New Delhi: When Virat Kohli posted a single image on the evening of June 13, 2026, the internet did not just react — it erupted. The photograph showed two men standing with their backs to the camera at centre stage in front of a blinding arena. One man wore a black T-shirt with the number “1” on the back. The other man wore “8.” Together, they formed a name: One8.
The caption had seven words: “Welcome Karan, the stage is ours.”
Within hours, the post gathered hundreds of thousands of reactions. Cricket fans and Punjabi music fans came together in the same comment section, possibly for the first time — and they now had seven days to figure out how to be part of it. Here is the complete story of what is happening, how it came together, and exactly what you need to do to be in the room on June 21, 2026.
What Is the One8 Global Premiere — And Why Is It Different from a Regular Concert?
Let’s make one thing clear: this is not just a Karan Aujla concert. This is the One8 Global Premiere — a large-scale brand launch event at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi. The event also includes a live performance by Karan Aujla. You can think of it as a mix of a global product launch, a sneaker drop, an immersive brand experience, and a headline concert — all happening in one evening.
Virat Kohli described the event clearly. On social media, he invited fans by saying: “Come and see me debut as a co-founder as I unveil one8 on 21st June at Yashobhoomi in Delhi.” The phrase “debut as a co-founder” matters. Kohli is stepping forward as a businessman, not just a brand ambassador.
The Story Behind the Brand: From Puma to Agilitas
To understand the importance of June 21, you need to understand the journey of the One8 brand.
One8 first launched in November 2017 as a licensing partnership between Virat Kohli and PUMA India. The deal was worth Rs 110 crore, and the brand quickly became one of India’s most popular athleisure labels. It expanded into fragrances, footwear, and even a restaurant chain called One8 Commune.
In 2025, Kohli made a major decision. He rejected a reported Rs 300-crore renewal offer from Puma and ended the partnership. Many people in the business world did not understand this move at first. After that, Kohli sold the One8 brand to Agilitas Sports, a Bengaluru-based sportswear startup led by Abhishek Ganguly, the former Managing Director of Puma India. Then Kohli invested Rs 40 crore into Agilitas and became a co-founder of the One8 vertical.
Agilitas has raised more than Rs 600 crore with support from Convergent Finance and Nexus Venture Partners. The company aims to become India’s first global high-performance sports brand. Ganguly clearly stated the goal: “compete with top international brands across footwear, apparel, accessories and sporting goods.”
The One8 Global Premiere on June 21 will officially introduce this new version of the brand — built in India and designed for the global stage.
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The Sneaker Drop That Unlocked the Event
The event format is completely unique in India’s retail history.
On June 6, 2026, One8 launched its first footwear collection on the District by Zomato app. The collection included three products: Seam and Cover Drive, which are cricket-inspired sneakers focused on performance and ambition, and Boom Rush, which is a training shoe designed for running and workouts.
The pre-bookings sold out within minutes. Buyers came from across India, including Delhi, Goa, Chennai, Jammu, Indore, Mysore, Panipat, and Lucknow. Every person who pre-booked a pair received more than just shoes. They received access to the One8 Global Premiere on June 21. They will collect their sneakers at the event and experience the full launch.
This is the first time in India that an online sneaker pre-booking has directly given access to a physical premiere event.
If you missed the drop, you need to keep checking the District app. Kohli has asked fans to stay updated there for any further announcements.
How to Get Tickets
You can only access the One8 Global Premiere if you pre-booked One8 sneakers on the District by Zomato app. People who booked the shoes received entry to the event. The initial drop sold out within minutes on June 6.
Right now, the District by Zomato app is the only official source for any new ticket or access information. One8 and Kohli have directed all fans to that platform. As of now, there is no separate paid ticket system for general entry. The event access comes bundled with the sneaker pre-booking as part of the brand’s retail strategy.
If you missed the drop, keep checking the app for updates, waitlist options, or new announcements before June 21.
