MUMBAI: There are companies which are better known globally because of their association with sports. Amongst them is: BKT or Balkrishna Tyres.  

The Six Nations Rugby has announced a long-term partnership with BKT, a global leader in off-highway tyre manufacturing. The agreement designates BKT as the official tyre partner for both the Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations Championships, commencing with the 2025 tournaments.

BKT, founded by Mahabir Prasad  Poddar, makes a range of tyres and has been a sponsor of several sports events like Curling Canada (Title sponsor), Euroleague Basketball, United Rugby Championship, Monster Jam, Big Bash, Ligue2 BKT, Serie BKT, and LaLiga. It has been associated with some of these events for more than 10 years on a global basis. 

The partnership with Six Nations Rugby kicked  off with the Guinness Men’s Six Nations on 31 January 2025,  and will be followed by the Women’s Six Nations on 22 March. BKT will also introduce a new award to recognise rising stars in international rugby, reflecting its commitment to fostering future talent in the sport.

The Six Nations Rugby  CEO Tom Harrison expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “The Six Nations is rugby’s most loved annual competition. We are thrilled to welcome BKT as a partner and look forward to working closely with them to enhance the experience for fans and players alike.”

BKT Europe  managing director Lucia Salmaso highlighted the alignment between rugby and BKT's values: “Rugby embodies teamwork, physicality, fair play, and loyalty — values we hold dear. This partnership allows us to support both the prestigious Championships and the next generation of rugby talent.”

BKT, known for its extensive range of tyres for sectors including agriculture, construction, and mining, continues to strengthen its presence in the world of sports. The new partnership underscores its ambition to contribute to the growth of rugby on a global scale.