The sportswear giant, Puma India organised a high-octane celebration of Indian football as Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man and a former athlete, switched from sprinting spikes to football boots in a frenzied 5v5 all-star exhibition match at Mukesh Mills.
This one-of-a-kind event was hosted to honour the nation’s football culture, gathering together Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC players, as well as Bollywood superstars, for an amazing evening.
Bolt, who is world-renowned for his love of the beautiful game, brought his signature flair, competitive zeal, and contagious enthusiasm to Mumbai. Taking turns on both sides, he wowed spectators with bursts of speed and skill that demonstrated that his love for football is as genuine as his illustrious career on the track.
The evening began with a memorable moment: Bollywood superstar and PUMA brand ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan called the toss, which Bengaluru FC won. She stayed at the pitch throughout the game, cheering on both teams as the event unfolded.
The legendary sprinter and PUMA brand ambassador, Usain Bolt said, “Football has been one of my first loves after Track & Field, and playing in Mumbai alongside athletes, celebrities, and fans was electric. The passion, the noise, the atmosphere, this is the kind of high that stays with you long after the final whistle.”
The game showcased some of India’s best football skill. The match blurred the borders between stadium spectacle and pop culture event, with Sunil Chhetri’s crisp passes and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s spectacular saves, as well as Mumbai City FC stars and PUMA ambassadors Suresh Wangjam, Akash Mishra, and Phurba Lachenpa demonstrating their prowess. Bollywood’s biggest stars, like Dino Morea and Aparshakti Khurana, added to the excitement on the pitch.
Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director, PUMA India said, “Usain Bolt’s visit to India is about celebrating the joy of sport and creating experiences that fans will remember forever. With this unique football match, PUMA brought together icons from sport and entertainment on one stage, with our partner clubs Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC making it even more special. As a sports-first brand, PUMA India has always pushed boundaries to create unforgettable moments for fans, and this match was our way of celebrating football fandom in the country.”
With this massive event, PUMA India once again shown that sport is more than just competition; it is about connection, culture, and pleasure. By introducing Bolt on India’s football stage, the brand produced memories as quick, fresh, and memorable as the star himself.
