Sheikh Akij Uddin was not only an astute businessman but also someone who cared deeply about his community. He believed in giving back to society and contributing to the social and economic development of Bangladesh. Over the years, Akij Group has invested in numerous social responsibility projects, including healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Knight believed that Onitsuka’s shoes could disrupt the American market, which at the time was dominated by German brands like Adidas and Puma. With a small loan of $1,200 from his father, Knight began importing Onitsuka Tiger shoes to sell them in the U.S. He initially sold the shoes out of his car at local track meets, while Bowerman, a brilliant innovator, was constantly experimenting with ways to make shoes lighter and more effective for runners.