The Ultimate Fitness Showdown
Stars, Sweat & A Podium Finish for Team PUMA in Mumbai
May 14, 2025
Mumbai turned up the heat, and PUMA brought the fire. At the NESCO Center, over 1,650 athletes from 24 countries took on India’s first ever HYROX – also known as the “marathon of functional fitness” – and turned it into a fitness revolution. From PUMA athletes going beast mode to PUMA employees hitting the podium, this one’s for the history books.
All Grit, No Quit: PUMA Employees Race to the Podium
In the middle of the challenge and cheers, two of our very own – Apoorva and Aarya – ran the race of a lifetime. Their all-women’s relay squad snagged 3rd place, becoming the only Indian team on the podium in their category.But for them, this wasn’t about medals.
It was about showing up, giving it everything, and showing off the greatness they have been working for.
said Apoorva Addepalli, Senior Manager – Brand Marketing (RTF) at PUMA India.
“Taking part in HYROX was like method acting,”
“It gave me real insight into the sport just as I stepped into my new role leading Run Train. Standing on the podium as an all-women’s relay team was a powerful reminder of what we as women can achieve together. My quads still remember those 100 wall balls!”
Aarya Pradeep, Product Servicing Associate at PUMA India, added:
Leading up to it, I was focused more on planning the event than training. I went in with zero expectations, minimal prep, and just the mindset to show up and finish. That’s what made standing on the podium so special. From my all-women relay team on race day to the all-women crew behind the Run Train vertical at work, this experience was powerful on every level.”
🥉 for Apoorva and Aarya and their squad!
Stars Who Sweat: PUMA Athletes Take the Challenge
PUMA ambassadors like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Olympian Srihari Nataraj took on the HYROX heat, too.shares Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, PUMA Athlete, Indian national football team & Bengaluru FC Goalkeeper.
“It’s amazing to have something like HYROX happening in India and I’m very excited to compete in it. Events like HYROX can help players like me stay in shape physically. It’s lovely to see the different and interesting challenges that HYROX throws at people in their fitness journey.”
Srihari Nataraj, two-time Olympian swimmer and PUMA athlete shares.
“It’s great to see HYROX catching on in India, it will create more everyday athletes and help them develop in a much better way. some people like lifting weights, some people like running, but this has everything in it, so this is going to pick up quite fast – everyone loves taking on a challenge.”
And everyone did take on the challenge. Not just pros or influencers, but everyday athletes chasing their own version of greatness.
From 16-year-old Gawale Sayee to 78-year-old Virendra Sood, who completed the entire race in the Doubles category. Yes, 78! And he crushed it!
No matter your age, your sport, or your title, what matters is the courage to start. This underscores our core behavior that we welcome everyone to the game!
From 16-year-old Gawale Sayee to 78-year-old Virendra Sood, who completed the entire race in the Doubles category. Yes, 78! And he crushed it!
No matter your age, your sport, or your title, what matters is the courage to start. This underscores our core behavior that we welcome everyone to the game!
Age is just a number! Gawale (16) and Virendra (78)
Next Stop: Delhi
HYROX Mumbai was just the beginning. On July 19, HYROX Delhi takes over – more races, more relays, more first-timers, and more moments to be unapologetically yourself.From relentless relay squads to pro athletes, buzzing crowds to HYROX Hotties in PUMA style – Mumbai wasn’t just a race. It was a starting line of history.
So… Who’s lacing up for Delhi? 👟💪
In PUMA from Head to Toe
As official global apparel and footwear partner of HYROX, PUMA didn’t just show up – we stole the spotlight. Athletes rocked our high-performance HYROX gear, blending innovation and style through every sled push, sprint, and wall ball rep.“HYROX reflects everything we stand for – speed, strength, style, and a community-first approach to sport. We’re thrilled to bring this next-gen fitness experience to India.”
Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India
Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India
📍 Event Overview
HYROX premiere in IndiaLocation: NESCO Center, Goregaon, Mumbai
Participants: 1650 athletes from 24 countries
🌎 The Mumbai event offered qualifying slots for the 2025 HYROX World Championships in Chicago. Stay tuned for more to come!
🏋️♂️ HYROX Race format
8 × 1 km runsAlternating with 8 functional fitness workouts:
🏆 Race Categories
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