PUMA partners with AFI to redefine Indian athletics

New Delhi, May 16: PUMA India has secured a groundbreaking deal as the official kit sponsor for the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), marking a pivotal moment for Indian sports. This historic multi-year partnership means that PUMA will exclusively provide top-notch performance kits, speed suits, and travel gear to all AFI-affiliated athletes, spanning various disciplines like track & field, jumps, throws, cross country running, and marathons, for both domestic and international competitions.

In the fiercely competitive realm of sports, every split-second counts, often making the distinction between triumph and defeat razor-thin. PUMA's cutting-edge offerings in apparel, footwear, and accessories will give over 400 athletes a significant competitive advantage, maximizing every millisecond to its utmost potential. Notably, Indian athletes will now have access to world-class speed suits, a first-ever opportunity facilitated by PUMA, known globally for its performance-enhancing designs that prioritize freedom of movement, aerodynamics, and speed.

With a global footprint encompassing 17 federations, including renowned bodies like the Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association and the Brazilian Athletics Confederation, PUMA's collaboration with AFI underscores its commitment to fostering sports culture in India. This partnership is poised to catalyze the development and success of both current and future generations of Indian athletes.

Arne Freundt, CEO of PUMA SE, expressed enthusiasm for the venture, citing PUMA's longstanding commitment to providing athletes with the agility and speed akin to a puma. Meanwhile, Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India, emphasized the brand's dedication to empowering athletes with world-class performance products, foreseeing a transformative journey for Indian athletics in collaboration with AFI.

Established in 1946, AFI serves as the apex body for athletics management in India, boasting affiliations with prominent organizations like World Athletics and the Indian Olympic Association. This landmark alliance with PUMA signifies a significant leap forward for Indian athletics, expected to elevate the country's performance on the global stage across various disciplines.

Adille Sumariwalla, President of Athletics Federation of India, hailed the partnership with PUMA as a game-changer for Indian athletes, heralding a new era of excellence within the nation's sporting community. With PUMA's high-quality gear, the aim is not only to enhance athletes' performance but also to instill a culture of excellence that propels Indian athletics to unprecedented heights internationally.