Puma Partners with PV Sindhu: A Global First for Promoting Badminton

Sports brand Puma India has announced a multi-year partnership with Indian badminton icon and two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, marking the brand’s first-ever foray into badminton globally. This strategic collaboration will debut at the India Open 2025 in New Delhi, setting the stage for a groundbreaking initiative aimed at boosting the sport’s popularity in India.


Why This Partnership Matters

With a massive fan base of 57 million badminton enthusiasts in India, the sport is witnessing exponential growth. According to the 2024 Google-Deloitte Think Sports report:

  • 27.8 million Gen Z fans actively follow badminton.
  • It ranks as the second-most played sport in urban India after cricket.
  • Participation in badminton has surged by 65% over the past four years.

Through this partnership, Puma aims to capitalize on these trends by promoting badminton among India’s youth and expanding its footprint in the country’s burgeoning sports market.


Puma’s Vision for Badminton in India

The collaboration aligns with Puma’s sports-first strategy, focusing on performance-wear and positioning itself as a leading name in badminton. According to Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of Puma India:

“Sindhu’s extraordinary legacy has not only placed India on the global badminton map but has also inspired millions. This association will further Puma’s commitment to India’s rapidly growing sports culture and encourage more youngsters to take up badminton.”


PV Sindhu: The Perfect Fit

As the most-followed badminton athlete globally, PV Sindhu has a legacy of historic achievements:

  • Multiple international championships.
  • A role model for aspiring athletes.

Her influence, especially among younger generations, makes her an ideal ambassador to drive Puma’s badminton initiative.


Impact on Puma and Indian Sports

This partnership is expected to:

  1. Double Puma’s growth rate in India.
  2. Strengthen its presence in the performance-wear segment.
  3. Position India as a key market within the global Puma network.

Looking Ahead

Puma’s collaboration with Sindhu represents more than just a sponsorship; it’s a commitment to shaping the future of badminton in India. With its official entry into the sport, Puma is poised to inspire a new generation of players and fans, ensuring that badminton continues to thrive as a key part of India’s sports landscape.