Tag: Puma

  • Usain Bolt trades track for turf in Puma-backed Mumbai football spectacular

    Usain Bolt trades track for turf in Puma-backed Mumbai football spectacular

    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.

  • Sportz Interactive scores Blair Richardson to lead UK and Europe drive

    Sportz Interactive scores Blair Richardson to lead UK and Europe drive

    MUMBAI : When it comes to winning fans, Sportz Interactive isn’t just playing the game, it’s rewriting the rulebook. The sports tech powerhouse has roped in Blair Richardson as director of business development to lead its charge across the UK and Europe, two of the world’s most competitive sporting markets. Based in London, Richardson will be the playmaker shaping SI’s next big innings in fan engagement and digital transformation.

    Richardson’s career spans over two decades of sports, entertainment, and tech innovation. He cut his teeth in business development before a six-year stint at Reuters as commercial director for sport & entertainment, where he drove global content partnerships with Rolex, Nike, Adidas, Puma, FIFA, Sky Sports, the Barclays Premier League, and Beats by Dre. From pioneering rights clearance strategies to expanding into North America and Asia, he built a reputation for fusing commercial acumen with creativity.

    His entrepreneurial streak saw him co-found Chatsuite, an AI chatbot platform that built fan engagement products for FC Barcelona, BBC, Eurosport, Xbox, WWF, and Getty Images. Later roles at Monterosa, Hex Digital, and Rehab Agency cemented his profile as a digital innovator, delivering campaigns for Nike, NBA, Google, ITV, Meta, Warner Bros, and Formula 1. Speaking on his move, Richardson said: “Sportz Interactive has already proven itself as a global leader in digital transformation for sports organisations, and I’m excited to bring my background in sports content, AI innovation, and fan engagement to this next chapter.”

    SI SVP for international leagues & federations Raghav Mehta added: “His unique blend of sports and entertainment expertise, combined with a proven track record of driving innovation through partnerships with some of the world’s biggest brands, makes him the perfect leader to guide our growth in Europe and the UK.”

    With a client roster already boasting the International Olympic Committee, NBA, UEFA, Disney, Google, and Formula 1, SI’s European expansion isn’t just about new turf, it’s about redefining how sport meets storytelling in a digital-first world.

  • Bumble & Puma encourage singles to discover love while running

    Bumble & Puma encourage singles to discover love while running

    MUMBAI : This Valentine’s weekend, Bumble and Puma are redefining dating with the singles run in Mumbai on 15 February. Swapping candlelit dinners for running shoes, the event offers singles a chance to meet, connect, and find chemistry through a shared love of fitness.

    The reason the duo is taking this tack is because fitness has increasingly started shaping dating trends. And a Bumble survey highlights how singles are embracing active connections:

    Fitness as the new flirty date: Nearly half (49 per cent) of singles actively seek fitness or wellness- based dates, preferring a jog, yoga session, or hike over conventional outings.

    Sports as the ultimate first date: A staggering 95 per cent of singles find sports-driven first dates appealing, with 72 per cent strongly favouring activities like a 3 km run, padel, or tennis.

    No sports, no love?: For 44 per cent of singles, a lack of interest in sports could be a dealbreaker in romance.

    Gen Z’s fitness-focused romance: More than half (52 per cent) of Gen Z singles prioritise fitness and wellness activities in their dating lives.

  • PUMA ropes in fitness icon Milind Soman as running ambassador

    PUMA ropes in fitness icon Milind Soman as running ambassador

    Mumbai: Sports brand PUMA has officially signed renowned fitness icon Milind Soman as its Running Ambassador, marking his first-ever partnership with a performance-wear brand.

    Having kickstarted his running journey at the age of 38, Milind Soman has always advocated injury-free and safe running practices across various terrains, alternating between barefoot running and shoes depending on the requirement. As part of his partnership with PUMA, Milind will run in the NITRO range – lightweight shoes renowned for their unparalleled cushioning, speed, traction, and stability, wherever the route requires wearing shoes. Among the range, the Deviate NITRO 2 stands out as Milind’s favourite, distinguished by its roomy toe box fit, which provides exceptional support and comfort for his larger feet.

