Brands
A perfect fit New Balance laces up Janhvi Kapoor as India ambassador
MUMBAI: New Balance has found its stride in India. The global sportswear brand New Balance has officially welcomed Janhvi Kapoor as its first-ever Indian brand ambassador, marking a significant step in its expansion across one of the world’s fastest-growing style and sportswear markets.
Known for balancing mainstream appeal with a distinctly personal sense of style, Kapoor’s journey in cinema and fashion mirrors the brand’s long-standing emphasis on individuality and self-belief. Her growing influence among young consumers, combined with her advocacy for authenticity and confidence, positions her as a natural fit for New Balance’s philosophy of empowering people to own their path, on and off the field.
Speaking about the association, Kapoor said she has long admired the brand’s commitment to innovation and celebrating individuality, adding that fashion and fitness, for her, are rooted in staying true to oneself. She noted that New Balance allows her to express that confidence authentically, making the partnership feel instinctive rather than ornamental.
From the brand’s perspective, the collaboration is designed as a shared creative journey rather than a conventional endorsement. Radeshwer Davar, country manager, India at New Balance, said Kapoor brings not just reach but genuine inspiration, aligning with the brand’s ethos of evolution, passion and personal expression. He added that the partnership opens new possibilities at the intersection of sport, culture and style for Indian audiences.
India continues to be a key growth market for New Balance across the Middle East, Africa and India (MEAI) region. Stuart Henwood, senior director for MEAI at New Balance, highlighted Kapoor’s individuality and entrepreneurial spirit as qualities that resonate strongly with the brand’s vision for the country, positioning her as a catalyst for deeper consumer connection.
Together, New Balance and Janhvi Kapoor are set to shape a more confident, inclusive and creative conversation around sport and fashion, one that reflects the energy and ambition of modern India rather than simply following global templates.
Brands
Axis Bank named Official Banking Partner of DP World PGTI
Partnership supports all tournaments this season to grow professional golf in India.
MUMBAI: Axis Bank just teed up a hole-in-one partnership because when a bank sponsors golf’s biggest swing in India, even the fairways feel more financially secure. Axis Bank has been appointed Official Banking Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI), strengthening its commitment to sporting excellence and community engagement while backing the growth of professional golf across the country.
Under the partnership, Axis Bank will support all DP World PGTI tournaments this season, contributing to talent development, enhanced tournament experiences and wider fan engagement. The collaboration aligns the bank’s values of precision, discipline and trust with the Tour’s focus on performance and opportunity.
Axis Bank executive director Munish Sharda said, “We are pleased to partner with DP World PGTI as its Official Banking Partner. Golf embodies precision, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence qualities that strongly reflect who we are at Axis Bank. This association also strengthens our engagement with India’s growing premium customer segments, where the sport has a deep and enduring connect.”
Professional Golf Tour of India president Kapil Dev said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Axis Bank as a Tour Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. Partnerships of this stature play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of the Tour, enhancing opportunities for our players, and expanding the sport’s reach across the country.”
Professional Golf Tour of India CEO Amandeep Johl added, “Axis Bank’s strong legacy of excellence, innovation, and nationwide reach aligns perfectly with DP World PGTI’s goal to elevate professional golf in India and provide greater opportunities for our players.”
In a sport where every stroke counts and every partnership drives distance, Axis Bank isn’t just backing golfers, it’s investing in the fairway to future, turning India’s greens into a stage where precision meets passion and every drive has the power to inspire.
