Category: TV Channels

  • BCCI reveals India vs Australia World Cup final details in Ahmedabad!

    BCCI reveals India vs Australia World Cup final details in Ahmedabad!

    Mumbai: BCCI has released a full list of events and celebrities that will grace the final between India and Australia in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 19 November. Prime minister Narendra Modi’s presence during the final, a grand air show by the Indian Air Force, two former World Cup-winning captains Kapil Dev and Mahendra Singh Dhoni watching from the stands with a bevy of who’s who from the world of entertainment and politics in attendance, the grandeur will be unmatched.

    The Suryakiran Indian Air Force airshow will take place after the toss at 1:30 pm IST. It is likely to be a 15-20 minute show. The preparations for the same were done with a successful demo on Thursday. During the first innings drinks break Coke Studio’s Gujarati singing sensation Aditya Gadhavi of ‘Gotilo’ fame will perform.

    The event would get grander during the innings break. Bollywood music composer Pritam, singers Jonita Gandhi, Nakash Aziz, Akasa Joshi, Tushar Joshi and Amit Mishra will entertain a 1.3 lakh crowd. 500 dancers from Mumbai are expected to gyrate to popular Bollywood numbers.

    Possibly for the visiting Australian team and also for the greater TV audience across the globe, it would be a taste of India’s soft power with cricket being a tool.

  • Zee TV’s Ikk Kudi Punjab Di:  A gripping tale of resilience!

    Zee TV’s Ikk Kudi Punjab Di: A gripping tale of resilience!

    Mumbai: Meet Heer Kaur Virk, a beautiful, vibrant young woman born into a Jatt family of Punjab. Lovingly called chatori for being a hopeless foodie, this vivacious Sikhni is an aspiring lawyer. Her father is her weakness and strength and has taught her to stand up for what’s right, no matter what! Her biggest priority has always been the well-being of her family and her father.  However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she marries into the Atwal family. After a life-altering incident turns her world upside down, the show captures Heer’s journey of drawing from her inner strength, confronting injustice, and rising like a phoenix from the ashes. While the beautiful Tanisha Mehta breathes life into the character of Heer, television heartthrob Avinesh Rekhi will play her childhood friend, Ranjeet aka Ranjha who stands by her side and lets no harm ever come her way! Produced by Dome Entertainment, Ikk Kudi Punjab Di will premiere on 21 November and will air every day at 7 PM on Zee TV.

    Zee TV business head Aparna Bhosle said, “With Ikk Kudi Punjab Di, we introduce our audience to Heer and her journey of transformation and resilience after a life-altering incident. We’re pleased to collaborate with Dome Entertainment once again and bring forth this inspiring narrative of strength.”  

    Dome Entertainment producers Mohamad Morani and Mazhar Nadiadwala said, “Our next fiction show with Zee TV captures the pulse of Punjab. It’s an intense family drama capturing Heer’s spirited struggle for asserting her truth and standing up to injustice. With childhood friend Ranjha as the wind beneath her wings, the way she faces adversity with fierce determination will have viewers rooting for her. We have a strong cast on board and we’ve shot extensively across real locations of Chandigarh and Amritsar to ensure authenticity.”

    Avinesh Rekhi said, “With a character like Ranjha, I am looking forward to changing the perception of what an ideal man should be like. I believe that the storyline and the narrative of the show is gripping and it will surely touch your hearts. In fact, Ikk Kudi Punjab Di showcases the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of relationships. My fans have showered me with immense love for my previous shows and I hope they support me in this new journey as well.”

    Tanisha Mehta said, “I am thrilled to be a part of Ikk Kudi Punjab Di and bring a character like Heer to life. It has been a fascinating experience running through the by lanes of Punjab, shooting beautiful as well as dramatic sequences for the show. It is a gripping tale of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of a unique friendship. I believe Heer’s character has been developed very thoughtfully. I am really looking forward to the audience’s reactions to my character as well as this show.”  

    To witness this magical tale, watch Ikk Kudi Punjab Di, starting 21 November, every day at 7 PM only on Zee TV! 

  • Lights, camera, recognition! CNN-News18 to honour top entertainers at Indian of the Year 2023

    Lights, camera, recognition! CNN-News18 to honour top entertainers at Indian of the Year 2023

    Mumbai: In the rich fabric of India’s culture, entertainment plays a pivotal role, with cinema holding the lion’s share in uplifting the nation’s spirits. CNN-News18, the number one English news channel in India, is back with news television’s biggest awards, CNN-News 18 Indian of the Year (IOTY) 2023. The awards will honour individuals who have brought pride to the nation with remarkable contributions in their respective fields. Recognizing excellence across seven categories – Entertainment, Business, Sports, Youth Icon, Rising Sports Star, Social Change, and Climate Warriors, IOTY 2023 promises to be a celebration of India’s finest achievers.

    In a year that witnessed the Indian film industry scale new heights, the entertainment category of ‘Indian of the Year 2023’ promises to be an electrifying showcase of talent and success. Here are the luminaries who will be contending for the ‘Indian of the Year – Entertainment’ title:

    1. Shah Rukh Khan – Two biggest Hindi blockbusters of all time, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’ gave Bollywood the much-needed break from its longest box office dry spell, re-affirming SRK as the one and only king of Bollywood.

    2. Mani Ratnam – The years 2022 and 2023 saw Ratnam’s spectacular take on the revered novel of Ponniyin Selvan, which he adapted for the big screen in two parts ‘PS-I’ and ‘PS-II,’ respectively, captivating the audience worldwide.  

    3. Sunny Deol – He witnessed a career-defining moment in 2023 after he reprised his iconic role as Tara Singh in Anil Sharma’s ‘Gadar 2’. The film recreated the magic of the original movie and helped Deol make the biggest comeback of his career.