    As a high-performance sporting brand, PUMA’s shoes are preferred and worn by numerous sporting icons, including cricket legends Virat Kohli, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Mohammed Shami; sprinting champion Usain Bolt; football stars Neymar Jr and Sunil Chhetri and celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom.

    Speaking about this exclusive coming together of legends of the game, Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director, PUMA India said, “Milind Soman has been the face of running in India and is an inspiration. While he is well-known as a barefoot runner, PUMA becoming his preferred choice of footwear is a testament to the superior NITRO technology in our shoes that provides comfort, performance, and energy return to thrive in the most demanding conditions. This partnership signifies PUMA’s commitment to supporting athletes in their pursuit of excellence, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. We are thrilled to have Milind Soman in the PUMA family and we are confident that this association will further push and strengthen the running revolution in the country.”

    PUMA announced its association with Milind through a campaign film for its range of NITRO shoes. The film addresses everyday runners and highlights the reality that running is not an easy sport – it pushes your mind and body. The campaign film emphasizes that while running will still be tough, with PUMA NITRO, the run feels better.

    Under this partnership, Milind will endorse PUMA’s NITRO range of footwear and apparel. He will also contribute to the growth of the running community alongside PUMA and represent the brand at top running events and campaigns throughout the year. Additionally, he will also serve as the face of PUMA’s bodywear for men.

    “Running is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing sports in India and I foresee our nation on the brink of becoming a global leader, such as China, Japan, and Singapore in the region, in producing top-tier runners and running communities, including amateur marathon enthusiasts. I meet runners and travel groups across the country all the time and understand the significance of running gear in making running more comfortable. Personally, I have always been impressed by the impeccable fit, comfort, performance, and design of PUMA shoes. As PUMA’s running ambassador, I will work closely with the brand and inspire people around the world to push beyond their perceived limitations and defy the odds,” said Milind Soman, who also likes the colourful variants that PUMA’s running shoes come in.

    Through his running and fitness endeavours over the years, Milind has inspired countless fitness enthusiasts to take up running. Currently, he covers an impressive average of 300 kilometres every month as an active runner.

    According to the one-of-a-kind sports-focused survey, by PUMA India and analytics firm Nielsen Sports, running was the most actively participated sport & fitness-related activity by adults in India in the year 2023.

  • PUMA enlists Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vineeta Singh, and Mary Kom as Women Leaders for WPL Season

    PUMA enlists Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vineeta Singh, and Mary Kom as Women Leaders for WPL Season

    Mumbai: Continuing its mission to develop the sports ecosystem in India, especially women’s sports, global sports brand PUMA has brought together a unique and dynamic lineup of female icons – celebrated actor & entrepreneur  Kareena Kapoor Khan, India’s accomplished businesswoman and cofounder of SUGAR Cosmetics Vineeta Singh, boxing great MC Mary Kom, fashion designer Masaba Gupta and renowned news anchor Faye D’Souza, to join hands and champion the cause of women’s cricket in the country.

    Under this one-of-a-kind association, the selected women leaders as voices of change will be jointly attending a Women’s Premier League (WPL) match in New Delhi on March 10 for a unique Ladies’ Night to support and celebrate our women athletes.

    One of the world’s biggest sports brands, PUMA took to social media on Thursday to announce this association and launch the mammoth campaign with a digital film featuring the five women. Narrated by the iconic leaders, the film conceptualised by PUMA revealed that women’s cricket receives only 1/8th the viewership of men’s cricket (as per official digital viewership data of 2023), reflecting the staggering gender bias in the sports ecosystem. Despite huge potential, women’s cricket in India is yet to achieve the desired numbers when it comes to viewership, as only 18 per cent of the women who watch men’s cricket, watch women’s games.

    In the digital film, the stars pledged to not only come together to watch the WPL match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the stadium but also welcome women from all walks of life to join them and enjoy watching the game as a collective over this unique Ladies‘ Night.

