Category: News

03/07/202425/06/2024

At Kukri Sports, we proudly spotlight the dynamic sports we support, and this time, we are focusing on Wheelchair Basketball. This exhilarating sport combines agility, strategy, and teamwork, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and determination. Through our partnership with British Wheelchair Basketball, we aim to elevate the sport and provide top-tier sportswear tailored to the unique needs of wheelchair basketball athletes.

What is Wheelchair Basketball?

Wheelchair Basketball is a fast-paced, competitive sport where athletes with physical impairments play basketball using specially designed wheelchairs. The game follows similar rules to standard basketball, with a few adaptations to accommodate the wheelchairs. It requires not only physical strength and endurance but also strategic thinking and precise coordination.

Why Choose Wheelchair Basketball?

Wheelchair Basketball offers numerous benefits:

Physical Fitness: It enhances cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and improves overall fitness.

Mental Agility: The sport demands quick decision-making and strategic planning, akin to a high-speed chess game.

Community and Inclusivity: It fosters a sense of community and belonging, providing an inclusive environment where athletes can thrive.

Skill Development: Players develop exceptional hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility through regular practice and competition.

Getting Started in Wheelchair Basketball

For those interested in embarking on their wheelchair basketball journey, here are some steps to guide you:

Find a Local Club: Look for wheelchair basketball clubs in your area. Many offer beginner sessions and have accessible facilities.

Attend a Class: Join introductory classes to learn the basics of wheelchair maneuvering, dribbling, shooting, and game rules.

Get the Right Sportswear: While clubs often provide equipment for beginners, investing in a customised sports wheelchair can enhance your performance.

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improvement. Attend training sessions and practice at home if possible.

Join Competitions: Once you’re comfortable with the basics, participating in competitions will enhance your skills and experience.

How Kukri Can Support

Equipping yourself with the right sportswear is crucial in wheelchair basketball for both performance and comfort. Kukri Sports, known for high-quality sports apparel, provides wheelchair basketball athletes with sportswear designed for flexibility, durability, and comfort. Our partnership with British Wheelchair Basketball ensures that athletes have access to the best sportswear, including training and leisurewear, to help them perform at their peak.

Conclusion

Wheelchair Basketball is more than just a sport; it’s a celebration of resilience, skill, and community. Whether you’re drawn to the strategy, the physical challenge, or the camaraderie, wheelchair basketball has something to offer everyone. With the support of Kukri Sports and our collaboration with British Wheelchair Basketball, you can embark on this rewarding journey fully equipped and ready to excel.

Discover more about how we support athletes and join us in celebrating the power of sport to unite and inspire.

27/06/202418/06/2024

As we continue to shed a light on the dynamic sports we support at Kukri Sports we are focussing on Fencing, the centuries-old art of swordsmanship, is more than just a relic of historical combat; it is a dynamic sport that combines agility, strategy, and precision. Fencing is a unique discipline that sharpens both body and mind. Whether you’re a budding athlete or someone looking to try something new, fencing offers a challenging yet rewarding experience.

What is Fencing?

Fencing is a sport that involves two competitors facing off with swords, aiming to score points by making contact with their opponent in designated target areas. There are three main types of weapons used in fencing, each with its own rules and techniques:

• Foil: A light thrusting weapon that targets the torso. Points are scored by hitting the opponent with the tip of the blade.
• Epee: Similar to the foil but heavier, with the entire body as the target area. Points are scored with the tip of the blade.
• Sabre: A light cutting and thrusting weapon where points can be scored with the edge of the blade, targeting everything above the waist.

Why Choose Fencing?

Fencing is often described as physical chess. It requires quick thinking, strategic planning, and lightning-fast reflexes. The sport enhances cardiovascular health, improves coordination, and builds strength. Moreover, it instills discipline, focus, and a deep respect for the opponent.

