Category: News

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.

01/10/202401/10/2024

As we embrace Black History Month, Kukri Sports is proud to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of Black athletes, particularly those associated with our valued partners, such as England Athletics and Team Canada. Throughout the month, we will be publishing a series of stories that highlight the remarkable journeys and successes of these athletes, offering a platform for their voices, and highlighting the vital role Black individuals play in sports worldwide.

For Kukri Sports, Black History Month is an essential reminder of the power of representation and the importance of ensuring that diverse stories are told and celebrated. The athletes we will spotlight have not only excelled in their sports but have also become powerful role models for future generations, challenging barriers and driving change within their fields. By sharing their achievements, we hope to inspire others and contribute to a broader conversation around inclusion, empowerment, and the ongoing fight for equality.

Our wide range of partners align perfectly with our mission to support talent from all backgrounds. These organisations, dedicated to fostering diversity in sports, mirror our commitment to breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for athletes from underrepresented communities to shine. We’re excited to showcase their stories throughout this month.

At Kukri Sports, we believe that Black History Month is not just a celebration of the past, but also a powerful message for the present and future. It is an opportunity for reflection, education, and recognition of the work that still needs to be done to ensure equality in all areas of life, including sports.

“At Kukri Sports, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, and Black History Month gives us an important opportunity to celebrate the incredible contributions of Black athletes. Their dedication, resilience, and achievements inspire us all. Through our partnerships we are proud to share their stories, promoting diversity both in sports and in the wider community. This month is about honoring the past and building a future where everyone has the chance to succeed.” Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO, Kukri Sports

As we honour Black History Month, we invite our community to join us in this celebration, to learn from these inspiring individuals, and to champion diversity, both on and off the field. Stay tuned to our platforms as we bring you exclusive insights into the incredible athletes who inspire us and lead by example, reminding us all of the importance of perseverance, excellence, and unity in sport. Together, let’s celebrate the power of sport to break barriers and create lasting change.

Follow our news stories this month and join us in celebrating Black history, excellence, and the ongoing achievements of these outstanding athletes.

27/09/202426/09/2024

At Kukri Sports, we believe our partnerships with universities, schools, and elite sports clubs go beyond providing high-quality teamwear. We’re dedicated to offering opportunities for growth and development within the communities we serve. Our internship program is one such initiative, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in the sports industry. Recently, we had the pleasure of working with Ahmed Ahmed, a third-year marketing student from our Official Partner, the University of Leicester. Ahmed’s time with us was an example of how our partnerships deliver more than just products.

Ahmed joined us with a passion for marketing and sports, and he quickly became a valuable part of our team. Reflecting on his journey, he shared: “My internship at Kukri Sports has been an incredible journey. It has given me the opportunity to step outside of the classroom and into the fast-paced world of sports marketing, and I’ve loved every moment of it.”

Engaging with University Communities
Ahmed’s role included representing Kukri at freshers’ events, working alongside our Sales Managers to engage with students and introduce them to our teamwear products. He also created dynamic social media content that captured the excitement of the events.

“One of the most exciting parts of my internship was representing Kukri at various universities. These events were packed with energy, and it was my job to engage with students and help build a connection between them and the brand,” Ahmed explained. “It was a fantastic learning experience, especially in creating quick, engaging content for social media.”

Social Media Strategy
Ahmed also contributed to our social media strategy. He conducted a thorough analysis of our social media platforms, comparing engagement rates and content effectiveness against our competitors.

“Another key part of my role involved analysing Kukri’s social media channels. Presenting my findings to the Marketing team, was both challenging and rewarding. It was great knowing that the research I’d done could help shape the company’s future marketing efforts,” Ahmed noted. His insights brought new ideas to our digital strategy, helping us enhance our online presence.

Exposure to Strategic Marketing
Ahmed’s internship extended beyond everyday tasks, as he participated in high-level meetings with senior managers and external design agencies. This gave him valuable insight into the strategic side of marketing, allowing him to understand the importance of cross-team collaboration in executing successful campaigns.

“Attending meetings with senior managers gave me a deeper understanding of the strategic side of marketing and how decisions are made,” Ahmed reflected. This experience broadened his knowledge of the marketing process and highlighted the importance of teamwork in the success of campaigns.

Bringing Classroom Learning to Life
Ahmed’s time at Kukri also allowed him to apply his academic knowledge to real-world situations. From event management to social media analysis, Ahmed was able to use his university training in ways that made a tangible impact on our business.

“The best part of this internship was taking what I’ve learned in my university classes and applying it in the real world. The hands-on experience has been invaluable, and it’s made me more excited than ever to pursue a career in sports marketing,” he shared.

More Than Just Teamwear
Ahmed Ahmed’s journey with Kukri Sports demonstrates our commitment to providing more than just teamwear to our partners. We’re proud to offer real-world opportunities for students to gain experience, grow their skills, and contribute to our business.

As Ahmed summed up: “My time at Kukri has been transformative. I’ve gained new skills, experiences, and confidence, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!”

“As a company, we’re committed to developing the next generation of talent by providing meaningful, hands-on experiences. Ahmed’s contributions during his time with us have been a perfect example of how fresh perspectives and enthusiasm can enhance our team while offering students real-world insights into sports marketing.” – Karl Middleton, Marketing Manager at Kukri Sports

We are proud to be part of Ahmed’s development and will continue to offer similar opportunities to students across our partner network, ensuring that our commitment to excellence extends well beyond sportswear.

09/09/202406/09/2024

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 7^th 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 10^th 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)
• Georgia Taylor-Brown – Leeds Beckett University Alumni (Bronze, mixed relay triathlon)
• 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.

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