Sports
SMK becomes first Indian helmet brand in Road to MotoGP championship
Partnership with Moto4 Latin Cup puts the brand on the international racing grid for the first time
NEW DELHI: An Indian helmet maker is stepping onto the global racing grid.
SMK Helmets has partnered the Moto4 Latin Cup as the official technical helmet sponsor, marking the company’s entry into international motorsport. The deal places the brand inside the prestigious Road to MotoGP ecosystem, a global ladder designed to groom young riders for professional circuit racing.
The move makes SMK the first global Indian helmet brand to enter a Road to MotoGP championship, a significant milestone for a company that has built its reputation on helmet engineering and manufacturing.
Riders in the championship will compete wearing SMK’s Titan Carbon Racing helmet, a race-spec model designed specifically for high-speed circuit competition.
The Moto4 Latin Cup forms part of the wider Road to MotoGP programme, which serves as a stepping stone for emerging riders aiming to climb the professional racing ranks. The 2026 season will feature 12 rounds across circuits in Brazil and Argentina, with young riders from across the Americas competing on identical Honda NSF250R race machines.
The championship begins from March 20 to 22 in Goiânia, Brazil, coinciding with the return of the MotoGP Brazilian Grand Prix. The series provides a professional platform for young racers to gain experience on international circuits and pursue what organisers call the “road to the dream”.
Backed by more than five decades of helmet manufacturing expertise, SMK is now extending its focus on safety and performance to the demands of the racing grid, where speed and precision leave little room for compromise.
Under the partnership, competing riders will be equipped with the Titan Carbon Racing helmet, built around a lightweight carbon-fibre shell and a race-oriented interior configuration. The helmet is ECE 22.06 certified and engineered to deliver protection, aerodynamic stability and comfort at racing speeds.
The design reflects modern racing priorities, combining lightweight construction, aerodynamic efficiency and rider-focused ergonomics.
The collaboration is also part of SMK’s longer-term strategy to expand its presence in international motorsport while advancing helmet technology through real-world racing insights.
Racing environments generate valuable data on aerodynamics, ventilation, stability and rider comfort at extreme speeds. Feedback from riders competing in the championship will feed directly into SMK’s ongoing helmet development programme.
“Motorsport represents the highest expression of performance, precision and human ambition,” said Shilpa Arora, head of global sales at SMK Helmets.
“For SMK, supporting the Moto4 Latin Cup is more than a sponsorship. It reflects our long-term commitment to rider safety and innovation,” Arora said.
Sidhartha Khurana, managing director and chief executive at SMK, said the company views racing as a crucial testbed for technology.
“As one of the world’s largest helmet manufacturers by volume, with over five decades of expertise, we believe racing plays an important role in advancing helmet technology,” Khurana said.
“These young athletes represent the future of the sport, and we are proud to stand beside them as they pursue their dreams. The insights gained through racing environments will continue to strengthen the technology that ultimately protects riders on roads across the world.”
Manufactured in India and sold across global markets, SMK’s entry into competitive racing also highlights the rising international recognition of Indian helmet engineering.
From factory floors in India to high-speed racing circuits in Latin America, the company is betting that the road to MotoGP can also become a road to global credibility.
Sports
Rapoo India renews Mumbai Indians partnership for IPL 2026
Exclusive MI-themed accessories launch alongside nationwide roadshows.
MUMBAI: Rapoo just hit a six with Mumbai Indians because when your mouse pad matches the team jersey, even your cursor starts cheering. Rapoo India, a leading global brand in wireless peripherals and computer accessories, has extended its partnership as the Official Computer Accessories Partner of Mumbai Indians for the TATA IPL 2026 season. Entering the second year of the collaboration, Rapoo aims to fuse its technology innovation with the passion and energy of one of cricket’s most iconic franchises.
The partnership brings an exclusive range of Mumbai Indians-themed Rapoo accessories to market, including wireless keyboards, mice and mousepads featuring the team’s signature blue and gold design. These products blend Rapoo’s advanced wireless tech and multi-mode connectivity with vibrant team branding, letting fans showcase loyalty while upgrading their digital setup.
The MI-edition range is available through Variety Infotech (pan-India delivery), the official Mumbai Indians MI Shop, leading e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Zepto) and major offline retail outlets across India.
To amplify fan engagement during the IPL season, Rapoo will roll out on-ground roadshows and giveaways at prominent electronics hubs, including Lamington Road, Vashi Plaza and Thane Market (Mumbai), CTC (Hyderabad); Mount Road (Chennai), SP Road (Bengaluru), Tilak Road (Pune), Nehru Place (Delhi), Naza Market (Lucknow), Chandni Market (Kolkata), Shaheed Nagar (Bhubaneswar), Roshpa Tower (Ranchi), Silver Mall (Indore), and MP Nagar (Bhopal). These activations let fans experience the MI-themed accessories first-hand.
Rapoo regional director for India & SAARC, MEA Mukesh Kumar Chaudhary said, “We are excited to continue our partnership with Mumbai Indians, a team that represents performance, consistency, and an incredible connection with fans. At Rapoo, we believe technology can enhance everyday experiences, and through this collaboration, we aim to bring fans closer to the game with specially designed accessories that combine innovation, style, and team spirit.”
Founded in 2002, Rapoo operates in over 80 countries and is recognised for advancements in wireless technologies, multi-mode connectivity and user-centric design, backed by over 500 global patents and numerous international awards.
In a season where every boundary counts, Rapoo isn’t just partnering with Mumbai Indians, it’s giving fans the perfect gear to keep clicking, typing and cheering long after the stumps are drawn.
