Category: TV Channels

  • Star Sports lines up new ‘Believe’ story

    Star Sports lines up new ‘Believe’ story

    Mumbai: In the realm of sports storytelling, Star Sports – India’s leading sports broadcaster – soars to new heights with its flagship ‘Believe’ series. This trailblazing series, driven by the innate desire of fans for contextually relevant original programming, has become a resounding show of celebrating hero moments, and demonstrating to fans that anything is achievable; inspiring them to believe. The inaugural episode, ‘Believe – A Diwali Miracle’ featuring cricketing virtuoso Virat Kohli, received immense love as 73 million viewers tuned in on television to watch the two-part inaugural story, and over 11.2 million views were garnered on Star Sports’ social handles (YouTube and Facebook) for the show. The show was also aired in the UK, US, Canada, Middle East, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.

    Speaking on the success of the first episode of the ‘Believe’ series, a Star Sports spokesperson said, “The phenomenal success of the ‘Believe’ series serves as a powerful testament to fans’ appetite for relevant original programming. At Star Sports, we firmly believe in the transformative power of high-quality content-content that not only entertains but also inspires and forges a profound connection with fans on a deeper, more meaningful level. It reinforces our commitment to delivering narratives that resonate globally and transcend the conventional boundaries of sports broadcasting.”

    Beyond the impressive numbers, the ‘Believe’ series stands as a testament to providing athletes with a voice to share their journeys, offering fans a glimpse into their minds, and inspiring the next generation of sports stars. This trailblazing series, driven by the innate desire of fans for contextually relevant original programming, has become a resounding show of celebrating hero moments, and demonstrating to fans that anything is achievable; inspiring them to ‘Believe’. Building on the momentum, the upcoming episode will feature KL Rahul detailing his remarkable comeback from a point where walking seemed impossible to becoming India’s wicketkeeper for the World Cup, returning stronger than ever before to be the point of difference in India’s enthralling campaign. The feature will air after the first Test match between South Africa & India on the Star Sports Network.

    KL Rahul in his inspirational interview in the ‘Believe’ series delved into how he kept the noise out and coped with the criticisms during his lowest periods, he said, “You can’t really change people. You’re allowed to say what you feel, and a lot of it at that time felt more hurtful than it actually was probably. Now looking back, I feel I could have looked at it very differently, but also a lot of it has to do with where you are personally. I wasn’t in a great space mentally at that time to take that kind of criticism.”

    The series also highlights the inner Belief that lies within KL Rahul as he continues his journey, he said, “There’s always been something within me from a very early age, a voice or an energy that always felt right. Like I always felt I was in the right direction. As always, I am very grateful that I picked a career path that I really enjoy, and I wanted to do. So, every time I find myself in a position like Oh, what am I doing? Why am I going through these injuries? Or why are so many people criticizing me? I always go back to thinking that this is what you wanted to do, so it’s a part of your game. I believe that it’s all part of the journey, and you need to take the good and the bad in a very balanced way. And it’s all part of an individual’s growing and journey to getting stronger as a person. And as you get stronger as a person, it reflects on what you do professionally.”

    The ‘Believe’ series will follow this with tales of other heroes like Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant, and fans can anticipate more first-hand accounts through the year of world class athletes who have charted the arduous paths that have led them to the pinnacle of sports excellence. Star Sports’ ‘Believe’ series is not just a show; it’s a celebration of resilience and triumphs, showcasing the indomitable spirit of India’s champions across sports with a new feature every month.

    Catch KL Rahul in action as he features on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar special “Believe” show on 28 December, 2023, 9 pm onwards.

  • U Mumba’s valuation soars 60 per cent with eight new sponsors in PKL season 10

    U Mumba’s valuation soars 60 per cent with eight new sponsors in PKL season 10

    Mumbai: U Mumba, backed by eight brands, has garnered maximum sponsorship with a valuation increase of 60 per cent in the latest edition of the Pro Kabaddi League. Amassing these sponsorships is a testament to the growing stature of Brand U Mumba and the strong appeal and vision that the Mumbai team has in Kabaddi across India.

