IAAF announce new Asics kit partnership deal

ASICS and the IAAF on Saturday announced a new multiple-year partnership with the Japanese firm moments after key reforms were passed by the world athletics governing body.

The news came less than 24 hours after IAAF severed links with German firm Adidas three years early over integrity issues the reforms championed by its president Lord Sebastian Coe are meant to address.

“As Official IAAF Partner, ASICS will be present at and involved in all IAAF World Athletics Series events including the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London, GBR (4-13 August 2017) and the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, QAT.

“As part of the agreement, ASICS will kit the officials and volunteers at all IAAF World Athletics Series events with ASICS’ footwear and apparel that will ensure the smooth running of these events.  For ASICS this important partnership will allow a strategic expansion of its brand recognition internationally by association with the world’s top athletics events that are viewed by significant global audiences,” IAAF said in a statement.

ASICS President and CEO Motoi Oyama added; “I am so happy to have the honour of supporting the IAAF as an Official Partner. We at ASICS hope to both develop excellent products and contribute to the growth the sporting world as a whole by supporting athletics around the globe as an Official Partner of the IAAF.”

“Global athletics starts a new chapter today based upon solid foundations of modern governance and a renewed determination to protect and promote clean athletes. We are delighted to have attracted ASICS, a world-class sportswear designer and manufacturer, as our latest Official IAAF Partner to share this new journey with us.

“This agreement is a huge endorsement of a bright future for athletics whose universality and diversity makes it a natural partner for a global corporation like ASICS. We are excited to be joined by a partner whose vision shares our strategy for a youthful, innovative sport that promotes fair competition and healthy living,” IAAF President Sebastian Coe commented.

The deal was brokered by the IAAF’s long-term commercial partner Dentsu Inc, in close collaboration with the IAAF.