished brand ambassadors including cricket icon Virat Kohli, sprinting champion Usain Bolt, football star Neymar Jr, boxing champ MC Mary Kom and cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami.

  • 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.

  • PUMA & Delhi Capitals come together for a multi-year deal

    PUMA & Delhi Capitals come together for a multi-year deal

    Mumbai: Sports brand PUMA India has joined forces with Delhi Capitals as the official kit partner, ahead of the year’s high-powered WPL and IPL season.

    PUMA’s partnership with Delhi Capitals furthers its footprint in the cricketing landscape. With this multi-year alliance, PUMA will also deepen engagement into the capital’s high voltage fandom and tap into the growing pool of sporting talent in the region.

    PUMA’s association with Royal Challengers Bangalore has proven to be a big success in the league.

    As kit partner, PUMA’s logo will be present on the leading arm of the jersey of both the men’s and women’s teams of Delhi Capitals. Inspired by the pulse of the country’s capital, the jersey incorporates the route map of the Delhi Metro Rail – the iconic representation of the city’s enterprising spirit. The players’ kit will also comprise training wear, accessories, travel gear and athleisure, capturing the same design aesthetic as the jersey.

    Commenting on this historic collaboration, PUMA India managing director Karthik Balagopalan,, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Delhi Capitals and begin our association with the young vibrant team. Delhi is emerging as a huge magnet to sporting talent with an inimitable fanbase that has a pulse on the city’s soul and local culture. As a brand, PUMA has continuously championed cricket across levels, and this alliance underscores our commitment towards building the future generation of cricket as well as strong sports merchandising assets. We believe in the power of cricket to unite people, ignite aspirations and are here to push cricket & cricket culture forward.”

    This partnership also reinforces the long-standing relationship between PUMA and Delhi Capital’s parent company JSW through the sports brand’s association with Bengaluru Football Club.

    Jemimah Rodrigues, cricketer and Delhi Capitals’ Vice Captain said, “We’re excited to have PUMA, a brand that’s shown tremendous commitment towards women’s sports, on board with the Delhi Capitals team. We’re thrilled for them to be a part of our journey as we look ahead to another smash hit season of the Women’s Premier League.”

    Commenting on the occasion, Sukhvinder Singh, interim CEO, Delhi Capitals said, “Delhi Capitals is beyond thrilled to partner with PUMA for both our women’s and men’s squads. Being a franchise that focusses on young cricketing talent has always been crucial for us, which makes our association with a youth brand like PUMA an organic one. We’re confident that this partnership which kicks off with the upcoming seasons of the Women’s Premier League & the Indian Premier League is going to be a cracking success.”

    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 the both the teams of Royal Challengers Bangalore. The brand also boasts a star-studded lineup of brand ambassadors featuring batting icon Virat Kohli, champion sprinter Usain Bolt, football stars Neymar Jr and Sunil Chhetri, celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom, and cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami.

    Additionally, PUMA has demonstrated its commitment to support emerging and versatile sports and activities by venturing into the thriving Esports industry in India through kit partnerships with organisations such as Revenant Esports and Orangutan Esports.

  • PUMA India signs Mohammed Shami for specialised pacer spikes

    PUMA India signs Mohammed Shami for specialised pacer spikes

    Mumbai: Sports brand PUMA has roped in Team India fast bowler Mohammed Shami as its Brand Ambassador. Shami joins PUMA’s illustrious roster, which consists of some of the greatest names from the world of sports, including batting icon Virat Kohli, champion sprinter Usain Bolt, football stars Neymar Jr and Sunil Chhetri, celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom, cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol, and para-shooter Avani Lekhara.

    Under this partnership, the Indian pacer will endorse PUMA’s footwear, apparel and accessories through multiple activities and campaigns throughout the year.

    Fast bowlers play a critical role in cricket. The long-distance sprint followed by leap, high-pressure landing and usage of back and shoulder to bowl, makes fast bowling intense. PUMA has created a new bowling spike with a mid-sole meant for runners, to support fast bowlers.

    “Bringing Mohammed Shami into the PUMA family reinforces our dedication to the sport of cricket. We are delighted to support and welcome Shami into the PUMA family which has been home to cricket icons Virat Kohli and Harmanpreet Kaur. Shami is an outstanding fast bowler with an impressive track record across cricketing formats. His relentless courage, unwavering spirit and the finesse he brings to the game perfectly resonates with our brand values. We strongly believe that Shami’s association with PUMA will not only inspire fans and athletes but also drive our commitment to further sports culture in the country,” commented PUMA India managing director Karthik Balagopalan.

    Commenting on the association with PUMA India, Mohammed Shami said, “Just as every fast bowler in the world, I love speed and when you talk about speed, nothing beats forever faster PUMA. While I strive for excellence on the cricket field, PUMA continues to create path-breaking products that aid athletes like me to be the fastest in their game. I am delighted to be part of the PUMA family and it’s an amazing feeling to join their star-studded roster.”

    Shami has been a key member of India’s pace bowling unit. He made his debut against the West Indies in 2013 at the Eden Gardens, picking up nine wickets in the match, the most by an Indian fast bowler on debut. The right-arm fast bowler has played 64 Tests and picked up 229 wickets at an average of 27.7.