Getting Started in Fencing

For those interested in getting into fencing, starting is simpler than you might think. Here are some steps to guide you:

Find a Local Club: Look for fencing clubs in your area. Many clubs offer beginner classes, which are perfect for those with no prior experience.

Attend a Class: Most clubs provide introductory sessions where you can learn the basics of footwork, blade work, and the rules of the game.

Get the Right Gear: Initially, clubs often provide equipment for beginners. As you progress, investing in personal gear is beneficial.

Practice Regularly: Like any sport, regular practice is key to improvement. Attend classes consistently and practice at home if possible.

Join Competitions: Once you’re comfortable with the basics, participating in competitions can greatly enhance your skills and experience.

How Kukri Can Support

Equipping yourself with the right sportswear is crucial in fencing, not just for performance but also for safety. This is where Kukri Sports comes in. Known for their high-quality sports apparel, Kukri Sports provides fencing enthusiasts with top-tier sportswear designed for comfort, flexibility, and protection.

Kukri is a proud to partner with British Fencing, aimed at enhancing the experience for fencers across the UK. This partnership includes the supply of a full range of training and leisurewear.

Conclusion

Fencing is more than a sport; it’s a journey into a world of tradition, skill, and personal growth. Whether you’re interested in the elegance of the movements or the thrill of the duel, fencing has something to offer everyone. With the support of Kukri Sports and their collaboration with British Fencing, you can embark on this adventure fully equipped and ready to excel. So, why wait? Pick up a sword, step onto the piste, and discover the exhilarating world of fencing today.

25/06/202418/06/2024

Ahead of his highly-anticipated next fight against River Wilson-Bent, Kukri Sports caught up with boxing ambassador Kieran Molloy to delve into his training camp, maintaining his unbeaten streak and the importance of mental toughness.

Exciting boxing star and Kukri Sports ambassador, Kieran Molloy, continues to impress on the professional stage.

In April, Molloy extended his impressive unbeaten record to eight fights with a hard-fought victory against Mexican opponent Sergio Garcia Herrera on the ‘Coming of Age’ card in Rotherham.

Despite facing adversity for the first time in his professional career, Molloy showed remarkable resilience and determination to secure a narrow 76-75 points win.

Kieran is next in action in GBM’s Into the Fire in an action-packed night of boxing, starring in a welterweight contest against River Wilson-Bent on Saturday 29 June at Coventry’s Sky Dome Arena.

With his focus now firmly set on his next bout, the 25-year-old Irish fighter emphasises the importance of meticulous preparation in his success so far. “We train extremely hard to get into & stay in good shape all year round at Loughborough University.

“My confidence comes from preparation. If I know I’ve given everything and haven’t cut any corners, I’ll be mentally in a good place when it’s time to compete.”

Molloy also sheds light on his rigorous training schedule and the invaluable support network pushing him in the right direction.

“I’ve been fortunate to spar with former world champion David Avanesyan ahead of my fight,” he reveals. “Avanyesyan is also training for his own world title shot next month, so it’s been a fantastic learning experience for me.”

Describing a typical training week, Molloy details a blend of technical work, strength and conditioning, and strategic sparring sessions. “On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays they have been heavy sparring days, followed by interval sprints in the afternoon. Tuesday and Thursday tend to be more technical work in the mornings, followed by weights and conditioning in the afternoon.

“Diet and nutrition are obviously very important. I work with a fantastic nutritionist, Max Haskell, who has been helping me with my meal plans for training camps.”

Looking ahead to his upcoming fight, Molloy expresses his desire to showcase his full repertoire of skills. “I’d like to show a bit more of my boxing ability and when the openings come to let my hands go, I’ll take them.”

Everyone at Kukri wishes Kieran the best of luck ahead of his next fight on Saturday 29 June.

Follow the fight

Don’t miss out, watch Kieran’s fight live on GBM Sports’ YouTube channel, or alternatively purchase tickets by contacting @kieran_molloy_tickets on Instagram.

