MUMBAI: In a move signifying its substantial investment in Indian sports, global sportswear Puma announced that it has signed 15 Indian athletes and three para-athletes, who will represent the country in national and international events at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
In addition to ace boxer Mary Kom and national sprinter, Dutee Chand, the brand has signed boxer Pooja Rani, track and field athlete Tejinder Singh, shooter Manu Bhaker, and swimmer Srihari Nataraj among others, as a part of its latest brand campaign ‘Only See Great’. The athletes ranging from multiple sporting disciplines like hockey, table tennis, discus throw, and badminton are set to participate in the much-awaited international multi-sport event that begins on 23 July.
Through the ‘Only See Great’ campaign, the sportswear giant sheds light on how these athletes have strived to achieve greatness during these extraordinary times. With this, the sportswear giant aims to push boundaries and celebrate diversity in sports in order to bring about a mindset transformation towards equality in sports. In its bid to support diverse talent, the brand has also tied up with para-athletes like shooter Avani Lekhara, table tennis champ Bhavina Patel, discus throw athlete Ekta Bhayan.
The brand’s roster of athletes includes hockey players Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Savita Punia, Sushila Chanu, Navneet Kaur, Navjot Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Gurjit Kaur, and Udita Duhan.
“We are thrilled and honored to sign some of the country’s finest athletes. As they continue to lead the way with their strength and athleticism, it's equally important to work with them to break down barriers on the field of play. As a brand, we strongly believe that being unique is a great strength and our unwavering commitment to inclusivity in sports is testament to this,” said PUMA India & Southeast Asia managing director Abhishek Ganguly.
“Our athletes have time and again proven their mettle. I am sure with their grit and determination they will continue to outperform themselves. I wish them good luck in their pursuit to achieve greatness and make our country proud,” he added.
With their eyes set on the challenge, each athlete will be showcasing their prowess as they set out to achieve their own moment of greatness in the sport. The ‘Only See Great’ campaign puts the spotlight on them as they strive for greatness, listening to their hearts, and finding a vision that no one else can see.
Commenting on the association, Mary Kom said, “I have been associated with PUMA for over two years now and I am proud of the fact that the brand has always been at the forefront of encouraging the spirit of sports. For any athlete, grit, passion, and hard work are the key ingredients to success. My boxing journey has not been that easy, but with years of practice, hard work, and determination, I achieved the improbable. I am glad to represent India in the international sports circuit after such a long time.”
Dutee Chand shared, “PUMA was my very first brand association and will always be very close to my heart. I’m thrilled and proud to see the brand encourage athletes across sporting fields and support them in their journey to achieve greatness. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I believe that my hard work has brought me closer to my goal. My single focused aim is to win more laurels for the country in national and international sporting events.”
Para-athlete Ekta Bhayan said, “Everybody has the right to dream, don’t let disability define you. I hope my sporting journey sets an example for others that nothing can stop them. I am so thrilled to be associated with PUMA at this juncture in my sporting career. It’s great to see the brand continuing to break stereotypes and champion inclusivity in sports.”
