PV Sindhu Competes, Harmanpreet Kaur Cheers as PUMA & HYROX Expand Fitness Racing in India
Speaking after the event, Sindhu said the format was vastly different from badminton, with no direct opponent but a focus on personal performance against time and physical limits. She added that Harmanpreet’s presence and encouragement boosted her motivation during the challenge.
Bengaluru: PUMA and HYROX brought their globally popular fitness race format to Bengaluru, drawing strong participation and spotlighting a shift in India’s sporting culture toward competitive fitness.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu stepped beyond her badminton court to compete in the demanding HYROX challenge, while Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur attended the event, cheering her on from the sidelines.
Sindhu took part in a mixed relay format that combined eight 1-kilometre runs with eight functional workout stations, including sled push and rowing—testing endurance, strength, and stamina in a high-intensity race environment.
Speaking after the event, Sindhu said the format was vastly different from badminton, with no direct opponent but a focus on personal performance against time and physical limits. She added that Harmanpreet’s presence and encouragement boosted her motivation during the challenge.
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Harmanpreet Kaur, who led India to a World Cup victory, praised Sindhu’s performance and highlighted the uniqueness of HYROX, noting that it pushes athletes beyond the boundaries of their primary sport. She also expressed interest in participating in the event in the future.
The Bengaluru edition saw participation from over 8,200 competitors across categories, reflecting growing interest in HYROX as a structured fitness sport in India. Organisers reported a 166% rise in participation compared to previous editions.
HYROX, which entered India in 2025 with events in Mumbai and Delhi, has quickly gained traction among fitness enthusiasts. The partnership with PUMA, the official sportswear partner for HYROX races worldwide, aims to build a strong ecosystem for competitive fitness in the country.
Officials from both organisations said the collaboration focuses on expanding access, enhancing athlete experience, and developing high-performance gear tailored for hybrid training formats.
The event highlights a broader trend of athletes and fitness enthusiasts embracing new formats that blend endurance, strength, and competition—signalling the rise of fitness racing as a mainstream sport in India.
