NATIONAL, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026: ASICS, the global Japanese sportswear brand, announces its first-ever partnership with World Athletics’ first Gold Label 25K, the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, joining the prestigious race as its Official Sports Goods Partner. The partnership is marked by the launch of the ASICS Running Club (ARC) in Kolkata, marking ARC’s first chapter in East India and creating a dedicated platform for the city’s running community to train, connect and progress together, beyond race day.
Active across several major cities in India, ASICS Running Club (ARC) is ASICS’ dedicated running community platform, offering structured training programmes, group runs and coaching support designed for runners of every level. With its Kolkata launch, ARC makes its first entry into East India, giving the city’s runners a year-round home to train and grow as a community.
The 11th edition of Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata will take place on Sunday, December 20, 2026, bringing together thousands of runners. As the Official Sports Goods Partner, ASICS will engage with the running community through promo runs, an immersive presence at the PLAYSCAPE Expo, and the ASICS House on race day. ASICS athletes and Running Club coaches will also be on ground to interact with and cheer runners.
The announcement reflects ASICS’ continued investment in India’s running ecosystem, as the brand expands its participation across marquee running properties and strengthens its association with the sport. Rooted in its founding philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’, ASICS sees movement as an integral part of physical and mental well-being, and continues to bring this philosophy to life through partnerships that connect the brand with runners and the wider running community.
Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India & South Asia and Executive Officer, ASICS Corporation, said, “Running sits at the heart of ASICS, and our investment in India’s running ecosystem reflects the importance we place on the sport and the communities built around it. Our first association with the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata brings us closer to one of the country’s most established running communities, while the launch of the ASICS Running Club (ARC) in Kolkata allows us to deepen our relationship with the runners. Our focus is on creating more opportunities for runners to participate, train and progress. This is closely aligned with our founding philosophy of Sound Mind, Sound Body and our belief in the positive role movement can play in everyday life.”
Commenting on the partnership, Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International, said, “We are delighted to welcome ASICS to the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata. Our association has spanned more than a decade, growing in step with India’s running ecosystem. What is particularly significant today is how far that running movement has come, from a sport once pursued by a few to the fastest growing sport in India, embraced by a rapidly growing community. ASICS’ commitment to running goes beyond the race itself, and the launch of the ASICS Running Club in Kolkata will further strengthen the connection with the city’s running community.”
The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata marks a new chapter in ASICS’ engagement with one of India’s most vibrant running markets. As the sport continues to evolve from a race-day pursuit into a broader lifestyle and community movement, ASICS is strengthening its role within that journey through its growing presence across India.
About Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata:
Launched in 2014, The Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata is World Athletics’ first Gold Label 25K race, and will be held on Sunday, 20 December 2026. Promoted by Procam International, the race is held annually on Kolkata’s iconic Red Road and brings together elite athletes, serious runners and first-time participants across multiple race categories, including the 25K, Open 10K and the Ananda Run, along with dedicated Senior Citizens’ Run and Champions with Disability Run categories, and special Good for Youth (18-21 years) and Good for Silver (65 years and above) registration windows. Beyond the sport, the event carries a strong philanthropic component, with participants and NGOs coming together each year to raise funds for meaningful causes.
About ASICS:
Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body’, is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded in 1949, more than 70 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of running shoes, as well as athletic and Sport Style-inspired footwear, apparel, and accessories.
