Category: News

15/10/202410/10/2024

Beach volleyball is an exhilarating and fast-paced sport, known for its blend of athleticism, agility, and strategy, played on sandy courts worldwide. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, Kukri Sports is proud to be at the forefront, providing bespoke, high-performance sportswear that meets the demands of this unique game.

Our mission is to enhance the experience of athletes and fans, offering tailored apparel that supports peak performance, comfort, and durability. Kukri Sports is dedicated to empowering athletes at all levels, helping them perform at their best in every competition.

Why Choose Beach Volleyball?

Fitness and Agility: Beach volleyball offers an excellent full-body workout, building strength, cardiovascular fitness, and balance on the challenging sand surface.

Outdoor Adventure: The sport thrives in outdoor environments, combining sun, sand, and the thrill of competition for a unique athletic experience.

Teamwork and Strategy: Success in beach volleyball relies on communication, collaboration, and quick thinking between teammates, fostering a strong bond of camaraderie.

How to Get Started with Beach Volleyball

1. Learn the Rules: Understanding key elements like serving, passing, setting, and spiking is essential. Many online resources and clinics offer introductory lessons for beginners.
2. Invest in Proper Gear: Beach volleyball requires minimal equipment—a good-quality volleyball, a net, and appropriate sportswear designed for sand play.
3. Join a Local League or Team: Look for local courts or beach volleyball leagues to find a community of players and opportunities to participate in games and tournaments.
4. Train Regularly: Like any sport, consistent practice helps refine skills and build the stamina needed to succeed on the sand.

Kukri Sports’ Role in Supporting Beach Volleyball

Kukri Sports is committed to providing world-class sportswear for beach volleyball athletes. Our custom designs ensure that athletes are equipped with breathable, lightweight fabrics that enhance mobility and performance on the sand. We understand the unique demands of this sport, and our collaboration with elite athletes allows us to continuously refine and innovate our products, ensuring durability and comfort in every match.

From high-performance jerseys and shorts to tailored training gear, Kukri Sports empowers athletes to perform their best, whether competing on the international stage or training at the grassroots level.

Kukri Sports’ Official Ambassadors: The Bello Brothers

At Kukri Sports, we are proud to have the Bello Brothers as our official ambassadors for beach volleyball. Joaquín and Javier Bello are not only trailblazers in British beach volleyball, but they also represent the values of dedication, teamwork, and excellence that we champion. As rising stars on the international stage, their passion for the sport and commitment to growth make them perfect representatives of our brand. We collaborate closely with them to create high-performance, sport-specific gear tailored to the unique demands of beach volleyball.

Find out more about our Ambassadors

Conclusion

Beach volleyball is more than just a sport—it’s a test of endurance, skill, and teamwork in a fun, sun-filled environment. With Kukri Sports’ unwavering support and dedication to high-quality sportswear, the future of beach volleyball looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re an experienced player or just beginning your journey, now is the perfect time to get involved in the exciting world of beach volleyball.

For more information on how Kukri Sports supports beach volleyball and other sports, visit our website and discover how we can help elevate your game.

14/10/202410/10/2024

As we continue our Black History Month series, today, we turn our focus to Charity, an Olympic rugby player whose inspiring story showcases not only her athletic excellence but also her commitment to creating space for future Black athletes.

Early Inspiration

For Charity, her Olympic dream began at 8 years old while watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Mesmerised by the performances of the athletes on her TV screen, she made a vow that she would one day become an Olympian. “At the time, I was a gymnast,” she recalls, “but as I got older, it became clear that being an Olympic gymnast wasn’t in the cards for me. So, I knew I had to pivot.”

That turning point came when Charity was in Grade 10. She had already been trying out various sports, but it wasn’t until a teammate from her wrestling team encouraged her to attend a rugby practice that everything clicked. “From the first day I stepped onto that rugby field, I fell in love,” Charity says. “It felt like all of my dreams were coming together.”

Finding Rugby and Rapid Rise

Charity’s passion for rugby grew quickly, and it didn’t take long for her talent to be recognised. After two years of playing high school rugby, and a standout season with Team Ontario, she was selected by Team Canada in 2013. This opportunity required her to move to Victoria to train with the national team—an opportunity she embraced fully, even completing her final year of high school there.

“Moving to Victoria at that age was daunting,” she admits, “but I knew it was the next step toward fulfilling my Olympic dream.”

Olympic Journey and Achievements

One of Charity’s proudest moments came in 2016 when, at just 19 years old, she was named to Team Canada’s rugby squad for the Rio Olympics. “I was the youngest player to make the squad, and when I found out, I cried through the entire meeting,” Charity reflects. “It wasn’t just about going to the Olympics—it was the realiation that my younger self, who once sat in front of the TV watching those incredible athletes, was now becoming one of them.”

