Puma India managing director (MD) Karthik Balagopalan has categorically rubbished the reports of ace India batter Virat Kohli ending his partnership with the company. Furthermore, the managing director of Puma India, affirmed in an official statement that Kohli “continues” to maintain his affiliation with the brand.
“PUMA’s relationship with Virat Kohli is long-standing and continues,” Balagopalan said in an official release.
A report from CNBCTV18 had earlier stated that Kohli will end his 8-year-long association with Puma India and is expected to join ties with Agilitas Sports Pvt Ltd, a company founded by former Puma India managing director Abhishek Ganguly.
Meanwhile, Kohli and Puma India’s relationship began in 2017 with a huge deal of INR 110 Cr.
"It's a privilege to be part of a great list of athletes that Puma has. Not just today's icons like Usain Bolt but also the brand's rich history with Pele, Maradona, Thierry Henry, and others," Virat Kohli had said after signing the deal with Puma in February 2017.
The 35-year-old, however, is currently away from action due to personal reasons and missed the opening two Tests of the series against England. There are alsaboutdoubts on him participating in the remainder of the three Tests as well.
(Hindustan Times inputs)
