3 min readOct 1, 2025 10:09 AM IST
First published on: Sep 30, 2025 at 02:02 PM IST
Usain Bolt went stomping about Old Delhi, against the backdrop of Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in Asia, as part of a promotional event and was joined by PV Sindhu, PR Sreejesh, and Animesh Kujur, India’s fastest sprinter.
Sports major PUMA transformed Old Delhi into a sprinting track arena with a rooftop relay featuring the four on Monday.
The Khari Baoli is a centuries-old rooftop, once a stage for spice trading, kite flying, and festivals, with the beautiful Red Fort in the background. “Running through the spice-scented rooftops of Old Delhi was unlike anything Iāve ever experienced. To share the baton with Indiaās finest Olympians and fellow PUMAs like PV Sindhu, PR Sreejesh, and Animesh Kujur in such a historic setting was pure energy. This is what sport is all about, breaking boundaries, creating culture, and having fun along the way.”
PV Sindhu, India’s most successful female Olympian was ecstatic. āIt was inspiring to run shoulder to shoulder with Usain Bolt at Khari Baoli in the heart of Old Delhi. As an athlete, being part of such a once-in-a-lifetime relay with a global legend felt surreal, itās the kind of moment that reminds me why I fell in love with sport in the first place. Thanks to PUMA, we could be part of a relay that beautifully blended Indiaās heritage with sporting greatness,” she said in the press release.
PR Sreejesh, two-time Olympic medallist in hockey, added, āBeing part of this relay with the legendary Usain Bolt on the rooftop of Khari Bouli was memorable.”
But the most memorable was for Animesh Kujur, India’s speed hero and cheetah from Chhattisgarh. “As a child who grew up idolising Usain Bolt, to actually receive the baton from him in this relay is a dream come true. What made it even more special is that I got an opportunity to be part of a relay team with Olympic legends such as PV Sindhu & PR Sreejesh who have brought so much glory to India. I am very happy to partner with PUMA, who have always been synonymous with the best, fastest and greatest athletes and sprinters over the years. This will motivate me even more to keep pushing my limits and breaking more barriers.” Puma is a large American wild cat of lion hues, though the brand is German origins.
The activation highlighted Old Delhi’s culture, with Bolt’s presence and the Jamaican’s nostrils would sure have tickled with the swamping spice scent. Khari Baoli (baoli means stepwell) comes from the fact that water was saline (khari) in that Stepwell once.
Usain Bolt at Old Delhi's Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in Asia, with PV Sindhu, PR Sreejesh, and Animesh Kujur, India's fastest sprinter. (Photo courtesy: Puma)
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