Rising Para-Athletics Star Amy Thompson Extends Partnership With Kukri Sports
Kukri Sports is proud to announce rising para-athlete Amy Thompson, the current UK number one F41 shot putter, has extended her partnership from England Athletics Youth Talent Programme to become a full brand ambassador.
Amy has had an incredible year, achieving a personal best of over 8 metres, winning the ambulant shot-put championship at the Senior Championships and making her debut appearance at this year’s Loughborough International.
“I’m beyond excited to continue my partnership with Kukri Sports,” Amy said.
“This past year has been a breakthrough for me, and the support I’ve received from Kukri has been a key part of that. It’s been a year full of great milestones, and I’m grateful to have Kukri by my side as I continue to push forward.”
Amy, who is currently studying Biomedical Science at Liverpool John Moores University, is a shining example of dedication and hard work, making her a great fir for the brand.
Reflecting on the Youth Talent Programme and her experience, Amy said, “The education from the programme was invaluable.
“It helped me understand the financial and logistical aspects of the sport and travelling to competitions. Little things like that really help you as a young athlete to develop and gain a broader knowledge of what is involved.”
Looking ahead to the future, Amy is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. “My goal for this year, with the support of the Paralympic Futures Programme, is to compete in more international competitions and continue to improve my training and overall performances,” she shared.
“Hopefully I can get to the U20 World Championships next year and showcase my talent on a bigger stage.”
Kukri Sports is proud to support Amy Thompson and is excited to welcome her as a full brand ambassador.
Keep an eye out for the announcement of our new Youth Talent Programme Ambassadors.
BHM: RUGBY SCHOOL TALENT JANE – FROM GYMNASTICS TO NETBALL’S RISING STAR
As Black History Month concludes, Kukri Sports proudly spotlights Jane, a standout student-athlete from Rugby School who is making waves in netball with her inspiring journey and bold aspirations.
From Local Talent to International Hopes
For Jane, netball has been a transformative journey that began with exposure to various sports in her hometown. “Sport has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’d started with gymnastics before I’d even begun school,” Jane reflects.
As she grew older, Jane experimented with different sports, but it was in primary school that a netball coach recognised her potential and encouraged her to join a local club.
“My coach really pushed me to keep going. I started trials for county-level competitions and my first franchise, Loughborough Lightning. I’ve never looked back.”
Now a defender for Birmingham Panthers in their U19s long squad, Jane’s journey from early practice to competitive netball has been one of hard work and triumph. “Netball has always been my happy place. There’s nothing like defending – it’s such a thrill to stop a play and protect my team’s side of the court,” she says.
Aiming For the Future: England U17 Trials and International Ambitions
One of Jane’s proudest moments came this year, when she was selected for the England Netball U17 trials and part of their Europe netball squad. “Getting to that level was such an honour. It felt like all the years of training were finally paying off,” she shares.
With her sights set on the 2032 Olympics in Australia, where netball is expected to debut, Jane dreams of representing her country on the world’s biggest stage and aspires to join Australia’s renowned Suncorp League.
“Playing in the Suncorp League would be amazing. Competing in a different league would challenge me and help me grow as a player. In the short term, Jane is aiming to join a Super League team and become part of the England Future Roses squad.
Honouring Black History Month: Celebrating a Legacy of Strength
For Jane, Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of those who have paved the way. “It’s about celebrating amazing Black people who faced tremendous challenges but still accomplished so much,” she explains.
“Their resilience inspires me, and I hope my story can encourage others to keep pushing forward.”
Kukri Sports’ Commitment to Supporting Young Athletes and Future Champions
Kukri Sports is proud to champion young athletes like Jane, providing high-quality sportswear and resources through partnerships with Rugby School and other leading educational institutions.
Our commitment helps students pursue their sports dreams and reach their full potential, from grassroots to global competitions.
Kukri Sports: Driving Innovation in Hockey Worldwide
Kukri Sports is making waves in the world of hockey, establishing itself as a leading provider of high-quality performance sportswear designed to meet the unique demands of the sport.
With a dedication to quality and innovation, Kukri is becoming the go-to choice for hockey teams and athletes worldwide, helping to enhance their performance on and off the field.
Building a global Hockey community
Kukri’s influence in the hockey community continues to expand, forging strong connections with grassroots clubs and educational institutions around the world.