Why Karan Aujla? The Logic Behind the Crossover
This collaboration is not random. It is carefully planned.
Karan Aujla, known for songs like Tauba Tauba, Softly, and Admiring You, has taken Punjabi music to global stages across the US, Europe, Canada, and the UK. He recently became the first Punjabi artist to headline Rolling Loud. Earlier this year, he performed at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium during his P-Pop Culture India Tour and attracted more than 75,000 fans — one of the biggest crowds for a Punjabi artist in India.
The number “8” connects both Kohli and Aujla in an interesting way. It is Kohli’s jersey number. It is also part of Aujla’s birth date, January 18. In the promotional image, Aujla wore “1” and Kohli wore “8,” symbolising the merging of their identities.
Aujla’s presence connects the One8 brand to youth culture, Punjabi identity, and global music — all key areas that the brand wants to target.
The Venue: Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka
The event will take place at the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), also known as Yashobhoomi, in Dwarka Sector 25, New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this venue in September 2023. Yashobhoomi is one of the largest and most modern convention centres in Asia. It covers a massive area and has advanced infrastructure, making it one of India’s top event venues. The scale of this venue matches the ambition of the One8 Global Premiere.
Address: Yashobhoomi (IICC), Sector 25, Dwarka, Bharthal, New Delhi – 110061
How to Reach Yashobhoomi on June 21
By Metro (Recommended)
The easiest way to reach the venue is by using the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line (Orange Line). The station is called Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25, and it connects directly to the venue.
• From New Delhi Railway Station: Take the Airport Express Line directly. The journey takes about 24 minutes and costs ₹30.
• From IGI Airport (T3): Take the Airport Express Line towards Dwarka. The travel time is around 10–15 minutes.
• Gate No. 6 is the best entry and exit point for visitors.
Metro services run from 5:00 AM to 11:54 PM, so you will have return options after the event.
By Road
Yashobhoomi connects well to Delhi and Gurgaon through the Dwarka Expressway and NH-48.
• From Connaught Place: Around 30–35 minutes
• From South Delhi (Saket/Vasant Kunj): Around 20–25 minutes
• From Gurgaon: Around 20–30 minutes
Cab prices may increase during the event, so booking early or using the metro is a better option.
Parking
The metro station does not have parking. Limited parking is available at the venue, but it will likely fill up quickly. The metro is the best choice.
What to Expect on the Night
The One8 Global Premiere is designed as a full experience, not just a show. You can expect:
• Virat Kohli officially launching the new One8 brand as co-founder
• Karan Aujla performing live
• Sneaker collection and product pickup for pre-booked customers
• Interactive brand experiences across the venue
The event will focus on the themes of performance, ambition, and self-expression, represented by the “1” and “8” concept.
Why This Moment Matters Beyond One Night
June 21 is more than a concert or product launch. It is a test to see whether an Indian sportswear brand can create the same impact as global giants like Nike or Adidas.
Kohli walked away from a Rs 300-crore deal to build this. Karan Aujla, fresh from global success, chose to be part of it. The venue is massive. The sneaker drop sold out in minutes. The announcement broke the internet.
Every part of this event shows that One8 — now under Agilitas and co-founded by Kohli — aims to play at a much bigger level.
Whether the brand succeeds in the long run will be seen in the coming years. But that story begins on Saturday evening in Dwarka.
Event Details at a Glance:
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2026
Venue: Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka Sector 25, New Delhi
How to Get Tickets: Through One8 sneaker pre-booking on the District by Zomato app
Nearest Metro: Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 (Airport Express / Orange Line) — direct access to the venue
Mansi Sharma is a journalist covering Global Affairs, and wellness, known for turning complex ideas into sharp, engaging narratives. Her work is driven by curiosity, depth, and a constant urge to question and explore. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her diving into new ideas—preferably with a cup of coffee in hand, one sip at a time.