    U Mumba had signed top sports news portal Melbat Live as its title partner and has partnered with Macho Hint as it’s powered by Partner, a millennial and Gen Z-focused brand in the innerwear category which is a sub-brand category from the stables of the renowned brand, Macho.

    For the associate partner category, U-Mumba has onboarded six brands led by Rajdhani Besan, pioneers in producing agro-food products in India, along with pioneering construction firm Je & Vee Infrastructures, and internationally acclaimed beauty, skincare, personal care, and cosmetic products manufacturer Vi John.

    Great White Electricals, innovators in the home electrics space, the Indian Public Sector Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and the well-renowned footwear brand, Abros Shoes are all also donning the Mumbai colours in Season 10.

    U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandok commented on the team’s high marketability, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome some new distinguished partners & the return of a couple too, to the U Mumba family. United by a shared vision of the brand’s identity, values, offerings, and success, we are confident that we will be able to elevate and inspire brand loyalty for U Mumba to new heights. We have a strong vision in place for the growth we want to see for our team and the trust placed in us by these esteemed brands is a testament to the value we have meticulously built over the years, showcasing the power of brand recognition. Our Indian sport of Kabaddi has truly taken the world by storm and continues to be a trusted vehicle for brands that need a targeted platform to reach a massive consumer base that is pan-India.”

    U-Mumba has also forged collaborations with 92.7 Big FM; Nivia, a noteworthy homegrown sports brand; Swades Foundation, a premier NGO in Mumbai; Fast&Up, a foremost nutrition provider and Baller Athletik, India’s pioneer in energy-enhancing transformative clothing as promoting partners for the season.

    According to the ‘India Sports Sponsorship Report 2023’ by GroupM, Sports Sponsorship in India recorded a figure of Rs 5907 Cr ($Mn 748) in 2022 with a growth of 105 per cent. Emerging sports witnessed an overall revenue of Rs 1503 Cr ($Mn 190), which in YoY terms represents an incremental value of Rs 829 Cr ($Mn 104).

    U Mumba is set to take on Telugu Titans next in their Pro Kabaddi League match in Noida on the 30 of December before the Pro Kabaddi caravan moves to Mumbai for U Mumba’s Home leg starting on the 5 of January.

    Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India stats showed the opening weekend of PKL Season 10 alone witnessed 80.1 million viewers, clocking a 32 per cent increase from the 2022 season, with consumption increasing by 27 per cent to 2.7 billion minutes over just the first four matches.

  • Gujarat Giants announced partnerships for 10 Season Pro Kabaddi League

    Gujarat Giants announced partnerships for 10 Season Pro Kabaddi League

    Mumbai: Gujarat Giants owned by Adani Sportsline, is one of the Pro Kabaddi League teams. The team which is based out of Ahmedabad has welcomed on board their official partners for the landmark 10 season of the Pro Kabaddi League.

    The official partner’s logos will be on the Gujarat Giants’ jersey for the season with ACC Limited prominently featuring as the front logo partner. That apart, Fortune Foods takes up their spot on the back of the jersey and the shoulders.

    The jersey’s right sleeve proudly showcases the Poojara Telecom logo followed by the Adani Group logo, while the left sleeve highlights the Dafa News logo.

    League11, a fantasy sports platform, secures the rights to display its logo on the team’s shorts. Additionally, the Shiv Naresh, who are among the most sought-after sports apparel organisations in the country, will have their logo on the nape of the jersey.

    Speaking on the partnership, Adani Sportsline CBO Sanjay Adesara said, “We are thrilled to welcome all our sponsors on board. Their belief in the Gujarat Giants’ potential and our shared passion for kabaddi fortifies our determination to excel in the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League 2023. These partnerships bring a promise of continued support for the Gujarat Giants family, and we are keen to ensure that it stands the test of time.”  

    Ajay Kapur, ACC Cement opened up about the collaboration CEO stating, “This partnership is a fusion of tradition and ambition, a synergy of two brands with the same passion and a common goal of nation building. We believe that this partnership is a beacon of the united pursuit of excellence and a symbol of the enduring bond between the two strong teams. Together, we will embark on a journey of transcending boundaries, breaking barriers, and empowering our youth.”

