Brands
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.
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