About Kieran Molloy

Molloy’s dedication and work ethic are rooted in his impressive amateur career.  Before turning professional, the Irish fighter amassed a remarkable record of 202 wins in 221 fights. This includes an impressive collection of accolades: 11x National Champion, 3x Irish Elite Champion, and an EU Bronze medallist.

Find out more about Kieran Molloy.

Browse the Kieran Molloy merchandise range.

Interested in becoming an ambassador?

21/06/202420/06/2024

Kukri Sports is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its two partners, Loughborough Lightning and Severn Stars, on reaching this season’s highly-anticipated Netball Super League Grand Final.

As the official competition and leisurewear provider for both teams, Kukri have been a dedicated partner for both teams throughout their journeys. We provide high-performance dresses designed for comfort, agility and peak performance on the court.

Both teams have displayed exceptional talent and unwavering determination throughout the season.

Seasons overview

Severn Stars sealed their place in a first-ever Netball Super League semi-final following a pulsating 61-56 away win at Leeds Rhinos, with their resilience and talent on display throughout.

Following an all-Kukri showdown in the final league game of the season, Lightning’s 72-60 win over Severn Stars confirmed a home semi-final against London Pulse. Meanwhile, Severn Stars face Manchester Thunder in their semi-final, with both matches taking place on 29 June.

The Grand Final will take place at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, on 29 June, with the top four teams coming together for one final day to decide the placings for this season. Following a third place play off, the best two teams will go head-to-head in the final to determine this year’s champions.

Our support

Kukri is proud to partner with both teams, facilitating their performances with high-quality netball dresses that have played a role in their incredible performances on the court.

These dresses are meticulously crafted with cutting-edge technology to empower the players and unleash their full potential.

By combining a sleek design with performance-enhancing technology, our netball dresses provide Severn Stars and Loughborough Lightning with the confidence and freedom of movement they need to dominate the court.

Reflecting on a fantastic season and how Kukri provides support, Gabby Marshall, captain at Severn Stars, said “I am so proud of the team for making the finals, it’s been a huge effort from everyone involved.

“We have had a brilliant season and that has been helped through our partnership with Kukri. We all absolutely love our playing dresses – they are so comfortable which allows us to easily focus on our jobs on the court!

“We are all so excited to represent Severn Stars over the finals and look to continue making history for this fantastic club.”

Loughborough Lightning captain, Nat Panagarry, who recently made her landmark 150^th appearance, expressed her delight at the team making their fourth consecutive Grand Final.

“Really proud of the group for securing a home semi-final this Saturday. We never take that for granted as players & we’re enjoying the buzz around the club going into Finals.

We know Pulse are an incredible side with world-class players & we’ve been working hard as a group this week to make sure we are prepared. I know it will be an amazing game & we can’t wait to put out a good team performance in front of our home fans. See you on Saturday. Ready for battle Lightning fans!!”

Commenting on the success of both teams, Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, states “We are incredibly proud of Severn Stars and Loughborough Lightning for their achievements this season. Their success reflects their hard work and our commitment to providing them with the best support possible to thrive on and off the court. We wish them the very best in the finals.”

Images Credit: Tara St Clair

Looking ahead to the finals

As the Netball Super League Finals Day approaches, Kukri is exited to witness the culmination of a season filled with dedication. We are confident that both Severn Stars and Loughborough Lightning will continue to inspire with their exceptional talent and sportsmanship.

Kukri wishes both teams the very best of luck ahead of Finals Day.

Find out more about Severn Stars

Find out more about Loughborough Lightning

How to watch

You can watch the action unfold on Sky Sports’ official YouTube account, or by alternatively purchasing tickets from the following link here.

Get in touch

At Kukri Sports we deliver superior sportswear and exceptional service, driven by a deep understanding of the athlete journey from grassroots to performance sport.

Get in touch today to learn how Kukri Sports can support you in your journey.