    Commenting on the occasion, PUMA India managing director Karthik Balagopalan said, “As the country’s leading sports brand, PUMA has been a long-standing driver of change in shattering gender biases and championing women’s sports. Traditionally, women in the country have not been encouraged to watch and embrace sports as men have. Now that is the need of the hour. We are at the turning point to create an equitable sporting landscape and women need to watch women’s sport in order to drive change.”

    Karthik added, “As we launch this campaign today, it is heartwarming to have India’s leading women such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vineeta Singh, MC Mary Kom, Masaba Gupta and Faye D’Souza, use the power of their voice and platforms to address this cause. Cricket is Everyone’s Game and as a brand, we have been advocating it from the time we onboarded Harmanpreet Kaur with an award-winning social experiment. We are confident now that this remarkable collaboration will further the narrative, level the playing field, increase fandom and create inspiration for the future generation of women athletes.”

    PUMA ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan has been contributing immensely to the world of cinema and is now leveraging her influential voice to make a change in the sports industry.

    Commenting on the occasion, Kareena Kapoor Khan said,“ India has seen some significant performances by our female athletes recently but there is so much more scope for it to be brought out with more glory. While cricket is a religion in our country – the spotlight, the viewership, the fanfare – is markedly lesser in women’s cricket when compared to men’s cricket. Personally, cricket as a sport has always been close to my heart, it runs in our family and now we own a team as well so it’s even more special.”

    Kareena added, “I’m glad that a brand like PUMA has identified this need and come forward with this stand-out campaign to increase the participation of female viewers in women’s cricket. Let’s come together and join PUMA to bring the much-needed change.”

    While WPL fever is beginning to grip the country, PUMA’s attempt to create awareness around the number of female viewers of the game and ignite fandom conversation and mindset change by bringing together women from across industries in a nation-wide movement is a historic move.

    “I am honoured to stand alongside formidable women in supporting PUMA’s groundbreaking #CricketIsEveryonesGame campaign at the Women’s Premier League. Being an entrepreneur, I have faced barriers and I understand the power of breaking them. It’s disheartening to witness the vast viewership gap between men’s and women’s cricket, and we are committed to changing that narrative which goes beyond the boundaries of the sports arena; it’s about empowering women, fostering entrepreneurship, and boosting the sports economy,” commented SUGAR Cosmetics cofounder Vineeta Singh.

    Masaba Gupta, fashion designer, added, “Female athletes serve as powerful role models for girls and young women. Supporting women’s sports fosters a sense of community and inclusion by bringing people together to celebrate athletic achievements, regardless of gender. Through this campaign with PUMA, we aim to revolutionise women’s cricket and I hope to see many women to be a part of this historic movement.“

    The official kit partner of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, PUMA actively promotes sporting culture in India and boasts a star-studded lineup of brand ambassadors featuring batting icon Virat Kohli, football star Sunil Chhetri, celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom, and cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami.

  • Statement by Puma India

    Statement by Puma India

    Mumbai:  Commenting on the floating news around PUMA ambassador and ace cricketer Virat Kohli, Karthik Balagopalan, managing director of PUMA India said, “PUMA’s relationship with Virat Kohli is long-standing and continues.” 

  • Famous Studios’ unrivaled talent pool redefines excellence in filmmaking from concept to delivery: Famous Studio’s Anant Roongta

    Famous Studios’ unrivaled talent pool redefines excellence in filmmaking from concept to delivery: Famous Studio’s Anant Roongta

    Mumbai: Famous Studio is one of the oldest film studios, and it was established in 1946 is an unwavering legacy of world-class tech, talent, and infrastructure, continuing to thrive and flourish in the Media and Entertainment industry. It is famous for creating ground-breaking content with award-winning talent, cutting-edge technology & infrastructure that unlock, inspire, and nurture the imagination of storytellers. Famous has always thought ahead of time. Famous wants to give a new dimension to storytelling. All the campaigns are targeted to make a new revolution in the industry. Famous portfolio of diverse creative solutions. A range of shooting floors with a dedicated green screen stage, and ready-to-shoot sets with makeup rooms, ideal for content production and live events.