At the Rio Olympics, Charity and her team went on to win the bronze medal. Yet for her, the most special part of that journey wasn’t the medal itself—it was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and a dream that never wavered.

Her Olympic story didn’t end in Rio. In 2024, Charity was part of the Team Canada squad that earned a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. “Winning silver was amazing, but it wasn’t just about the medal,” she explains. “It was about what we accomplished as a team. The challenges we faced and overcame together over the past three years made that achievement so meaningful. We inspired each other every day, and I think that was felt by everyone who watched and supported us.”

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Charity remains committed to her sport and to inspiring the next generation of rugby players. Currently, she plays for another of Kukri’s official partners; the University of British Columbia (UBC) and has her sights set on winning a national championship with her team. “Right now, I’m focused on enjoying my time at UBC, connecting with the team, and having a blast,” she says. “Of course, I’m also hoping for another Olympic run in the future!”

Beyond her personal goals, Charity is passionate about creating a more inclusive and diverse rugby environment for future athletes.

Reflections on Black History Month

For Charity, Black History Month is a significant time to reflect, learn, and listen. “For me, and for people who look like me, Black History Month is every month because I am who I am 365 days a year,” she says.

Rugby in Canada has made strides in diversity and inclusivity, but Charity is quick to point out that more work needs to be done. She reflects on her experience as the only Black player selected to Canada’s rugby squad at the 2016 Olympics. “I felt a huge responsibility to be a role model for young Black kids across the country. It wasn’t that there was a lack of talented Black athletes—there was a lack of safe spaces and opportunities for them to thrive,” she explains.

Fast forward to Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and Charity saw firsthand how the national team had evolved. “By the time we reached Tokyo and Paris, we had a much more diverse squad, and it made all the difference. Everyone felt seen, heard, and valued. That’s the rugby I want to see going forward.”

Championing Inclusivity in Rugby

As Charity looks to the future, she hopes to continue being a voice for change within rugby. “Rugby is such a beautiful sport, and the opportunities it offers are endless. But everyone deserves access to those opportunities,” she says. “We need to keep pushing for a sport that is inclusive, diverse, and safe for all athletes, regardless of their background.”

With her Olympic medals, inspiring journey, and vision for the future, Charity remains a trailblazer both on and off the field—a powerful example of resilience, passion, and the importance of representation.

10/10/2024

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Kukri Sports is standing together with its partner athletes to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in sports.

Athletes from British Fencing, England Lacrosse, Loughborough Lightning & Somerset County Cricket Club have shared their personal stories and advice on how they maintain mental well-being, showing that mental health is just as important as physical fitness in achieving athletic success.

Observed annually on 10 October, World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote support for those affected by mental health challenges.

Kukri Sports plays a vital role in helping athletes feel comfortable and confident, both on and off the field. By providing high-quality, inclusive teamwear, Kukri ensures athletes can focus on their performance while feeling supported by their sportswear.

Athletes Reflections:

Will Smeed (Somerset County Cricket Club) emphasizes connection:

“To prioritise my mental health whilst playing professional sport, I make sure to stay connected with my friends and family. This helps me stay level throughout the inevitable highs and lows of sport.

“Being mentally healthy is just as important as physical health when it comes to being able to perform on the pitch.”

Hal Dwobeng (England Lacrosse) highlights balance:

“I’d say making sure I remember to have fun when playing lacrosse, even if it’s something like an international event and regardless of result. As an amateur athlete, it’s important to use the sport as a good life balance from work.

Julie Wise & Freya Moody (England Lacrosse) stresses rest and outdoor activities:

“Resting when you need to! Appreciate the small things.

“I like to spend time outside, either by going outside for a walk or run with my mates to clear my head, which will help me to perform my best on the pitch.”

Kieran Molloy (boxing ambassador) addresses loneliness:

“It can be very lonely as a professional athlete at times. Full-time training away from family and friends, but I always remember why I’m doing this. It’s important to have a reason for why you’re doing something.

“Keeping a small, trustworthy group around you is so important.”

Piers Gilliver (British Fencing) shares insights on pressure:

“Being an athlete comes with high pressure and mental challenges. It’s crucial to take mental health seriously in sport.”

Bella Baylis (Loughborough Lightning) emphasizes the strength in asking for help:

“I’ve come to realise that my mental health is just as important as my physical health. I used to believe that asking for help when I was struggling was a sign of weakness. But that couldn’t be further from the truth; it’s a sign of strength and takes real courage to open up.

