South Asia’s e-commerce powerhouse and market leader, Daraz, has announced it will join as part of its parent company, Alibaba’s twelve-year worldwide deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

Through this agreement, Daraz will bring together the power of sport and e-commerce to deliver a positive impact across the region and further deepen Daraz’s commitment to being a champion of South Asia. 

Leveraging this partnership across Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar, Daraz will work with each local National Olympic Committee to inspire and uplift communities. 

Daraz’s Founder and CEO, Bjarke Mikkelsen, said the company’s addition to Alibaba’s Olympic partnership is a fantastic opportunity not only for Daraz but also the people of South Asia. 

“Sport is a powerful equalizer. It doesn’t discriminate and brings people together right across the world, from all walks of life. For a company like Daraz the foundation of our business has always been about using the power of commerce to break down barriers and improve accessibility for both consumers and local entrepreneurs. I believe this ethos sits alongside the values of the Olympic Games perfectly. 

We have a deep understanding of each market we operate in across South Asia, and we understand the daily challenges, especially during COVID-19, that many have had to endure. Therefore, we want to use this partnership to inspire everyone to live their dreams and show them that nothing is impossible,” says Mr Mikkelsen.  

Timo Lumme, Managing Director at IOC Television and Marketing Services said, “South Asia has a strong sports tradition and the addition of Daraz to the Alibaba partnership will give us an opportunity to connect more people in the region with the Olympic values”.

In the spirit of the new partnership, Daraz plans to extend its support to the region’s participating athletes who have demonstrated dedication to following their dreams. As one of the brands included in the IOC’s partnership with Alibaba, Daraz looks to tell athletes’ stories and inspire local communities, while focusing on the concept of “Delivering Dreams” across the region.