    High-Speed Visual Engineering Lab with Phantom Flex 4K GS and precision-controlled Robotic Arm, Virtual Production facilities integrated with Unreal Engine, and In-house production services with a global network of directors. End-to-end Creative Audio and Video Postproduction services, Offline Editing Suites, Online/Finishing Suites, Dolby Vision Certified DI and colour Grading Facilities on Base light and Da Vinci Resolve, and 4 X Sound Mix and Recording Studios including a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 HE room. Established in 1998, Famous House of Artists (FHOA) has been a leading VFX, CGI, & 3D Animation service provider with a talented team of artists delivering high-end VFX/CGI projects across the globe and an end-to-end capacity to deliver content from conceptualisation to final delivery.

    Under the leadership of Anant Roongta who is a 3rd generation entrepreneur and the managing director of India’s most iconic film studio; Famous Studios, ushered big, bold changes at Famous such as setting up Famous Working Co., India’s first co-working space in film studio and partnering with Netflix as their preferred postproduction partner. In a bid to provide a technologically advanced canvas for storytellers, Anant and his team launched a state-of-the-art postproduction studio in Andheri, Mumbai & Hyderabad specializing in long format and OTT content. He also paved the way for introducing new technologies such as visual engineering, Motion Capture, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos-certified post-production facilities, virtual production and VFX. With a vision to make Famous a global leader and enabler of audio-visual craft and creative solutions, Anant is investing massively in talent, technology, and infrastructure. Famous has worked on landmark campaigns, legendary ad campaigns and iconic ads. Famous is giving a new dimension to lots of international brands and campaign ads launching in India. And Anant Roongta is the man behind this splendid success. The studio has splendid spaces where one can proudly showcase the work. State-of-the-art 60-seater

    The studio has splendid spaces where one can proudly showcase the work. State-of-the-art 60-seater Preview Theater with Barco 2K 8S Projector and Dolby Atmos Surround 7.1 is every content creator’s dream. Whether it’s a special screening or a private preview, famous theatre has everything one needs.

    Indiantelevision.com in a chat with Roongta, spoke on the innovations at Famous Studio, partnering with Netflix, setting up the state-of-the-art post-production facility and much more……

    On being one of the best studios in Mumbai, it was probably the only one with air-conditioned floors, practically 90% of Ad commercials have been shot here, what were the reasons to diversify into post-production

    Famous Studios was one of the leading studios in Mumbai, renowned for its extensive work in advertising commercials. Recognizing the importance of diversifying services, the studio made a strategic decision to expand its offerings by venturing into post-production in 1985. This groundbreaking move, fueled by the burgeoning industry and the growing demand for compelling advertising content, transformed Famous Studios into a comprehensive end-to-end service provider, encompassing shooting floors, animation, sound recording, editing, colour grading, and visual effects. The establishment of a post-production facility not only attracted a wider clientele but also positioned Famous Studios at the forefront of the digital era.

    On the commercial for Puma Nitro

    The Puma Nitro case study is an intriguing example of how technological advancements and collaboration can lead to stunning visual storytelling. The initial brief, focusing on the shoe’s versatility and all-weather capabilities, sparked the creativity of our team of concept artists. By leveraging cutting-edge software like Unreal Engine and Blender, we were able to create captivating visuals that effectively conveyed the shoe’s key features.

    Puma’s open and collaborative approach further enhanced the process, resulting in a commercial that is both visually stunning and impactful. The commercial’s focus on the shoe’s logo, laces, and innovative soft foam technology, coupled with the diverse environments in which it is used, highlights the shoe’s versatility and appeal to a wide range of consumers. While creativity can be a complex process, the training and expertise of our concept artists allowed us to seamlessly translate the brief into visually compelling content. As you can see in the commercial, the visuals are both dramatic and effective, perfectly capturing the essence of Puma Nitro.