17/06/202414/06/2024

In a world where mainstream sports often take precedence, Kukri Sports stands firm in its belief that every sport, regardless of its level of exposure, deserves recognition and support. Our commitment to championing sports seen as ‘niche’ extends beyond merely providing apparel; it’s about enriching the global sports culture and ensuring that every athlete has the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Our partnerships with organisations such as England Lacrosse, British Fencing, British Wheelchair Basketball, and Pickleball Ireland exemplify our dedication to inclusivity and excellence. Through these collaborations, we offer tailored support to each sport, ranging from designing specialised apparel to sponsoring events and initiatives that promote growth and participation.

England Lacrosse benefits from our collaboration in its development across all levels, from grassroots to elite competition, ensuring that players have the necessary resources for success. British Fencing and British Wheelchair Basketball receive our commitment to inclusivity through customised apparel that enhances performance and aligns with the unique demands of each sport. Pickleball Ireland, with its growing community, is also fully supported in nurturing the sport and equipping players with high-quality sportswear tailored to their specific needs.

At Kukri Sports, inclusivity is ingrained in our ethos. We firmly believe that every athlete, irrespective of their sport’s mainstream popularity, deserves the opportunity to pursue their passion and realize their aspirations. Through our innovative sportswear and steadfast support, we are broadening the horizons for niche sports and fostering a more inclusive and diverse sporting community.

Join us as we continue to dismantle barriers and celebrate the passion, dedication, and diversity that define sports. Together, let’s ensure that every athlete, regardless of their chosen sport, has the platform to shine. At Kukri Sports, we take pride in supporting athletes in their quest for excellence.

Your Sport. Your Team. Your Design

At Kukri Sports, we support athletes across over 100 different sports worldwide. From cricket to rugby, hockey, netball athletics, and niche sports, our customisable apparel is designed to enhance performance and fit your unique needs

With Kukri Sports, you’ll find the gear you need to succeed, no matter your sport – Get In Touch

11/06/202410/06/2024

In today’s competitive sporting landscape, team unity is more crucial than ever.

At Kukri Sports, we understand that the foundation of any successful team is unity. Team unity fosters a sense of belonging, enhances communication and drives collective performance.

It’s not just about individuals performing at their best but about coming together to achieve a common goal. Whether on the field, court, or track, the power of unity cannot be overstated, and we’re committed to helping you feel part of a team and achieving maximum performance.

The Role of Sportswear in Team Unity

Sportswear plays a critical role in building and maintaining team unity. Coordinated and high-quality sportswear helps athletes feel part of something bigger than themselves. It instils pride, encourages a professional attitude, and boosts morale. When athletes wear the same sportswear, they are reminded that they are in this together, ready to face challenges as one cohesive unit.

Supporting teams every step of the way

We are dedicated to providing exceptional support for teams through our comprehensive range of sportswear and services. Our offerings are designed to meet the unique needs of every team, from amateur clubs to professional teams and National Governing Bodies in Cricket, Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Gymnastics and many more.

Our sportswear inspires athletes and teams to flourish around the world, from Somerset CCC winning the Vitality Blast and Loughborough Lightning being crowned Netball Super League Champions, to Cork Con winning the All-Ireland League and Hong Kong China men winning the inaugural Melrose Claymores tournament at this year’s HK7s.

Our sportswear is crafted from high-quality materials that offer durability, comfort and performance. We use advanced fabric technology to ensure that our gear can withstand the intense demands of training and competition, helping athletes perform at their best.

Our commitment to team unity and quality sportswear has earned us the trust and loyalty of numerous teams worldwide.

“The attention to detail in their products is evident, and our athletes across all age groups have benefitted greatly from the comfortable and durable uniforms provided by Kukri.” – Peter Houlihan, Director of Rugby Operations at Rugby Alberta.

“From the initial design concepts to the final delivery, the Kukri team has demonstrated a genuine dedication to understanding our unique needs and preferences.” – Debbie Skene, Director of Sport at Rugby School.