“Whether that’s talking to a teammate, coach, family member, or professional, being able to prioritise your mental wellness is vital to make sure you can perform at your best both on and off the court.”

Javier & Joaquin Bello (Beach Volleyball ambassadors) emphasise daily check-ins:

“Mental health is a key part of how we approach our performance. We make it a habit to check in on each other every day, whether it’s reflecting on how we’re feeling after training and matches, or just making sure we show support to each other.”

Kukri is committed to providing athletes with comfortable and inclusive sportswear that helps them feel confident and supported on the field. By promoting mental health awareness and sharing athlete insights, Kukri aims to contribute to a more supportive and understanding environment for athletes of all levels.

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.

10/10/202410/10/2024

Kukri Sports is delighted to congratulate its long-standing partner, Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI), on their record-breaking year of sporting achievements.

As a proud partner, Kukri collaborates with RBAI to create bespoke sportswear designs, ensuring that RBAI students can perform at their peak levels.

Rugby dominance

RBAI’s rugby teams had an outstanding season, defeating Ballymena Academy to secure back-to-back Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup and claim RBAI’s 34^th outright schools’ cup.

A great display saw the team claim back-to-back Medallion Shield titles, winning their 37^th medallion shield and surpassing Methodist College Belfast to become the most successful school in the competition. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the teams’ spirit, determination and hunger.

Hockey triumph

The school’s triumphs continued with RBAI’s hockey club being crowned champions of the John Minnis Burney Cup with a deserved 2-1 win over Banbridge Academy, ending a 20 year wait in front of a packed crowd.

In the McCullough Cup, the first XI finished joint top in the league stage after winning six of their seven league matches.

Cricket teams’ dominance

In Cricket, RBAI 1^st XI triumphed to win a record 13^th Ulster Schools’ Cup after a dominant 126 run victory. against Ballyclare High. The team also continued their dominance by winning the McCullough Cup for the 10th time in 11 years.

RBAI’s cricket talent shone across all age levels, with other achievements including:

• 2^nd XI – Winners of the Duke of Abercorn Cup
• U15 XI – Winners of Ulster Schools’ Plate
• U14 XI – Winners of Derriaghy Cup
• U13A – Winners of Mourne Cup
• U12 XI – Winners of Centenary Cup

Commenting on the school’s achievements and the partnership, a spokesperson from Royal Belfast Academical Institution, said “RBAI’s partnership with Kukri Sports continues to go from strength so strength. Their sportswear has been a consistent and reliable part of our teams’ success across multiple sports, including rugby, hockey and cricket.

“The quality of kit, combined with their commitment to understanding our specific needs, has been instrumental in helping our athletes to perform at their best.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership and breaking more records on the pitch.”

Neil Patterson, Country Manager for N.I. and R.OI., said “We are very proud to be a part of RBAI’s remarkable journey and success across multiple sports this year.

Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and dedication of their students and staff, and it’s an honour to support them with sportswear that reflects their heritage and fuels their performances.”

Kukri’s broader presence in Ireland

Kukri has established itself as the leading sportswear supplier in the education sector across Ireland, partnering with numerous schools and universities to provide custom-designed sportswear tailored to the needs of developing athletes.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SUPPORT IN IRELAND < https://www.kukrisports.com/uk/news/kukri-sports-in-ireland/ >

As RBAI continues to build on its strong sporting legacy, Kukri remains committed to supporting the school in its future endeavours, helping their athletes continue to push boundaries and set new records.

About RBAI

Royal Belfast Academical Institution is one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious schools, known for its rich tradition of excellence in both academics and sport.

The school has a long-standing reputation for producing elite athletes across rugby, hockey and cricket, instilling values of teamwork, resilience and commitment.

Are you looking to upgrade your sportswear and unleash your greatness? Whatever your sport, we’ve got you covered.

07/10/202407/10/2024

After the conclusion of this year’s Paralympic Games, Kukri Sports are proud to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of its affiliated athletes, who played a pivotal role in Team GB’s success.

This year’s games saw 11 days of exceptional talent and determination on the world’s biggest stage, with Team GB finishing second in the overall medal table with a total of 124 medals.

25 Kukri-affiliated athletes, who also represent key partners such as England Athletics, British Wheelchair Basketball, British Fencing and Loughborough University, showcased remarkable performances.

Collectively, they won an impressive total of 35 medals, including 15 golds, 12 silvers and 8 bronzes.

Dimitri Coutya Shines

British Fencing’s Dimitri Coutya delivered remarkable performances, securing his first paralympic wheelchair fencing gold medal in the men’s foil B category.