    On the post-production innovations for the ad what was the specific TG the brand wanted to target

    The innovation behind this commercial was as simple as Anant describes: Famous Studios received a technical brief to showcase a shoe in a TV commercial without any actors. To address this challenge, Famous Studios employed photogrammetry technology, setting up multiple cameras to capture images of the shoe from various angles. The resulting 3D image, known as a 3D mesh, was then imported into animation software, where colours, design elements, and motion were added to create the final film.

    This commercial was entirely produced using CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), and without the advancements in technologies like Blender, Unreal Engine, and photogrammetry, it would not have been possible. However, even with sophisticated tools, the true magic lies in the talent and expertise of the team behind them. Famous Studios possesses this talent pool, enabling us to excel in the creative, production, and delivery aspects of filmmaking.

    On the launch of this facility, how has the journey been

    Famous Studio’s extraordinary journey began long before 1945, and throughout this remarkable journey, the company has weathered numerous industry storms, emerging stronger each time. This resilience is a testament to the forward-thinking mindset of the management, which has consistently embraced change and attracted and nurtured top talent.

    This commitment to innovation and talent development has enabled Famous Studios to maintain its relevance, expanding its operations with three facilities in Mumbai and recently opening a new one in Hyderabad. The company’s leadership refuses to rest on its laurels, constantly looking ahead to the next 3-5 years to ensure its continued success. The journey has been a roller coaster of emotions, with its share of ups and downs, but it is these experiences that have shaped Famous Studios into the institution it is today.

    On your insights on how the post-production landscape in India has changed/evolved over the years

    The post-production landscape has undoubtedly undergone a dramatic transformation, driven by technological advancements. In the past, we relied on cumbersome telecine machines and negative film, followed by digitization and grading before editing. Today, digital cameras have revolutionized the process, allowing for immediate shot selection and editing. Moreover, powerful computers, sophisticated software, and cloud infrastructure have significantly reduced post-production timeframes. Additionally, remote collaboration tools like Frame.io enable clients to access and review work in real-time, regardless of their location. While the post-production workflow has evolved remarkably, the demand for post-production services is only poised to increase. The ever-growing demand for content across all media and entertainment sectors necessitates the expertise and technology offered by post-production facilities.

    On your vision and mission for the next three years

    Famous Studios boasts a comprehensive mission and vision that reflects our unique position as a studio that caters to nearly every segment of the media and entertainment industry. Our mission is to ignite the creativity of storytellers through a harmonious blend of technology, craftsmanship, innovation, and infrastructure. Our vision is to deliver a seamless and transformative experience through creativity and innovation. Both our mission and vision are anchored by four fundamental pillars: innovation, craftsmanship, infrastructure, and technology. These pillars will guide our growth as we explore new avenues in the media and entertainment sector.

  • Shami explains pitch approach-avoidance in candid chat with PUMA

    Shami explains pitch approach-avoidance in candid chat with PUMA

    Mumbai: Team India’s dream run came to an end with a billion heartbreaks as Australia clinched their sixth title by securing a six-wicket victory in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The tournament’s leading wicket-taker, pacer Mohammed Shami, set the tone with a fiery start, claiming David Warner on his very first ball. But despite this promising beginning, India couldn’t seize the moment.

    Emerging as the most impressive sportsperson in the tournament with 24 wickets from eight games, including three impressive fifers, Shami’s journey since 2015 has been nothing short of a movie script. Shami, who’s also the PUMA brand ambassador, spoke his heart out in an extensive interview during his visit to the sports brand’s headquarter in Bengaluru.

    “Nobody knew the pain I was dealing with [during the 2015 edition],” Shami confessed during a candid chat with PUMA as he revealed his success mantra of not taking a close look at the wicket before the start of the match, just to keep himself relaxed.

