Herbalife India felicitates India's Olympics stars, Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom

India, Bangalore, August 22, 2012: Herbalife, a global nutrition company, felicitated India’s badminton star Saina Nehwal and boxing champion Mary Kom in Bangalore today, to welcome them back to India and celebrate their excellent achievements at the 2012 London Olympics. The company announced a cash award and a life-time supply of Herbalife inner nutrition products for both the athletes as recognition of their achievements and a token of appreciation for their contribution to sports in India.

Herbalife also announced today the renewal of its brand endorsement partnership with Saina Nehwal who has been a sponsored athlete for Herbalife since 2009. Herbalife has been a nutrition sponsor to five times world boxing champion Mary Kom since 2010. She will continue her association with Herbalife.  Both the athletes have played an important part in Herbalife’s mission to spread awareness on good nutrition and healthy, active living among millions of people in India. Saina and Mary have been using Herbalife products like the Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix and the Afresh Energy Drink Mix.

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Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay Khanna, Country Head, Herbalife India said, “Our sports sponsorship program aims to strengthen the link between Herbalife nutrition and sports, which exemplify the healthy active lifestyle that we promote. I am extremely happy to announce the reward for Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom and would like to congratulate them on their glorious achievement. It’s an honor for us to have been associated with both the athletes who have made all Indians proud with their impressive performance at the London Olympics. We applaud their hard work, determination and talent, and look forward to strengthening our support in their journey to achieve more milestones in their career.”

Commenting on her renewed association Saina Nehwal said, “I am grateful to Herbalife for having confidence in me since the beginning of my sporting career. Having used Herbalife nutrition and energy products for a long time now, they are an integral part of my health and fitness regime. Through the renewed association I hope to contribute actively to Herbalife’s cause, inspiring millions to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. I would like to thank all of you for all the love and good wishes that boosted my spirits in the London Olympics.’’

Sharing her thoughts Mary Kom said, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for this warm welcome and the love and appreciation showered on us. Herbalife family has been a great source of strength as I overcame challenges in my professional career.  The company has encouraged me every step of the way as I represented India on the global platform. Their products have been a key part of my nutrition intake. I am happy that my association with them continues further and I get the opportunity to spread the message of healthy and active living.”      

In 2005, Herbalife began extending its brand recognition through sports, which exemplify the healthy, active lifestyle it promotes. Today, the company sponsors more than 50 athletes and teams in Asia Pacific, who incorporate Herbalife’s products into their rigorous and active daily training regime. In India, Herbalife is associated with Virat Kohli, Dipika Pallikal and Somdev Devvarman in addition to Mary Kom and Saina Nehwal.  Overall we sponsor 150 athletes, teams and events around the world in sports that include cycling, swimming, badminton, baseball, tennis, boxing, cricket, taekwando, flat water canoeing, marathons, triathlons and 12 professional football/soccer teams. The soccer teams LA Galaxy, FC Barcelona and soccer phenomenon Leo Messi are some of Herbalife’s sponsored teams and athletes. More information about Herbalife’s sponsored teams and athletes can be found athttp://sports.herbalife.com/