Delhi: Old Delhi witnessed an unprecedented fusion of speed, culture, and celebration as PUMA transformed Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, into a high-octane sporting arena featuring the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt.
For the first time, the heritage terraces of Khari Baoli served as a sprint track, with Usain Bolt joined by India’s Olympic stars PV Sindhu, PR Sreejesh, and emerging sprinter Animesh Kujur in a rooftop relay that combined history, culture, and athletic excellence. The Red Fort loomed in the distance as spices dried under the morning sun, setting the stage for a relay like no other.
Legendary athlete and PUMA brand ambassador Usain Bolt said, “Running through the spice-scented rooftops of Old Delhi was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. To share the baton with India’s finest Olympians and fellow PUMAs like PV Sindhu, PR Sreejesh, and Animesh Kujur in such a historic setting was pure energy. This is what sport is all about, breaking boundaries, creating culture, and having fun along the way.”
Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director, PUMA India, added, “At PUMA, everything begins with sport. Bringing Usain Bolt to India was about creating moments that fans would never imagine or forget, like turning the rooftop of Delhi’s Khari Baoli into a relay track. For us, it’s not just about showcasing speed, it’s about reimagining how sport can connect with culture in the most unexpected ways.”
Olympic badminton champion PV Sindhu said, “It was inspiring to run shoulder to shoulder with Usain Bolt at Khari Baoli in the heart of Old Delhi. As an athlete, being part of such a once-in-a-lifetime relay with a global legend felt surreal. Thanks to PUMA, we could be part of a relay that beautifully blended India’s heritage with sporting greatness.”
Two-time Olympian PR Sreejesh added, “Being part of this relay with the legendary Usain Bolt on the rooftop of Khari Baoli was memorable. I’m grateful to PUMA India for making this iconic sporting moment possible.”
Animesh Kujur, India’s fastest man and newly onboarded PUMA ambassador, said, “As a child who grew up idolising Usain Bolt, to actually receive the baton from him in this relay is a dream come true. What made it even more special is that I got an opportunity to be part of a relay team with Olympic legends such as PV Sindhu & PR Sreejesh who have brought so much glory to India. Thanks to PUMA, I had the chance to share the track with my heroes and live out a lifelong dream. I am very happy to partner with PUMA, who have always been synonymous with the best, fastest and greatest athletes and sprinters over the years. This will motivate me even more to keep pushing my limits and breaking more barriers.”
With Khari Baoli as the canvas, PUMA turned everyday spaces into arenas of performance, energy, and joy, demonstrating that sport belongs everywhere while giving fans an unforgettable experience that merged India’s heritage with world-class athleticism.