    Poojara Telecom director Rahil Poojara said, “We are excited to partner with the Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants team and support their journey in the Pro Kabaddi League season 10, Kabaddi is a great sport that promotes teamwork, agility, and fitness. We believe that this partnership will help us connect with our customers and promote healthy living in Gujarat. Kabaddi holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians, and we believe in the power of sports to bring people together. This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to the community but also allows us to connect with a diverse audience across the nation.”

    These partnerships between the brands and Gujarat Giants signify a mutual commitment to the Indian kabaddi sports ecosystem. The ongoing 10 season of the Pro Kabaddi League, one of India’s premier tournaments, continues to captivate audiences with action-packed matches among 12 talented teams, who are battling it out for the title

    The 10 Pro Kabaddi League had begun in Ahmedabad, with the Gujarat Giants emerging as the best team in the first leg of the tournament. The Gujarat Giants have previously made the finals of the Pro Kabaddi League twice, and with Captain Fazel Atrachali and coach Ram Mehar Singh, will be hoping to land the elusive title in this season. 

  • Indian Esports: Reflecting on a historic year, Outlook for 2023

    Indian Esports: Reflecting on a historic year, Outlook for 2023

    Mumbai: The year 2023 has been defined by a multitude of key events and accomplishments for Indian Esports. The ‘Leveling up: State of India Gaming FY’23’ report by Lumikai in collaboration with Google states that India was home to 568 Mn gamers in FY23. The country’s gaming market hit $3.1 Bn in FY23 and is projected to reach $7.5 Bn by FY28, growing at a CAGR of 20 per cent.

    The Indian contingent’s participation in the Asian Games 2022, where Esports debuted as an official medal sport, and the remarkable fifth-place finish secured by the League of Legends team emerged as the year’s crowning achievement that showcased the nation’s Esports prowess on the international stage. S8UL, India’s premier Esports organization, added to this triumph by winning the first-ever ‘Global Impact on Mobile Gaming’ at the MOBIES Awards as well as the ‘Content Creator of the Year award at the Global Esports Awards 2023.

    8Bit Creatives and S8UL founder and CEO Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug reflected on these milestones, stating, “The recognition on the global stage including our country’s talented contingent competing at the Asian Games 2022 and S8UL achieving unprecedented success elevated the industry’s status. The stigma surrounding gaming as a career choice has dissipated, opening new opportunities for aspiring gamers and legitimizing Esports as a viable and respected profession.”

    The year also witnessed a transformative influx of brands into the Esports ecosystem, with notable examples such as IQOO SOUL’s historic title sponsorship with Team SOUL. Animesh Agarwal highlighted the significance, saying, “The increasing involvement of non-endemic brands, their entry into the gaming space, and the rise of official tournaments have reshaped the industry’s landscape. IQOO SOUL’s title sponsorship with IQOO highlights the expanding horizons of Esports sponsorships with brands across all domains. The influx of non-endemic brands brings both financial support and broader visibility to gaming creators, organizations, tournaments, and other Esports events.”

    The amendments made to the Information and Technology (IT) Act by the Indian government played a pivotal role in distinguishing Esports from real money gaming (RMG). This recognition provided legitimacy to the sector, leading to increased sponsorships and investments.

    States like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh have also taken proactive steps, with initiatives such as the country’s first esports academy and tournaments. Educational institutions have also embraced Esports with the inclusion of Esports in the curriculum.

    Sharing his thoughts on these developments, the Asian Esports Federation (AESF) director of Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and vice-president Lokesh Suji commented, “The future of Esports is exceptionally bright in India. Through the consistent efforts of ESFI, the Indian government officially recognized Esports as a multi-sport event and categorized it under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in December 2022. Beyond official recognition, infrastructure development is a critical factor for the sustained growth of the Esports industry. The initiatives by our government and numerous states have laid the groundwork for potential financial backing and infrastructure growth in the coming years. Esports now proudly stands alongside the traditional sports of the country, attracting more players and sponsors to the industry.”