“Their commitment to quality, paired with the unwavering support offered to Welsh Gymnastics, makes Kukri Sports a standout choice for our athletes and the entire gymnastics community.” – Holly Broad, Executive Director for performance at Welsh Gymnastics.

Your trusted sportswear supplier

We’re more than just a sportswear brand, we’re a passionate team dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential by fostering a sense of unity and pride when you step out to represent your team.

Get in touch today to see how we can help you.

Design your own sportswear.

31/05/202428/05/2024

In the world of sports, where the spotlight shines on the stars, it’s the unseen dedication and expertise that truly powers every performance. Join us as we peel back the layers and delve into what happens “behind the seams,” spotlighting the craftsmanship that fuels our passion for bespoke sportswear.

For 25 years, Kukri Sports has been a pioneer in sportswear innovation, but our true essence lies in the craftsmanship woven into every fiber of our business.

At the core of our operations is a customer-focused team, each a specialist in their role. From visionary designers who create impressive designs to precision pattern-makers who translate these concepts into tangible form, every stitch stands as a testament to their expertise. It’s an intricate operation where each thread weaves a narrative of our steadfast dedication to excellence.

But we’re not just about crafting apparel; we’re about empowering athletes to soar. Recognising that every sport, team, and athlete is unique, we tailor our solutions with precision. Through cutting-edge technology and a profound understanding of performance, we create bespoke sportswear that exceeds expectations. Whether it’s a jersey built for durability, a kit designed for aerodynamics, or a uniform optimised for agility, our custom-made sportswear is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence.

But our journey doesn’t end in the factory. We thrive on collaboration and partnerships, listening intently to the needs of sporting institutions and co-creating to bring their visions to life. It’s a bond of trust and fueled by a shared passion—a journey where we grow together.

As we look ahead, our commitment remains steadfast. We’re constantly pushing boundaries, exploring new materials, and pioneering techniques to redefine the future of sportswear. Yet, amidst the progress being made, one thing remains unchanged: our unwavering dedication to athletes.

Behind every victory, there’s a story—a testament to the individual spirit of those who dream of success. At Kukri Sports, we’re honored to support these stories, weaving our legacy behind the seams of sporting greatness. Join us on this exhilarating journey where craftsmanship meets passion, and together, let’s elevate the game to new heights and unleash greatness.

21/05/202421/05/2024

This year, Kukri Sports celebrates 25 years of innovation and dedication to the global sporting community.

For 25 years, we have improved athletes’ performance and style across various sports, building strong global partnerships with educational institutions, national governing bodies, and professional clubs. These relationships have established us as a leading supplier of multi-sports sportswear, empowering communities and individuals in their sporting endeavours.

Supporting a wide range of sports

We play a pivotal role in supporting athletes across a wide range of sports, including Rugby, Cricket, Netball, Athletics, Gymnastics, and Hockey.

Over the years, we have been the official partner and merchandise supplier for prestigious events and teams such as the Hong Kong Sevens, Waikato Rugby and Team Canada.

Our expansion into various sports reflects our commitment to meeting athletes’ evolving needs, evidenced by partnerships with England Athletics and England Lacrosse, as well as British Fencing and British Wrestling, who we partnered with in 2022.

Last year, we expanded our support to the Barbados Olympic Association, and this year, we announced a new partnership with Pickleball Ireland, providing support for the inaugural Pickleball Ireland National Championships which saw over 500 pickleball enthusiasts compete.

Innovative Kit Developments

We have continuously pushed boundaries in kit development, producing and sourcing over 13 million garments to partners across the globe.

We develop innovative solutions to help athletes perform their best, from moisture-wicking fabrics to advanced temperature control.

Our commitment to ongoing improvement extends to sustainability, prioritizing the use of eco-friendly materials in all our sportswear. Our sustainable range, launched in 2021, integrates eco-friendly production processes, ensuring durability change, making our sportswear suitable for athletes across a variety of sports. Find out more here.

