As an official kit partner of AFI, PUMA provides world-class performance equipment to over 400 athletes

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI), a premier sports organization, has PUMA India as its official kit sponsor, ushering in a new age of peak performance for the nation’s athletes. In an unprecedented multi-year agreement, PUMA will now be the exclusive provider of top-notch performance kits, speed suits, and travel gear to each and every athlete competing for India in track and field, jumps, throws, cross-country running, and marathons in both national and international competitions under the auspices of AFI.

In sports, the gap between winning and losing may be very narrow, sometimes measured in tenths of a second. By offering cutting-edge clothing, footwear, and accessory goods, PUMA will provide over 400 athletes a competitive advantage and make sure every millisecond is used to its maximum potential. Additionally, this is the first time that Indian competitors would have access to the elite speed suits that PUMA distributes to athletes throughout the globe. With the help of improved mobility, aerodynamics, and speed, the PUMA speed suits enable athletes to concentrate fully on their performance and boost productivity.

PUMA, a multinational sports company, has investments in 17 federations, including the Portuguese Athletics Federation, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, Cuban Athletics Federation, Brazilian Athletics Confederation, and Athletics New Zealand, to mention a few. Through its relationship with AFI, PUMA will step up its efforts to promote sports culture in India and act as a driving force behind the success of the nation’s elite athletes as well as the athletes of the future.

More than 75 years ago, PUMA founder Rudolf Dassler had the ambition to create equipment for athletes that would offer them the speed, agility, and nimbleness of a puma. Arne Freundt, CEO of PUMA SE, commented on this historic acquisition. We are happy that the Athletics Federation of India may now benefit from this mentality. One of the most vibrant markets is India, and by working with the Athletics Federation of India to succeed, we want to motivate athletes of the future.

“At PUMA, we strongly believe in serving the athletes and helping them realise their full potential with our world-class performance products,” said Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India. We are delighted to collaborate with the Athletics Federation of India and support our athletes as they compete at the world’s top levels in a variety of sports. We will quicken this revolution in Indian athletics in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of India.

The Asian Field Institute (AFI), which was founded in 1946, is the highest authority in India for organizing and overseeing athletic events. It is connected to the World Athletics, Asian Athletics Association, and Indian Olympic Association. The collaboration that they have formed with PUMA is their first with a major global sports brand, and it is anticipated to have a significant impact on how well India’s athletics teams compete internationally across a range of events.

“Our partnership with PUMA marks an important turning point for Indian athletes.” With their top-notch equipment, we are improving players’ performances and fostering an excellence-driven culture throughout the nation’s sports community. The president of the Athletics Federation of India, Adille Sumariwalla, expressed confidence that the collaboration would help Indian athletics reach new heights in the world.

In light of this, PUMA’s gear will be seen being worn by a number of international icons, including Priyanka Goswami (race walk), Jeswin Aldrin (long jump), Murali Sreeshankar (long jump), Parul Chaudhary (steeplechase), Kishore Kumar Jena (javelin throw), and Neeraj Chopra (javelin throw). It is true that the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games are not included in the kitting covered by this cooperation.

Champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra commented on the collaboration, saying, “Having trained as an athlete for 12 years, I understand the value of top-notch equipment for elite practice.” Indian athletes at all levels will now have access to top-notch training equipment thanks to the Athletics Federation of India’s partnership with worldwide sports brand PUMA. This will help us perform at the highest level possible right now. This collaboration portends well for Indian sports in the future.

“PUMA and Athletics Federation of India teaming up to invest in athletes is a big milestone for the Indian sporting scene,” silver medallist Kishore Kumar Jena said. I can’t wait to see how this collaboration will improve our performance in competitions throughout the globe and enable us to realize our aspirations.

“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,” said Subha Venkatesan, a qualifying athlete for Paris 2024 and runner in the 4×400 m relay. I have no doubt that this collaboration will bring out the best in me and enable me to accomplish my objectives for this year.

Throughout the years, PUMA has established alliances with a wide range of sports teams, including IPL teams Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals, as well as major international and Indian football clubs like Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC. A stellar roster of athletes serves as the brand’s ambassadors, including cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami, football player Neymar Jr., sprinter Usain Bolt, boxer MC Mary Kom, and batting legend Virat Kohli.