    After its temporary hiatus, the triumphant return of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) this year was an instrumental factor for the Indian Esports industry. Emphasising resilience and growth, Alpha Zegus founder & director Rohit Agarwal noted, “Content solutions have been our top priority in 2023, and it has been an incredible year for us. Titles like BGMI had a comeback that boosted the Esports industry by more than 4x factor, while publishers like RIOT took serious efforts and made massive investments into the Indian gaming space. In numbers, we generated more than 400 pieces of quality content for our partners and saw a 300 per cent growth in content solutions as compared to 2022. In 2024, our efforts are going to continue towards content solutions and experiential marketing, expanding our base to different regions, and bringing more quality to our work.”

    As Esports continues its ascent as a global phenomenon, the inaugural Esports World Cup 2024 and the entry of streaming giants like Netflix and YouTube into gaming signal a revolutionary shift for Indian esports in the upcoming year. The convergence of these factors coupled with other trends promises a dynamic and transformative year ahead.

  • ABP News hosts Ayodhya Utsav prior to Ram Mandir inauguration

    ABP News hosts Ayodhya Utsav prior to Ram Mandir inauguration

    Mumbai: Ahead of the highly anticipated inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 22 January 2023, by PM Narendra Modi, ABP News has unveiled the Ayodhya Utsav. Scheduled for broadcast on ABP News from 27 to 31 December 2023, this celebratory event stands as a poignant tribute to the profound cultural and religious significance of the impending inauguration of the Ram Mandir.

    Set against the serene backdrop of the sacred Sarayu River, the Ayodhya Utsav serves as a momentous platform to explore the religious, cultural, and socio-economic reverberations. This celebration embodies a deep reverence for Ayodhya’s historical legacy and cultural heritage, emphasising the symbolic importance of this sacred land.

    The schedule for Ayodhya Utsav boasts a diverse array of cultural performances, thought-provoking discussions, and poignant reflections. Esteemed personalities from various spheres including music, politics, poetry, and religious leadership will converge to commemorate this historic milestone. The event will provide a platform for engaging discussions and expressive cultural presentations, fostering an atmosphere of celebration and introspection around this significant occasion.

    Among the distinguished guests, Swati Mishra, known for her rendition of “Ram Aayenge,” joins the event alongside Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. Krishna Gopal, serving as Sah Sarkaryawah of RSS, and Raju Das, the Mahant of Hanuman Gadhi in Ayodhya, will share their insights and contributions during this momentous occasion. Additionally, the esteemed gathering includes Satyendra Das, Shishya of Ramvilas Vedyanti and Kalpatri Maharaj Sant. Mahant Dharam Das, recognised for his involvement in the Babri Masjid case, is also slated to participate, alongside renowned figures such as Anup Jalota, a distinguished singer, and Anamika Amber and Sunil Jogi, eminent poets. Ravi Kishan, Member of Parliament from BJP, will offer his perspectives, while Purnima Kothari, the sister of the Kothari Brothers who lost their lives during Kar Seva will represent the enduring sacrifices made during this historic journey. The event will also see the presence of Pradeep Kumar Gupta, and The Sadho Band which will add their musical tribute to this significant celebration.

    The Ayodhya Utsav brought to audiences by ABP News, extends a cordial invitation for all to partake in this grand celebration. The channel endeavours to create a nurturing space for dialogue, cultural expression, and a profound appreciation for the transformative journey culminating in the inauguration of the Ram Mandir.

     

  • Sony YAY!’s The Giant Wheel Festival witnesses another resounding success in Delhi

    Sony YAY!’s The Giant Wheel Festival witnesses another resounding success in Delhi

    Mumbai: Sony YAY!, the leading kids’ entertainment brand, successfully concluded the third edition of The Giant Wheel Festival in Delhi last week. The festival attracted a heartening footfall of over 8.7K people, making the event a memorable experience for kids and families. The Giant Wheel Festival underscores our dedication to crafting lasting memories for both brands and families, strategically elevating our commitment to fostering enduring connections in the ever-evolving landscape of kids and family.