Partnerships with established grassroots clubs like Pegasus Hockey Club, Provincial Sporting Bodies such as Field Hockey BC, and university teams like Loughborough University and Melbourne University Hockey Club highlight our ability to deliver bespoke sportswear solutions tailored to each team’s specific needs.
A standout example of Kukri’s commitment to the sport is its long-standing partnership with Pegasus Hockey Club, a grassroots team based in Northern Ireland.
As their teamwear supplier for over 20 years, Kukri has played a fundamental role in their success, providing over 5,000 custom-designed kits crafted for peak performance and inspiring players to reach their full potential.
Kukri has established a strong presence in Australia, a country where hockey is deeply ingrained in the sporting culture.
The brand proudly partners with numerous organisations across the continent, including Cairns Hockey Association, Melbourne High School Old Boys Hockey Club, La Trobe University Hockey Club, Melbourne University Hockey Club and Kedron Wavell Hockey club.
Across the Pacific Ocean, Kukri continues to develop its presence in North America, with partners such as Vancouver Hawks Field Hockey Club and Field Hockey BC.
Fostering grassroots development
In addition to its partnership with Pegasus Hockey Club, Kukri’s strategy is deeply rooted in a commitment to grassroots development.
By supplying schools, clubs and universities with innovative sportswear, Kukri nurtures the next generation of players. The company collaborates with educational institutions including; Nottingham Trent University, Rugby School and Royal School Armagh, with the latter being crowned last season’s Kate Russell All-Ireland Senior Schoolgirls’ title to cap off a dream season.
Dedication to quality & innovation
Kukri’s approach to hockey is grounded in a pursuit of quality and innovation. Each piece of sportswear is meticulously designed to withstand the rigors of the game, utilising advanced materials that enhance comfort, durability and performance.
Kukri offers a wide range of customizable kits that blend design with functionality, ensuring players can perform confidently at every level.
Design your custom Hockey kit
Elevate your team’s performance with Kukri’s bespoke hockey kits, choose from hundreds of designs and get started today.
Kukri Sports and Partner Athletes Unite for World Mental Health Day
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.
“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.”
“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.
KUKRI SPORTS CELEBRATES 35 MEDALS WON BY AFFILIATED ATHLETES AT PARALYMPIC GAMES
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)
Kukri Sports has established a significant presence in the world of rugby, becoming synonymous with high-quality sportswear that meets the rigorous demands of the game.
With a relentless commitment to excellence and innovation, Kukri is the leading choice for rugby teams and players globally, enhancing performance both on and off the pitch.
Building a Global Rugby Network
Kukri’s influence in rugby spans the globe, with strong connections to national governing bodies, professional clubs, grassroots clubs and education-based teams in diverse regions.
Partnerships with elite clubs such as Waikato Rugby Club, National Governing Bodies such as Hong Kong Rugby Union, and grassroots clubs like Bahrain RFC highlight Kukri’s ability to deliver tailored sportswear solutions that cater to each team’s unique needs.
A standout in this global network is Kukri’s long-standing partnership with the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens tournament. As a key partner for 19 years, Kukri supplies high-performance kits for both the Hong Kong men’s and women’s teams.
This collaboration was recently celebrated when the men’s team, outfitted in Kukri’s elite sportswear, won the inaugural Melrose Claymores competition.
Strengthening Rugby in Australasia & North America
Kukri continues to make significant strides in Australasia, a region where rugby is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric.
The brand has forged strong partnerships, including being the official kit supplier for Waikato Rugby Club in New Zealand and Norths Rugby Club in Australia.
The long-standing collaboration with Waikato Rugby Club since 2009 underscores Kukri’s commitment to encouraging participation and supporting the sport’s growth, supplying playing and training kits for their NPC and FPC teams, as well as the club’s age-grade teams.
Across the Pacific Ocean, Kukri continues to develop its presence in North America, with partners such as Nova Scotia Keltics, Rugby Alberta and University of British Columbia Rugby.
By supplying these organisations and clubs with market-leading sportswear, Kukri ensures that teams at all levels have access to high-quality sportswear, allowing players to perform with confidence and pride.
Enhancing Rugby in the UK & Ireland
In the UK, Kukri is proud to be the official kit supplier for a variety of teams, including Loughborough Lightning, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Exeter.