    In the exclusive interview, Shami also opened up about various facets of his difficult yet impressive cricketing journey, right from scoring a century as an opener in his first leather ball match, earning money through cricket for the first time at around 16 years of age, overcoming personal challenges bravely, creating an old-school training set-up at farmhouse, to maiden India call-up and many more as the compelling interview was uploaded by PUMA on its YouTube channel

    “I had swelling in my knee before the 2015 tournament. Someone else could have said no but I have the ability to bear pain and I was told two options—either directly go for surgery or play the tournament and then go for the surgery. While the team would return to the hotel after every match, I would go to the hospital to take the injection. When you play for the country, you forget everything,“ Shami shared in the interview.

    Shami underwent a knee operation. “I was unconscious for two hours. When I woke up, I asked the doctor when I could start playing. He replied, ‘It will be a big achievement if you walk without a limp, forget playing. It all depends on how you go about your rehab,” Shami said.

    Shami has not looked back since. His comeback journey has been visibly inspirational. He not only surpassed the likes of bowling greats to become the highest wicket-taker for the country in the world’s biggest cricket tournament with 55 wickets from 18 matches, but also created history earlier in the semi-finals when he registered India’s best ODI bowling figures of 7-57.

    The 33-year-old shared his secret that helps him perform better. “Generally, bowlers check the pitch after arriving at the ground. I never go close to the wicket because you will know how it behaves only when you bowl on it. Then why take the pressure? It’s best to keep it simple, keep yourself relaxed and only then you will perform better,” said Shami, as he also revealed that he doesn’t follow any pre-match ritual.

    “Better hai aap subah utho, mast fresh hojao, chaay peeyo, gaane suno [it’s better you wake up, get fresh, have tea and listen to songs] ” he added.

    Talking about PUMA’s revolutionary Let There Be Sport initiative and the importance of sports culture in the country, Shami commented, “If the child has the talent, he should be supported. It’s not necessary that every child will study and become an engineer or sit in top position. If your child is talented, he can reach greater heights in sports as well.”

    Although Shami was in stellar form in the tournament, he had to sit out for the initial few matches. In the interview, he shared that it bothered him but the team’s performance made him happy. “When you sit out for four matches, you need to be mentally strong. Sometimes you are under pressure but when you see the team performing well and going in a good direction, it gives you satisfaction.”

    He added that he doesn’t look at record books and only tries to take as many wickets as possible.

    Fans can watch the full interview on PUMA’s YouTube channel and know many more interesting revelations made by the Indian speedster.

  • PUMA and LALIGA unveil new official ball for the upcoming  matches of the 2023/24 season

    PUMA and LALIGA unveil new official ball for the upcoming matches of the 2023/24 season

    Mumbai: Global sports brand PUMA and LALIGA present the Orbita Yellow Ball, a high-visibility ball designed specifically for LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION matches played from 20 November 2023 to 27 April 2024.

    PUMA has designed a powerful campaign to launch the ball, starring PUMA athletes Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak, Nabil Fekir and Memphis Depay. The Orbita Yellow Ball is a striking competition ball that brings people together through the unique bond created through football that inspires players all over the world.

    The new official match ball has been designed to deliver exceptional performance on the pitch, even in low-visibility conditions. Every detail, from the surface texture to its advanced aerodynamics, has been meticulously engineered to ensure superior control, precision, and an unparalleled playing experience.  

    The Orbita Yellow Ball provides enhanced visibility with a vibrant color combo of dandelion yellow as the primary base and complimented by striking high-contrast colors for more dynamic and exciting play. Incorporating elements that capture the attention of players and fans alike, the ball’s design reflects the spirit of football.

    The ball features a seamless, 12-panel sealed structure for more stable flight, true trajectories,  and more accurate shots. Its 1.2 mm 3D textured PU surface delivers optimal grip, even in wet weather conditions, and has been designed to resist wear and tear for exceptional performance.

    The Orbita Yellow Ball promises to elevate the game and the excitement on the field by offering LALIGA teams and players superior quality.

    The official ball of LALIGA EA SPORTS 2023/24 and LALIGA HYPERMOTION 2023/24 is available from 20 November, at puma.com and select retailers worldwide.

  • 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.