    Laughter, songs, dance and merry resonated throughout the festival grounds as all the families immersed themselves in a spectacular array of engaging experiences along with exciting games. This presented kids and families a chance to create timeless memories with their favourite YAY! toons, which transformed the venue into an extraordinary wonderland. The event kick-started the festive cheer for kids and families alike, ahead of the Christmas and New Year Celebrations.

    Renowned Bollywood celebrities like Shilpa Shetty, Jackky Bhagnani, and YouTube sensation, Flying Beast AKA Gaurav Taneja with his family, also participated and elevated the festive spirit as they gave their fans more reasons to rejoice. This unique blend of Entertainment and Engagement with a dash of star power also presented a great opportunity for brands like Parle Candy Culture, Weikfield, Mrs Bector’s Cremica, and Crax to get quality and relevant engagement with their TG, in a conducive ecosystem.

    Comments:

    Network Channel Sales –head- ad sales Sandeep Mehrotra

    “The Giant Wheel Festival in Delhi reflects our commitment to bringing brands closer to their relevant TG. With this magic recipe of the best entertainment and engagement for kids and family alike, we were able to bring brands a successful chance to connect with their audience organically in a meaningful manner.”

    Krishnarao Buddha –Sr. Category Head Parle Products-

    “Parle Candy Culture, the basket of iconic confectionery brands is delighted to have associated with the ‘The Giant Wheel Festival’ in the New Delhi leg. The Giant Wheel Festival created the right platform to reach our Target Audience, the kids. We were overwhelmed by the kind of buzz generated at the event, particularly at our stall. Not just the kids but even the adults savoured our brands at the fest. The celebrities further added to the attractions.”

    Wekfield vice president marketing Bimalendu Tarafdar

    “In a symphony of success, our recent event The Giant Wheel Festival with Sony YAY! unfolded like a masterpiece. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, laughter, and an undeniable sense of toon camaraderie. From the first moment to the final bow, the event sparkled with seamless organization and vibrant energy, and we as Weikfield loved being here.”

    Bector Food Specialities Ltd CMO Apoorva Singh Bais

    “We are glad to be part of the event where fun, laughter and unlimited energy of kids made it extremely special, in short it was just “Magical” and what could be more special than the kids loving the sumptuous, tasty cookies from the house of Mrs Bectors Cremica. Congratulations to Sony YAY! and team for this brilliant event.”

    Crax head of marketing Karan Gadhoke

    “Being a part of the Sony YAY!’s The Giant Wheel Festival, was a great experience for Crax. Our collaboration was a success that gave us an opportunity to spread the love for Crax amongst kids.”

    Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting  head of media Suman Pal

    “The recent partnership of Glucovita Bolts and Sony YAY! for “The Giant wheel Festival” was an astounding success. The atmosphere was full of excitement and laughter of kids, finding their sweet spots. The event was well-organized and had a lot of energy. We, Glucovita Bolts, were thrilled to be part of this engagement activity. The festival started with a bang and kept the audience captivated throughout. The high-energy games played across the stalls and stage with toon characters were impeccable. It was truly an unforgettable experience. From live performances to interactive games like the Glucovita Bolts challenge, there was something for everyone across age groups.

    The Giant Wheel Festival with Sony YAY! was a testament to the power of collaboration and creation of magic.”

  • Zee TV delights SNEHA foundation’s women with a Christmas bash

    Zee TV delights SNEHA foundation’s women with a Christmas bash

    Mumbai: Zee TV, over the past three decades, has been one of India’s leading Hindi general entertainment channels that continues to bring its viewers stories that touch upon subjects close to their hearts and introduce them to characters, they fall in love with! With Christmas around the corner and the spirit of loving, caring and giving in the air, the channel invited women from the SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education & Health Action) foundation on the sets of its two popular shows- ‘Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye’ and ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ on 21 and 22 December respectively, for an exclusive meet & greet with the stars and a Christmas celebration!

    A festive Zee TV-branded bus picked up women supported by SNEHA foundation from their respective centers. They were invited to meet the stars of ‘Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye,’ Sriti Jha and Arjit Taneja, as well as Abrar Qazi and Rachi Sharma from ‘Kumkum Bhagya,’ alongside the entire cast. The actors turned santas as they came with a large bag of presents and warmly welcomed the special guests. Following introductions, Sriti and Rachi graciously led the ladies on tours of their respective sets, offering glimpses into their daily lives on set. The women were delighted with the experience, and the visit brought immense joy, turning it into a truly merry Christmas for them!

