NEW DELHI: In a grand celebration of determination, discipline, and sporting excellence, Under Armour India hosted its marquee event ‘Champions Arena’ at Ambience Mall, Gurugram on Friday, July 11. The event brought together India’s biggest sporting icons and rising stars, showcasing the spirit of Indian sport like never before.
Headlining the event was Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra, joined by newly signed Under Armour athletes — Tejaswin Shankar (high jump & decathlon), Rishika Khajuria (sabre fencing), Jyotika Dutta (épée fencing), and Jay Shah (triple jump & sprints) — all hailed as underdog champions who have battled odds to rise to the top.
Neeraj Chopra: On Consistency, Grind, and the 90-Metre Dream
On being asked how he has maintained unshakable consistency since 2018, finishing on the podium at every major event, and recently crossing the 90-metre mark in javelin throw, Neeraj reflected with characteristic humility and focus:
“We live in the internet age — we want everything in seconds or minutes. But sports doesn’t work like that. It’s about the daily grind, pressure, sacrifices… the only way to succeed is through hard work,” said Chopra.
“Through my hard work and the support of Under Armour — with their world-class equipment and accessories — I’ve touched the 90-metre mark. Now, my goal is to stay consistent and go 2–3 metres beyond.”
He also welcomed his fellow athletes to the Under Armour family with warm encouragement:
“Proud moment to welcome more champions to the Under Armour family. Let’s continue raising the bar for Indian sport!”
India’s Underdog Champions Join Under Armour
In a major announcement, Under Armour unveiled its latest signings — four exceptional athletes who have made their mark despite limited support and infrastructure, proving that hunger, grit, and discipline can trump circumstance.
Tejaswin Shankar – High Jump & Decathlon
- 🥈 2025 Asian Athletics (Gumi) – Silver (7,618 pts)
- 🥉 2022 Commonwealth Games – Bronze (High Jump)
- 🥈 2022 Asian Games – Silver (Decathlon)
- 🔥 Indian record holder in both high jump and decathlon
- 💪 First Indian to win a decathlon medal at Asian Games in 49 years
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Rishika Khajuria – Sabre Fencing
- 🥇 2022 Senior Nationals – Team Gold (J&K’s first ever)
- 🥉 2022 National Games – Team Bronze
- 🥉 2022 Inter-University Nationals – Individual Bronze
- 🇮🇳 Selected for 2023 Asian & World Championships
- 🔥 Among India’s top 6 sabre fencers
Jyotika Dutta – Épée Fencing
- 🥇 2020 Khelo India University Games – Gold
- 🥉 2022 Senior Nationals – Individual Bronze
- 🇮🇳 Represented India at 2018 Asian Games
- 🔥 Among India’s top 3 épée fencers
Jay Shah – Triple Jump & Sprinting
- 🥇 2018 Inter-University Triple Jump Record (16.36 m)
- 🔥 Personal Best: 16.53 m | 100m: 10.47s | 200m: 21.17s
- 🏃♂️ Known for combining speed, power, and consistency across events
“ZIDD FOR MORE”: Fueling India’s Sporting Future
With the launch of its “ZIDD FOR MORE” campaign, Under Armour is reaffirming its commitment to support Indian athletes — from world champions like Neeraj Chopra to raw, hungry talents like Rishika, Jyotika, Jay, and Tejaswin. Each of them embodies the relentless spirit needed to make India a global sporting powerhouse.
As the event concluded with roaring cheers and an electrified crowd, one thing was clear — Indian sport is entering a new era, one that values the grind just as much as the glory.
