ASIA PACIFIC – January 24, 2014 – Pocari Sweat has been named the official sports drink for the next two Asian Games in Incheon, Korea (2014) and Hanoi, Vietnam (2019) respectively. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, the producer of Pocari Sweat, signed an agreement with the Olympic Council of Asia to seal this deal last week in Manila. Dentsu and Dentsu Media will support all marketing efforts for Pocari Sweat leading up to and during the Asian Games.
This is the third time that Otsuka has attached Pocari Sweat to the biggest Asian sports event in the region. During the previous editions, the Japanese company set up a base camp in the athletes’ village to promote the importance of hydration. Pocari Sweat – “a beverage for situations where people perspire” – was launched in 1980 and is sold in 17 countries around the world. The beverage replenishes fluids and ions (electrolytes) lost through sweating. According to a press release, Otsuka’s philosophy is to create products that contribute to the lives of people worldwide. The company is committed to a holistic approach to human health and well-being.
“It is our great honor and pleasure to be a part of the Asian Games as an official partner,” said Masayuki Umeno, Vice President of Otsuka. “Through the Asian Games, we would like to contribute to the healthy lives of people by promoting the importance of daily hydration to not only top athletes, but to all individuals in Asia.”
H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, President of the Olympic Council of Asia added, "We are proud to announce that Otsuka Pharmaceuticals will once again be an official partner of the Asian Games as a long-term sponsor. We look forward to working with Otsuka Pharmaceuticals to bring a memorable 2014 and 2019 Asian Games."
The 17th Asian Games will take place over 16 days in Incheon, Korea from September 19 to October 4, 2014 followed by the 18th Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2019.