This year, Kukri’s sportswear inspired Loughborough University’s men’s and women’s teams to this year’s BUCS Super Rugby finals, with the men’s team winning their first ever title in an all-Kukri clash against Exeter University.
Kukri also maintains a strong presence in Ireland, partnering with clubs such as Dungannon Rugby Club, Cork Constitution RFC and Galwegians RFC.
Dedication to innovation & quality
Kukri’s presence in rugby is rooted in its relentless focus on innovation and quality. Every piece of sportswear is designed with precision to meet the sport’s intense demands, featuring advanced materials and ergonomic designs that maximise comfort and performance.
As a leading rugby sportswear supplier, Kukri continues to empower teams with sportswear that combines cutting-edge designs, comfort and quality for all levels, from grassroots to elite teams.
Explore Kukri’s bespoke Rugby kits
Elevate your team’s performance with Kukri’s bespoke rugby kits. Discover how our customised sportswear can make a difference.
KUKRI SPORTS CELEBRATES AFFILIATED ATHLETES’ OUTSTANDING SUCCESS AT OLYMPIC GAMES
As the curtain falls on this year’s Olympic Games, Kukri Sports proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of its affiliated athletes in Paris.
From 26 July to 11 August, the games displayed unparalleled talent and determination, with 10,500 athletes competing across 32 sports over 17 days.
23 Kukri-affiliated athletes, affiliated with key Kukri partners such as British Gymnastics, England Athletics, Loughborough University and Leeds Beckett University, delivered exceptional performances, securing a total of 27 medals, including five gold that led to Team GB finishing 7th in the overall medal table.
Loughborough University athletes shine bright
Kukri-affiliated athletes from Loughborough University, a key partner for over a decade, excelled in this year’s games, bringing home 16 medals: four gold, four silver and eight bronze across swimming, triathlon, rowing, athletics and cycling.
Among the standout performers were Sophie Capewell, wining gold in the team sprint Track Cycling event and Daniel Wiffin, who celebrated a historic gold medal victory in the Men’s 800m (Swimming) Freestyle, becoming the first individual athlete from Northern Ireland to win gold since 1972.
Bryony Page completes her medal collection
British Trampoline gymnast, Bryony Page, made history by winning gold in the Trampoline event, completing her set of Olympic medals with previous silvers (Tokyo 2020) and bronzes (Rio de Janeiro 2016).
As a member of the British Gymnastics team, Bryony benefits from Kukri’s partnership as the official teamwear partner, supplying high-quality sportswear for gymnasts and coaches across all gymnastics disciplines.
Bryony was also named as one of Team GB’s flagbearers for the closing ceremony and was joined on the podium by Jake Jarman, who won bronze in the men’s floor routine.
Keely Hodgkinson’s historic gold & England Athletics’ success
Keely Hodgkinson became only the 10th British woman in history to win athletics gold, triumphing in the women’s 800 metres event.
A former student of Leeds Beckett University – another key partner of Kukri – Keely was joined by 18 other England Athletic teammates in winning medals, including those earned by Matt Hudson-Smith, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Darryl Neita.
Andy Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports, said “As a brand dedicated to empowering athletes to reach their full potential, we are delighted to celebrate the incredible achievements of our affiliated athletes at this year’s Olympic Games.
“Their dedication and hard work have been inspiring, and we congratulate every athlete on their success. We now look forward to supporting them as they continue to push more boundaries.”
Kukri is proud of the Olympic medallists affiliated with the brand. Their achievements exemplify the spirit and perseverance that Kukri strives to embody in all its partnerships.
