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Mohammed Yousuf

New charge: Mr Rajiv Mehta (left), Managing Director of PUMA India, with members of the Deccan Chargers team, R.P. Singh, Rohit Sharma, Ojha, Rajiv Teja and Shoaib after the sport lifestyle brand announced its association with IPL as official sponsor of uniforms at a media briefing in Hyderabad on Wednesday. —

Our Bureau

Hyderabad, April 1 Sport lifestyle brand PUMA today said it plans to consolidate its presence in India sponsoring cricket and through cricket-centric merchandise for players and fans.

The global sports lifestyle products company, a relatively late entrant into India, now has 36 stores and is open to more brand outlets.

However, the number of such outlets would depend on the ability to get good locations, Mr. Rajiv Mehta, Managing Director, PUMA India, said.

In a chat with Business Line, Mr. Mehta said “the company has announced its association with Deccan Chargers as the official sponsor of both home and away uniforms. While this marks our entry into bigger league into cricket, we could get to sponsor more teams. Just watch out.”

Speaking after announcing the launch of their sponsorship in the presence of cricketers Rohit Sharma, R.P.Singh and Pragyan Ojha, Mr Mehta said that traditionally, PUMA is associated with football and other sports. However, PUMA brand also works with some international players Andrew Flintoff, Bredon McCullum, JP Duminy, Makhaya Nitini among others.

Asked if the general recessionary conditions have impacted the sponsorship, Mr. Mehta said “they were relatively small in India and this has had no impact. And the business continues to be as usual. Therefore, we believe that it is a good opportunity to build on cricket brand merchandise.”

Mr Mehta said PUMA brings a sense of fashion and flair to the kits with tailored jerseys, tracks, bags etc. The technical material, cuts and shapes have been designed for the players providing maximum flexibility and convenience.

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