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 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.
ASICS Running Club (ARC) is ASICS’ running community platform, active in several major cities in India. It offers structured training programmes, group runs and coaching support for runners of every level. With its Kolkata launch, ARC enters East India for the first time, giving the city’s runners a year-round place 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 Official Sports Goods Partner, ASICS will engage with runners through promo runs, a presence at the PLAYSCAPE Expo and the ASICS House on race day. ASICS athletes and Running Club coaches will also be on the ground to meet and cheer runners.
The announcement reflects ASICS’ continued investment in India’s running ecosystem, as the brand takes part in more major running events. Rooted in its founding philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’, ASICS sees movement as important to physical and mental well-being, and continues to act on this 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,” Khurana added.
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,” Singh added.