    Sriti Jha said, “I am extremely happy that I got this opportunity thanks to Zee TV to celebrate Christmas with the working women of the SNEHA foundation. It was indeed an honor for me to meet them and get to know them. I just loved the smile they had on their face when they came to meet us. Christmas is a festival of spreading smiles and I am grateful for being a part of this.”

    Arjit Taneja said, “I felt honored to have met these women from the SNEHA foundation and celebrated Christmas with them. They work very hard every day, and it was just a small initiative from Zee TV and our show’s team to make them feel special on this occasion. It was indeed a surreal experience for me.”

    Abrar Qazi said, “Spreading love and cheer is what Christmas is all about. I am really delighted to be a part of the Kutumb and get involved in this celebration. I hope the women from the foundation loved the overall experience of visiting our sets and meeting us.”

    Rachi Sharma said, “Christmas is a celebration of joy and enthusiasm, and I’m glad that our little effort of spreading cheer was met with so much love. The women from SNEHA foundation were really sweet and took a lot of interest in our daily lives on the sets. I am grateful to be a part of this celebration.”

    SNEHA program officer Kunal Dambale said, “It was a great opportunity and new experience, meeting the television serial actors at Zee TV. They were curious to know about SNEHA and the work being done, so I shared about organisation with them. They appreciated the work done by SNEHA. I would like to thank Zee TV for this experience!

    Stay Tuned to Zee TV and keep watching Kumkum Bhagya and Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye, every day at 9 and 10 pm respectively!

  • TradeSmart – arm of VNS Finance appoints Rohit Onkar as Chief Growth Officer

    TradeSmart – arm of VNS Finance appoints Rohit Onkar as Chief Growth Officer

    MUMBAI: TradeSmart discount broking space announced the appointment of Rohit Onkar as its Chief Growth Officer. With over a decade of trailblasing experience in digital business landscapes, Rohit brings a drive for transformative growth strategies.

    Rohit is a luminary in the realm of digital marketing, boasting more than 12 years dedicated to architecting and nurturing digital enterprises. His illustrious career showcases crafting growth engines that propel customer acquisition and pioneering retention strategies that optimise customer lifetime value.

    “As a seasoned Digital First marketing leader, I’ve always seen growth as more than numbers; it’s about sustainable innovation,” Rohit emphasises. He is renowned for driving businesses from steady ground to exponential growth, having orchestrated impressive transitions from 1X to 10X in his previous endeavours. At TradeSmart, his visionary goal is to elevate the company from its current thriving 10X status to an extraordinary 100X growth trajectory.

    Prior to TradeSmart, Rohit wielded his strategic acumen to businesses, transforming small enterprises into profitable powerhouses. “My philosophy is clear: Growth should be profitable and sustainable,” Rohit affirms. His leadership ethos revolves around crafting innovative solutions to acquire and retain customers, anchored in a profound understanding of the dynamic digital marketing landscape.

    Prior to taking up this role, Rohit set up the digital marketing centre of excellence at Loylty Rewardz, India’s loyalty management company which is now a part of the BillDesk Group. He also led the brand launch of Rupay Cards and UPI during his association with NPCI.

    Rohit’s passion for steering business growth through digital channels. He is not just a leader; also an active investor and advisor, channelling his expertise to catalyse revenue multiplication across various companies.

    “I’m honoured to spearhead TradeSmart’s monumental growth journey,” Rohit expresses. “Together, we’ll transcend boundaries, driving innovation, and setting new benchmarks in the digital marketplace.”

    Rohit Onkar, an alumnus of IIM Calcutta, brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to TradeSmart. His strategic vision and commitment to sustainable growth make him an invaluable asset. TradeSmart is a venture of the larger organisation, VNS finance and embodies the same principles of trust and transparency within itself.

    Established in 1994, VNS is one of the stock, commodities and currency broking companies in India.

