Puma’s mysterious teaser video of a player taking guard at the crease had 80% of 5000 people over a 36-hour guessing period believe the brand ambassador to be a male cricketer but out emerged Indian all-format women’s team skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur.
Harmanpreet Kaur as the new brand ambassador joins Puma’s star-studded list that features MC Mary Kom, Virat Kohli, Harleen Deol, Avani Lekhara, Usain Bolt, Neymar Jr., Sunil Chhetri, and a few more.
According to the terms of the collaboration, Harmanpreet Kaur is understood to promote the company’s footwear, clothing, and accessories through a variety of events and campaigns all year long.
Commenting on the partnership, Managing Director of Puma India and Southeast Asia, Abhishek Ganguly, said, “We are delighted to welcome skipper Harmanpreet Kaur into the Puma family. The way she plays, bold and fierce cricket, she is the perfect fit for our brand which embodies the same qualities and ethos.
“As a brand, Puma has always stayed ahead of the times and committed to support, celebrate and empower women in sports. This association is a massive step in that direction. Harmanpreet is a sporting icon and, with this partnership, we hope to inspire younger generations and help Indian women’s cricket reach greater heights.”
Indian skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur on the development, stated, “Not many know that I hit my first ODI century in 2013 in a pair of Puma boots that I received as a token of support in my early years from the brand. Exactly a decade now and I have been roped in as the face of Puma. I am thrilled to join the biggest sports brand in the country with a star-studded roster.
“It’s heartening to see a brand such as PUMA support the growth of Indian women’s cricket; it’s crucial for bolstering progress. This is just the beginning and I am sure this association will encourage a lot of women who dream to make a career in cricket. I look forward to an exciting journey ahead.”
PUMA ropes in captain Harmanpreet Kaur as ambassador 😍#CricketTwitter @pumacricket pic.twitter.com/WMjPccQLod
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) January 30, 2023
Puma back in 2021 had signed 15 Olympic-bound Indian athletes and 3 para-athletes for the upcoming national and international tournaments. The move was a part of the company’s quest to push boundaries and celebrate diversity in sports.
Back then, Puma had signed a few leading women athletes from various disciplines which saw legendary boxer MC Mary Kom, sprinter Dutee Chand, boxer Pooja Rani, shooter Manu Bhaker, hockey players Gurjant Singh, Savita Punia, Sushila Chanu, Navneet Kaur, Navjot Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Gurjit Kaur and Udita Duhan, in the mix of 15.
Para-athletes like shooter Avani Lekhara, table tennis champion Bhavina Patel and discus thrower Ekta Bhayan too were roped in. The Harmanpreet Kaur is no first for the richly reputed, Puma, as the brand has come forward and broken stereotypes.