As the current world number one, Coutya didn’t stop there, going on to claim a second gold in the men’s individual epee B final. His incredible run culminated with a silver and bronze, finishing the games with four medals across all events and cementing his position as one of the standout athletes at this year’s games.

His teammate, Piers Gilliver, also impressed to win silver in the men’s Sabre A, helping Team GB to finish second in the wheelchair fencing table.

England Athletics’ impressive medal haul

Kukri’s long-standing partner, England Athletics, won eight medals. Headlining the achievements was Hannah Cockroft, who successfully defended her women’s T34 100m for the third time.

Kate Adenegan continued her impressive Paralympic career, winning two silver medals in the 100m and 800m T34 events, bringing her total to seven Paralympic medals, having won silver in every race since Rio 2016.

Dan Pembroke delivered one of the most stunning performances of the games, smashing the world record in the Javelin F35 event with an outstanding throw of 74.49 metres.

His remarkable performance saw him retain his title, reaffirming his dominance on the world’s biggest stage.

Bo Kramer leads Netherlands to glory & GB Men make history

Loughborough Lightning star Bo Kramer delivered a standout performance in the Wheelchair Basketball final, helping the Netherlands successfully defend their Paralympic crown.

As the team’s top scorer, Kramer led her team to a thrilling 63-49 victory against America.

Meanwhile, GB Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team, under the governance of Kukri partner British Wheelchair Basketball, made history by securing their first silver medal in 28 years, marking a major achievement for the sport.

The GB Women’s team also delivered strong performances, finishing fifth overall, showing their growing competitiveness on the world stage.

Loughborough University athletes impress

Loughborough University-linked athletes once again demonstrated their versatility and sporting prowess across multiple sports, securing 19 medals and bringing their combined tally to 35 medals across both games.

Standout performers included Tully Kearney, who claimed two golds in the 100m and 200m Freestyle S5 events. Brent Lakatos added to his medal haul with a gold medal in the Men’s 800m t53 and a silver in the Men’s 400m T35 wheelchair racing events.

Meanwhile, Dave Ellis and his guide Luke Pollard dominated the paratriathlon, winning gold in the Men’s PTVI event.

Commenting on the outstanding successes from athletes linked to Kukri across the Paralympics, Andy Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports, said “We are very proud of the incredible achievements of our affiliated athletes at this year’s Paralympic Games.

“Their dedication, talent, and perseverance has been inspiring, and it’s a privilege to witness them reach new heights on the global stage.

“At Kukri, we are committed to providing the highest level of innovative sportswear for our partners to help these athletes shine on their journeys and achieve optimum performance. Their success motivates us to continue developing cutting-edge apparel that empowers athletes to push more boundaries and achieve greatness.”

Paralympic games medallists affiliated with Kukri Sports:

• Ali Smith – Loughborough University (Silver, Athletics – Mixed 4 x 100 metres relay)
• Anna Nicholson – England Athletics (Gold, Athletics – Shot put F35 event)
• Bo Kramer – Loughborough University (Gold, Wheelchair Basketball)
• Brent Lakatos – Loughborough University (Gold & Silver, Wheelchair event – Men’s 800m T53 & Men’s 400m T53)
• Claire Cashmore – Loughborough University (Silver, Paratriathlon – Women’s PTS5)
• Dan Pembroke – England Athletics (Gold, Athletics – Javelin F35 event)
• Dave Ellis – Loughborough University (Gold, Paratriathlon – Men’s PTVI)
• Didi Okoh – England Athletics & Loughborough University (Bronze, Athletics – 100m T63 event)
• Dimitri Coutya – British Fencing (Gold x2, Silver x1 & Bronze x1, Wheelchair Fencing)
• Hannah Cockroft – England Athletics (Gold x2, Athletics – 100m T34 & 800m T34)
• Hannah Moore – Loughborough University (Bronze, Paratriathlon – Women’s PTS4)
• Hollie Arnold – Loughborough University (Bronze, Athletics – Women’s javelin F46)
• Jenny Holl – Loughborough Lightning (Gold & Silver, Track Cycling)
• Jonnie Peacock – Loughborough University (Silver, Athletics – Mixed 4 x 100 metres relay)
• Kare Adenegan – England Athletics (Silver x2, Athletics – 100m T34 & 800m T34)
• Kadeena Cox – Man Met University Alumnus (Gold, Cycling – Mixed team sprint C1-5)
• Luke Pollard – Loughborough University (Gold, Paratriathlon – Men’s PTVI)
• Mark Swan – Loughborough University (Silver, Powerlifting – Men’s up to 65kg)
• Ollie Liam-Watson – British Fencing (Silver & Bronze, Wheelchair Fencing)
• Olivia Broome – Loughborough University (Bronze, Powerlifting – Women’s up to 50kg)
• Piers Gilliver – British Fencing (Silver & Bronze, Wheelchair Fencing)
• Rebecca Redfern – University of Worcester (Gold, Swimming – Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB13)
• Tully Kearney – Loughborough University-based & Man Met Alumnus (Gold x2, Swimming – 100m freestyle S5 & 200m freestyle S5)
• Zac Shaw – England Athletics & Loughborough University (Bronze, Athletics – 100m T12)
• Zoe Newson – Loughborough University (Silver, Powerlifting – Women’s up to 45kg)