Olympic medallists affiliated with Kukri Sports:
Adam Peaty – Loughborough University Alumni (Silver, Men’s 100m breaststroke)
Alex Haydock-Wilson – England Athletics (Bronze, 4x 400m event)
Alex Yee – Leeds Beckett University Alumni (Gold, Men’s Individual triathlon)
Amber Anning – England Athletics (Bronze, 4x 400m event)
Amy Hunt – England Athletics (Silver, 4x 100m event)
Annie Orde-Campbell – Loughborough University Alumni (Bronze, Women’s eight rowing)
Beth Potter – Loughborough University Alumni (Bronze, Women’s Individual Triathlon)
Bryony Page – British Gymnastics (Gold, Women’s Trampoline event)
Charlie Dobson – England Athletics (Bronze, 4x 400m event)
Daniel Wiffin – Loughborough University Alumni (Gold, 800m freestyle event)
Darryl Neita – England Athletics & Cambridge Harriers (Silver, 4x 100m event)
Dina Asher-Smith – England Athletics (Silver, 4x 100m event)
Georgia Bell – England Athletics (Bronze, 1500m event)
Imani-Lara Lansiquot – England Athletics (Silver, 4x 100m event)
Jake Jarman – British Gymnastics (Bronze, Men’s floor exercise)
Katarina Johnson-Thompson – England Athletics (Silver, Heptathlon)
Keely Hodgkinson – Leeds Beckett University Alumni & England Athletics athlete (Gold, 800m)
Laviai Nielson – England Athletics (Bronze, 4x 400m event)
Lewis Davey – England Athletics (Bronze, 4x 400m event)
Matt Hudson-Smith – England Athletics (Silver, 400m)
Sam Reardon – England Athletics (Bronze, mixed 400m event)
Sophie Capewell – Loughborough University Alumni (Gold, women’s sprint track cycling)
Victoria Ohuruogu – England Athletics (Bronze, 4x 400m event)
The company remains dedicated to providing high-quality, innovative sportswear that meets the needs of world-class athletes, enabling them to perform at their best and achieve their goals.
School sports play a vital role in shaping young lives.
As part of our ‘Your Partner in Every Sport’ campaign, we are excited to shine a spotlight on our commitment to supporting schools worldwide.
Russell McCluskey, Director of Sport at Kings College School Wimbledon, said“Whether it be the ease of communication, quality of kit for both pupils of staff, or the efficiency of the turnaround at crucial times of the school year, we have been delighted with the service from Kukri.“
Schools face the challenge of balancing academic excellence with athletic achievement. At Kukri, we provide solutions that are not only functional but inspiring, catering to the unique needs of school sports programmes while maintaining affordability and durability.
Kukri offers a comprehensive range of school sportswear that is not only functional, but also designed to inspire young athletes.
Our commitment to affordability, durability and customisation ensures that every student can feel part of the team.
How Kukri supports schools
We’re more than your average sportswear supplier; we offer a range of services designed to support and enhance school sports programmes:
University sports are where tomorrow’s champions are made.
As part of our ‘Your Partner in Every Sport’ campaign, we are proud to highlight our partnerships with leading universities.
These institutions are not just academic powerhouses; they are the breeding ground for future sporting stars, where the values of camaraderie, teamwork and dedication are instilled.
To meet the rigorous demands of balancing academics with competitive sports, universities need sportswear solutions that are versatile, inclusive, durable and reliable.
“We have been working with Kukri for over a decade and really value the partnership,” said James Hayter, Director of Sport at Nottingham Trent University.
“Kukri has helped us to develop a distinctive range of playing kit and leisure wear that is instantly recognisable and has made the NTU community proud of their identity and Kukri kit.”
University athletes are not only committed to excelling in their respective sports but also to maintaining high academic standards.
At Kukri, we go beyond our role as a teamwear supplier, offering comprehensive support that helps athletes succeed both on and off the pitch.
How Kukri Supports Universities
Bespoke Design & Customisation: Creating unique and impactful teamwear that reflects the university’s identity and unites students.
Performance-Driven sportswear: Utilising advanced materials and cutting-edge technology to optimise athlete comfort, performance and recovery.
Inclusive sizing: Catering to all students, ensuring that every athlete feels part of the team regardless of ability, size or gender.
Wide range of products: Offering everything from high-performance kits for teams to comfortable and durable teamwear for intramural and recreational sports.
Sustainable sportswear: Offering sustainable fabric options across a full range of products.
Efficient turnaround times: Ensuring that teams receive their teamwear in time for the start of the season with a 3-week lead time on orders.
Premium account support: Allocated account managers and student sport activator to support requirements.
Investing in student success: Investing in scholarships and hardship funds, as well as offering internship opportunities to help students reach their full potential.
For more information on how we can help you with your university sportswear needs, click here.
We are proud to partner with leading universities worldwide, including Loughborough University, Nottingham Trent University, Plymouth Marjon University plus many more.