New Delhi, February 27 : World renowned sports brand ASICS has announced the launch of sales operations in India. This move is set to bolster sales of ASICS products in the country, further strengthening its running lineup and actively develop goods for popular sports, like cricket, as well as indoor sports, like badminton and volleyball.

Commenting on the brand's future plans, Dae Chul Kim, Senior General Manager, ASICS Asia Pacific Division and Director, ASICS India said, "India is a promising market and has a huge potential. We plan to expand our sales network and bolster marketing support for retail shops, in order to establish ASICS's value and image as a 'True Sport Performance' brand. We will continue to expand sales channels, and increase Multi-brand stores (wholesale) and Partnered mono-brand stores."

"We will be focusing on popularizing the sport and increasing the number of ASICS fans. With regards to products, we offer innovative technology at premium prices and our main focus is running shoes for serious runners such as GEL KAYANO, GT2000 and GEL NIMBUS", he added.

Speaking about the establishment of ASICS in the Indian market, Rajat Khurana, Director, ASICS India said, "This was an appropriate moment to introduce ASICS to the Indian consumers as running is the fastest growing sports category in India. We offer products with innovative technology and understand the consumers need for running shoes. ASICS has globally offered the best in sports goods and we believe it is perfect timing to ride on this portfolio."

"Our strong point and our company philosophy is "True Performance". Globally we sponsor NY City, Paris and Tokyo marathons as well as Mumbai Marathon since 2008. We are going to maximize our presence through these marathon events and also see opportunities in cricket, multi indoor court sports, such as Volleyball and Tennis. Overseas, we sponsor the Australian national cricket team and aim to raise our presence in cricket globally", he added.

Over the next few years, ASICS plans to be the leader in the running segment in India, and also mark their presence in the overall top 3 in sports segment in the country.

ASICS India Pvt. Ltd. was established in April 2012 and has primarily offered marketing support and promotional activities for local sales agents. The subsidiary will become a sales company as part of ASICS's top-priority strategy of expanding operations in emerging markets, as outlined in the corporate mid-term plan ASICS Growth Plan (AGP) 2015. It is aimed at accelerating expansion of operations in India, bolstering sales and marketing activities and raising brand image. (ANI)