  • Punit Balan’s Mumbai Khiladis bags Rs 8.30 crore sponsorships for Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2

    Punit Balan’s Mumbai Khiladis bags Rs 8.30 crore sponsorships for Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2

    Mumbai: Mumbai Khiladis, the powerhouse team owned by Punit Balan Group (PBG), has roped in five major sponsors for the ongoing Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2. With this major brand handshake, the franchise has garnered a combined sponsorship amount exceeding Rs 8.30 crores which reflects the growing popularity and commercial appeal of indigenous sports such as Kho Kho in India.

    Mumbai Khiladis will witness a prominent sports news portal, 1XBat join as the title sponsor for the team and the logo will prominently feature on the front of their jersey.

    Mylab Discovery Solutions Pvt Ltd, a leading dynamic biotechnology company based out of Pune has come on board as the Powered by Sponsor and will be featured on the back of the team’s jersey.

    Generic Engineering Construction and Projects Ltd, a BSE and NSE-listed prominent construction company and pharmaceutical distribution company, Pharm Deal, Pune will act as the team’s associate sponsors, their logos will feature on the jersey sleeves. Additionally, the well-renowned private aviation company, Jet Fleet Aviation, has also joined forces with the team as an associate sponsor, with its branding being positioned at the nape of the neck.

    Expressing his enthusiasm for the enormous sponsorship that Mumbai Khiladis have secured with a record-breaking value PBG chairman & managing directorPunit Balan stated, “The significant sponsorship that we have secured is a testament to the meteoric rise as well as the interest that non-cricketing sports in this country are generating. Moreover, it also highlights the burgeoning and untapped potential that traditional games like Kho Kho have. Ultimate Kho Kho has been able to propel this homegrown sport to becoming a mainstream sports league and among the top three in India by engaging with a target audience cutting across the hinterland as well as urban India. We are confident this is just the beginning and Mumbai Khiladis will be a flag bearer in promoting the sport and being a catalyst in its continued growth not just in India but globally.”

    Showcasing its commitment to the development of sports in the country, the Punit Balan Group (PBG) has already invested in nine sporting leagues across India and globally. They also support nearly 60 budding sports talents pan India. The sponsorship amount received by Mumbai Khiladis marks a significant milestone not just for the team but also for the league, Ultimate Kho Kho, which is just in its second season and sets a new standard for indigenous sports leagues in India.

    “The Punit Balan Group has always believed that investing in non-cricketing sports is the key to sustainability, and our values closely align with those of our sponsors. With a shared vision to uplift indigenous sports, we are dedicated to contributing toward creating a sustainable ecosystem for non-cricketing sports to prosper in India,” added Punit Balan.

    According to the ‘India Sports Sponsorship Report 2023’ by GroupM, Sports Sponsorship in India recorded a figure of INR 5907 Cr ($Mn 748) in 2022 with a growth of 105 per cent. Emerging sports witnessed an overall revenue of Rs 1503 Cr ($Mn 190), which in YoY terms represents an incremental value of INR 829 Cr ($Mn 104).

    Mumbai Khiladis, comprising standout talents including Captain Aniket Pote, defender Pritam Chougule and all-rounder Subhasis Santra, will face the Gujarat Giants in their second match of the season today on 26 December.

    Promoted by Amit Burman in collaboration with the Kho Kho Federation of India, Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 is taking place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha with live coverage on Sony Sports Network’s channels and live streaming on Sony LIV daily at 7 PM onwards. 

  • ABP News-CVoter Poll: Modi Govt likely to return in 2024, South presents NDA challenge

    ABP News-CVoter Poll: Modi Govt likely to return in 2024, South presents NDA challenge

    Mumbai: The first opinion poll conducted by ABP News and CVoter before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has thrown up interesting insights, bringing to light the public sentiment across the country on a range of issues, besides the choice of party and the prime minister post.