    He bowled four maiden overs on his One Day International debut against Pakistan in January 2013. He has scalped 171 wickets in 94 matches.

    In 23 T20 matches, Shami picked up 24 wickets with 3 for 15 being his best figure. 

  • PUMA launches AI campaign with Virat Kohli

    PUMA launches AI campaign with Virat Kohli

    Mumbai: Sports brand PUMA India has launched a unique AI-led campaign called PUMA DIVE  this season. Virat Kohli, ace cricketer and PUMA ambassador, took to his social media today to announce the PUMA Dive campaign along with an image of him diving and asking fans to rate it.

    Virat’s fans in the past have often compared his iconic dives on pitch to PUMA’s leaping cat logo, creating content that has gone viral several times. This season, PUMA has taken the fans’ love for spotting the cat and created a platform to reward them for every image of a dive that they upload on X (formerly Twitter).

    Under the two-month-long campaign, participants will be invited to upload images of the best dives in everyday life – be it swimming, sky diving, artistes at concerts, to even self-participation at PUMA’s offline events at malls and stores this season with hashtag PUMADive. With #PUMADive, the brand promises that once you see the dive, you can’t unsee it!

    What makes PUMA DIVE unique is the integration of generative AI, which will assess the accuracy of each dive in relation to the PUMA’s iconic leaping cat logo, in under a minute. The closer a participant’s image of a dive matches the PUMA logo, the greater the reward they receive.

    Top entries in the season have the unique chance to play a real life cricket match against PUMA brand ambassador Virat Kohli or win his special boots. Every participant is guaranteed a reward.

    “Fans are the heart and soul of the sporting culture of our country. As a brand, PUMA wants to give these fans a fun way to engage to celebrate iconic moments. Our #PUMADive campaign is a reflection of PUMA’s unique approach at capturing a collective emotion and creating innovative ways for people to own and express it. This campaign is an immersive mix of fun and AI-led technology with once-in-a-lifetime rewards such as playing a game with our star ambassador Virat Kohli, building an all-round fan experience,” said PUMA India MD Karthik Balagopalan.

    Conceptualised by Leo Burnett India exclusively for PUMA, the campaign is expected to see enthusiasts from around the world taking part in this unique engagement.

    “When it is about owning the sporting season, we at Leo Burnett spotted a simple observation. Be it a diving catch at mid-wicket, or a goal-keeper saving a top-corner penalty; all dives in sport and in life resemble the PUMA logo. We leaned on AI technology to open the PUMA Dive campaign for fans, offering them dive scores for each dive they capture and share, gamifying the two-screen experience entirely. Our big plan is to make “PUMA Dive” a universal phrase because ‘once you see it, you can’t unsee it’, “ said Leo Burnett India national creative director Sachin Kamble.

  • PUMA Dives into the sporting season and launches AI campaign with Virat Kohli

    PUMA Dives into the sporting season and launches AI campaign with Virat Kohli

    Mumbai: Sports brand PUMA India has launched a unique AI-led campaign called PUMA DIVE  this season. Virat Kohli, ace cricketer and PUMA ambassador took to his social media today to announce the PUMA Dive campaign along with an image of him diving and asking fans to rate it.

    Virat’s fans in the past have often compared his iconic dives on the pitch to PUMA’s leaping cat logo, creating content that has gone viral several times. This season, PUMA has taken the fans’ love for spotting the cat and created a platform to reward them for every image of a dive that they upload on X (formerly Twitter).

    Under the two-month-long campaign, participants will be invited to upload images of the best dives in everyday life – be it swimming, sky diving, artists at concerts, to even self-participation at PUMA’s offline events at malls and stores this season with hashtag PUMADive. With #PUMADive, the brand promises that once you see the dive, you can’t unsee it!

    What makes PUMA DIVE unique is the integration of generative AI, which will assess the accuracy of each dive in relation to the PUMA’s iconic leaping cat logo, in under a minute. The closer a participant’s image of a dive matches the PUMA logo, the greater the reward they receive.

    Top entries in the season have the unique chance to play a real-life cricket match against PUMA brand ambassador Virat Kohli or win his special boots. Every participant is guaranteed a reward.

    “Fans are the heart and soul of the sporting culture of our country. As a brand, PUMA wants to give these fans a fun way to engage to celebrate iconic moments. Our #PUMADive campaign is a reflection of PUMA’s unique approach to capturing a collective emotion and creating innovative ways for people to own and express it. This campaign is an immersive mix of fun and AI-led technology with once-in-a-lifetime rewards such as playing a game with our star ambassador Virat Kohli, building an all-round fan experience,” said PUMA India managing director Karthik Balagopalan.

    Conceptualised by Leo Burnett India exclusively for PUMA, the campaign is expected to see enthusiasts from around the world taking part in this unique engagement.

    “When it is about owning the sporting season, we at Leo Burnett spotted a simple observation. Be it a diving catch at mid-wicket, or a goalkeeper saving a top-corner penalty; all dives in sport and in life resemble the PUMA logo. We leaned on AI technology to open the PUMA Dive campaign for fans, offering them dive scores for each dive they capture and share, gamifying the two-screen experience entirely. Our big plan is to make “PUMA Dive” a universal phrase because ‘once you see it, you can’t unsee it’, “ said  Leo Burnett India national creative director Sachin Kamble.