Expanding our global presence

From our origins in the United Kingdom, we have expanded our reach over the past 25 years, establishing a strong presence in key regions worldwide, including most recently Saudi Arabia, China and South Africa.

We also have offices in regions such as Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and Ireland and the Middle East.

Reflecting on a significant milestone for the business, Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports, said “Celebrating 25 years of Kukri Sports fills us with immense pride. From our start producing bespoke teamwear since 1999, our mission to empower athletes remains unchanged. This milestone reflects the dedication of our team, partners, and the athletes who trust Kukri. We look forward to continuing innovating, expanding, and making a positive impact on sports worldwide.”

Celebrating 25 Years of Sporting Excellence

As we commemorate our 25th year anniversary, we look forward to the next chapter of innovation, collaboration, and sporting excellence. With a legacy built on passion and performance, we remain dedicated to empowering athletes to participate in sport and reach new heights, regardless of their ability, age or gender.

17/05/2024

In the pursuit of victory, athletes endure physical challenges, yet often grapple with unseen mental struggles. Recognising this, Kukri Sports collaborates with its diverse partner teams to help destigmatize mental health and empower athletes both on and off the field.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, athletes from our partner teams shared their personal journeys.

Hong Kong China Rugby (Asia)

Kukri Sports proudly supports the Hong Kong China Men’s and Women’s teams, enabling them to excel at the Hong Kong Sevens (HK7s).

Read more about this year’s tournament.

Representing Hong Kong on the international stage comes with a unique set of mental demands.

“Some of the most obvious challenged I faced were during major injuries,” said Chloe Chan, HKC Women’s Sevens player.

“Feeling isolated when the team is training or competing was tough, but I learned to switch off and spend time with loved ones. Journaling my milestones helped me stay positive and overcome obstacles.”

Max Denmark, HKC Sevens Men’s player, added: “My biggest challenge was losing an Olympic qualifier early in my career. I felt a heavy burden and disconnected for a long time. But after seeking help from a therapist, I learned to let go and move on. It was tough, but I came out stronger.

“Every athlete faces challenges, and it’s okay to seek help. We shouldn’t feel like we have to deal with everything alone.”

UBC Women’s Rugby (Canada)

As a proud partner of the UBC Women’s Rugby team, we collaborate with the team on their playing kit and specific rugby apparel, ensuring it is durable and comfortable for the players. The team has enjoyed great success over recen, being crowned Canada West Women’s Rugby Champions in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Speaking on the importance of mental health in sport, Dean Murten, Head Coach of UBC Rugby’s Ladies Team, said “We have an open-door policy so athletes can talk with coaches at any time.

“These athletes are first and foremost people; they are under large amounts of pressure to perform. The more awareness and letting them know it’s good to talk helps them stay in a positive state of mind.”

Dean also praised Kukri’s impact on the wider support they provide to help with athletes’ mental health. “Partners like Kukri are great as they offer scholarships that provide financial support to student athletes, allowing them to dedicate the required time to their education and sport without added pressure.”

Read more about UBC Thunderbirds’ mental health initiative.

Watch the video here.

Kieran Molloy (Ireland)

Kukri Ambassador Kieran Molloy, an exciting Irish professional boxer, shares his journey and underscores the importance of communication and support amidst pressures.

“As an athlete I’ve been through many ups and downs.

“I like to always remember why I am doing this. To see the pride in my parents’ eyes after a victory means everything to me and keeps me motivated.

“It’s important to let people who are close to you know how you are feeling. There’s a lot of pressures & expectations on athletes that can be difficult to deal with, but at the end of the day we are all human beings and have the same feelings as everyone else.”

Mental health is key to unlocking an athlete’s potential. By fostering open conversations and providing necessary resources, we are committed to helping athletes across sports thrive on and off the field.

For more information on how we can help you with your sportswear needs, get in touch.

If you need mental health support, reach out to your primary healthcare provider for guidance. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 or click here to view the full list.