Kukri remains dedicated to creating high-quality, bespoke sportswear that empowers athletes to excel.

Contact us to learn how we can support you in achieving greatness in your sport.

04/10/202404/10/2024

As we continue our Black History Month series at Kukri Sports, we’re proud to showcase athletes who embody excellence and perseverance in their respective sports. Today, we spotlight Kiki Idowu, an athlete who has not only excelled in rugby but is also committed to uplifting others and forging new paths for future Black athletes.

From Hockey to Rugby: Kiki’s Journey into the Sport

Kiki Idowu’s journey to rugby wasn’t a straight path. Growing up, she took part in a variety of sports, from hockey to gymnastics, swimming, basketball, and athletics. But despite her success in many of these sports, she never felt truly fulfilled. It wasn’t until a former flag football coach suggested she try rugby that Kiki found her true passion.

“Try it out, I think you’ll like it,” her coach had said. And five years later, rugby has not only become a sport Kiki enjoys, but one in which she has thrived. Despite her relatively short time in the game, Kiki’s progress has been remarkable. She’s represented Canada’s national teams at both the 15s and 7s level, and she’s played at the university level for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

Rugby, Kiki says, has shown her that the hard work, goals, and natural talent she possesses all serve a greater purpose. And while she’s already achieved so much, she knows her journey is just beginning. “I have a long career ahead of me with more international appearances and more rugby to be played!” she says confidently.

Representing Canada on the Global Stage

Kiki’s rugby career is already filled with highlights. Most notably, this past summer, when she was selected to join Canada’s Under-20 National Team, which visited Cardiff, Wales, to compete against top international teams including England, USA, and Wales.

“We were considered the underdogs,” Kiki recalls, “but we came away with three wins and invaluable memories.” Representing her country and securing victories over high-level teams brought immense pride to Kiki and her teammates. “It was a surreal feeling, making your country proud and wearing that pride on your chest.”

This feeling wasn’t new to Kiki. She also earned silver with Canada’s Under-18 7s team at the Youth Commonwealth Games. Once again, they entered the competition ranked 4th and finished two spots higher, a testament to their hard work and determination.

For Kiki, these experiences have been about more than just the medals and wins. They represent the culmination of hard work, discipline, and the opportunity to show the world what she and her teammates are capable of.

Hopes for the Future

Looking ahead, Kiki has no plans of slowing down. She hopes to continue performing at a high level and push herself to overcome new challenges and set new goals. But beyond the personal accolades and triumphs, she hopes to give back to the rugby community that has given her so much.

“I want to continue growing as a player and a person so I can give back to rugby,” she says. Her future is not just about success on the field, but about building lifelong friendships and creating meaningful relationships along the way. And, of course, she wants to continue making her country proud as she carries the values of the Maple Leaf with her wherever her career takes her.

The Importance of Black History Month

For Kiki, Black History Month is more than just a celebration—it’s a platform. As a Black woman in rugby, she is keenly aware of her position as a minority, but she embraces the opportunity to lead by example.

“There is power in being a minority,” she says. “My actions can aid in paving the way for future Black rugby players.” Black History Month provides her with the chance to share her story, uplift other Black athletes, and engage in important conversations about inclusivity within the sport.

Kiki is passionate about ensuring that the next generation of Black athletes sees someone who looks like them excelling in rugby. For her, the month is about celebrating the joy of being Black, while also using her voice to inspire and lead.

Conclusion: Kiki Idowu, A Leader On and Off the Field

Kiki Idowu’s journey is one of determination, talent, and leadership. She has already achieved so much in her rugby career, and her future looks even brighter. As she continues to blaze a trail on the rugby field, she also remains committed to using her platform to uplift others and push for inclusivity in the sport.

This Black History Month, we celebrate Kiki’s successes and her vision for the future. She is not only an exceptional athlete but an inspiring role model for Black athletes everywhere. We look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next, both on and off the field.