    According to the survey, the ABP News-CVoter opinion poll has predicted a third term for the NDA, with the ruling alliance getting 295-335 seats out of the total 543. The Congress, together with the opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A, is projected to get 165-205 seats, with Others settling for 35-65 seats. Zone-wise projections show BJP/NDA bagging 80-90 seats out of 153 in the East Zone, the highest 150-160 seats out of 180 in the North Zone, 45-55 out of 78 in the West Zone, and 20-30 out of 132 in the South Zone. The South is the only zone where the BJP/NDA is behind, with the Congress/I.N.D.I.A projected to win 70-80 seats. In the other three zones, the INC/I.N.D.I.A is projected to get 50-60, 20-30, and 25-35 in the East, North, and West, respectively.

    In the states too, the NDA appears to be comfortably ahead, according to the ABP News-CVoter opinion poll, with all BJP-ruled states, such as Madhya Pradesh (27-29), Chhattisgarh (9-11), Rajasthan (23-25), and Uttar Pradesh (73-75), looking to vote for NDA candidates. In Congress-ruled Karnataka too, the BJP is projected to win 22-24 seats with a vote share of 52 per cent against the Congress’ 4-6 seats and 43 per cent vote share. In MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, the Opposition alliance is projected to get only 0-2 seats each.

    The states where the Congress and I.N.D.I.A are ahead are – Telangana (9-11), Punjab (INC 5-7, AAP 4-6), Bihar (21-23) and Maharashtra (26-28). In West Bengal, where the I.N.D.I.A seat share will be a matter of debate, ruling Trinamool Congress could get 23-25 seats and INC+Left- 0-2, against the BJP’s 16-18, if the elections are held now.

    ABP News-CVoter also carried out a snap poll during which it asked total of 13,115 respondents across the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies a range of questions and found interesting responses. According to the snap poll, PM Narendra Modi is overwhelmingly ahead as the country’s choice for the top post, with 58.6 per cent people willing to bring him back for a third term. Given only two candidates to choose from, Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi, a majority of the respondents picked the latter. Gandhi was, however, ahead in the race in three states and one UT and lagged with a margin of around 10 percentage points in two states (Telangana and Haryana). The southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, besides Punjab in the north, kept the Congress leader ahead of Modi. Overall, Rahul Gandhi drew 32% votes for the PM post, with 4.4 per cent and five per cent respondents, respectively, picking ‘None of them’ and ‘Can’t say’ as their answer.

    On the question of how satisfied people are/were with the work of the current Prime Minister, a total of 47.2 per cent of people across India said they were “very much satisfied” with PM Narendra Modi’s work, while 30.2 per cent said they were “satisfied to some extent” and 21.3 per cent said they were “not at all satisfied”.

    An overwhelming majority answered in the affirmative when asked if the leadership changes made by BJP in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh after registering victory in the recent assembly elections will benefit the party in 2024. In contrast, the response was mixed to a similar question posed in reference to the leadership changes made by Congress.

    Further, people across states (from both rural or urban areas) and groups think unemployment will be the main issue in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and a majority of them believe the issue of caste census won’t help the Opposition. A majority of people also think the BJP should form an alliance with the JD(S) in Karnataka, and that the party will give a tough fight to the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

    On questions related to Rahul Gandhi, the response was mixed when asked if his Bharat Jodo Yatra will help the Congress in LS polls, but more than 50 per cent of people on average said he, as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, should contest the election from Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi wins hands down as the most preferred PM candidate from the I.N.D.I.A bloc. The respondents were given Nitish Kumar, Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal as other options to choose from.

    The ABP News-CVoter opinion poll also found that a majority of the respondents think I.N.D.I.A. will not remain united till the 2024 elections. Also, 37.6 per cent people said they were “very much satisfied” with the work of the Central government led by BJP.

    To a question about what they think about “today’s India”, 45.1 per cent people said they found the country moving forward and their life too, while 25.3 per cent said the country is moving forward but not their life, and 22.4% said both the country and their life are in a poor state.

    Methodology:

    The survey findings and projections are based on CVoter Opinion Poll CATI interviews (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) conducted among 18+ adults statewide, all confirmed voters.

    Survey date: 15 December to 21 December, 2023
    Sample size – 13,115
    Seats Covered 543
    Margin Of Error: .+_/_- 5% 
    Confidence Level: 95%