    4. Deepika Padukone – In 2023, she stunned everyone as a true-blue action star in Siddharth Anand’s Pathaan. Deepika’s Rubina Mohsin has set a new benchmark for her contemporaries in Bollywood. Deepika also performed a stellar cameo in Jawan, which is the highest grosser of 2023 so far.

    5. Manoj Bajpayee – His most recent releases ‘Gulmohar’ and ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ were described by critics as the most hard-hitting films of 2023. The actor’s terrific portrayal of an upright advocate fighting against a rape-accused godman in ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ easily puts him in the topmost league of actors in Indian cinema.

    The winner will be revealed at the star-studded grand finale celebrating luminaries in Indian entertainment at The Indian of the Year 2023 award ceremony.

    The ‘Indian of the Year’ Awards have been a beacon of recognition for exceptional talent across various fields. Past winners in the entertainment category include legends like Amitabh Bachchan, A R Rahman, Irrfan Khan, Rajkummar Rao, Aamir Khan, Allu Arjun, and Rajkumar Hirani, to name a few.

    This year, the winner selection process will combine expert judgment and public voting, with 50% of the decision-making power given to the audience and the remaining 50% entrusted to the jury. Online voting will remain open throughout November. To cast your vote for your favourite Indian and for more details regarding the awards, visit www.indianoftheyear.com

  • News18 Bihar-Jharkhand brings an extensive coverage of Chhath 2023

    News18 Bihar-Jharkhand brings an extensive coverage of Chhath 2023

    Mumbai: News18 Bihar-Jharkhand is all set to present its viewers with the biggest coverage of Chhath Puja. The most revered festival of the region, Chhath, is more than just a tradition– it’s a cultural phenomenon.

    Through various shows and segments, the special programming is tailor-made to immerse the viewers in devotion. The programming will include live coverage of the celebrations from Patna, Ranchi, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, Allahabad, Lucknow, Gurgaon, Noida, Jaipur, Bhopal, Raipur, Bhuvneshwar, Guwahati and Hyderabad. There will be Live telecast on all 4 days of the festival – Nahay Khaay, Kharna, Evening Arghya to Surya, Morning Arghya to Surya. The programming will bring to the viewers all aspects of Chhath festival – facts about the festival, preparations, and rituals in an interesting format. Additionally, the programming will also showcase popular Chhath songs by renowned singers.

    Stay tuned to News18 Bihar/Jharkhand for the biggest coverage on Chhath 2023 from 17 November to 20 November.

  • Colors Bangla Cinema unveils the Great Blockbuster League

    Colors Bangla Cinema unveils the Great Blockbuster League

    Mumbai: As the cricket season winds down, Colors Bangla Cinema has the perfect solution to your post-match blues! Brace yourselves for a mind-blowing, power-packed extravaganza as Colors Bangla Cinema presents the Great Blockbuster League, set to kick off from 18th November 2023 onwards.

    Prepare for a cinematic event that aims to captivate and entertain. The Great Blockbuster League is more than just a cinema celebration; it’s a grand spectacle uniting Bengal’s top stars for an unforgettable entertainment experience.  

    Get ready to be part of a thrilling cinematic journey with iconic movies like:

    1   MLA Fatakeshto starring Mithun Chakraborty, Debashree Roy and Soumitra Chatterjee

    2   Saathi starring Jeet and Priyanka Upendra

    3   Rehmat Ali starring Mithun Chakraborty and Rituparna Sengupta

    4   Awara starring Jeet and Sayantika Banerjee

    5   Challenge starring Dev and Subhashree Ganguly

    6   Bojhena Se Bojhena starring Soham Chakraborty and Mimi Chakraborty

    7   Shoshurbari Zindabad starring Prosenjit Chatterjee and Rituparna Sengupta

    Colors Bangla and Colors Bangla Cinema business head Sagnik Ghosh shared, ‘As the cricket fever subsides, Colors Bangla Cinema steps up to keep the audience unified through the seven colours of cinema. Let the game of entertainment commence, and may the blockbusters reign supreme with the curtain rising on the Great Blockbuster League.’

    Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare for the ultimate entertainment showdown, the Great Blockbuster League exclusively on Colors Bangla Cinema from 18 November onwards, around the clock.

  • Legends League Cricket expands global reach

    Legends League Cricket expands global reach

    Mumbai: Legends League Cricket continues its successful broadcast partnership with Star Sports Network owing to the massive response to the previous editions of the League. All matches of the upcoming season of Legends League Cricket will be broadcast across Star Sports, and Disney+ Hotstar starting from the 18 of November 2023 till the 9 of December 2023.

    “Legends League Cricket brings together the best national and international talent to the fans, and it was only right that we continue our association with the Star Sports Network and FanCode to showcase the Legends of the sport. This association will continue to give millions of cricket lovers in India the best viewing experience and bring them closer to the stars that they know and love.” said Legends League Cricket CEO Raman Raheja.

    The addition of newer international cricketers and Indian Legends this season will help increase the viewership both in India and abroad. The league’s broadcasting numbers speak for themselves with 388 per cent higher reach than other T20 Leagues on Sports TV (excluding IPL), being the second most watched and rated T20 League (source: BARC 15+ AB), and a whopping 280 million global viewership in just its previous season.  

    The second franchisee edition of Legends League Cricket is scheduled from November 18 to December 9 and will feature matches in five cities: Ranchi, Dehradun, Jammu, Vizag, and Surat. The tournament will kick off with a match between Bhilwara Kings, led by Irfan Pathan, and the defending champions, India Capitals, captained by Gautam Gambhir. Six teams, including India Capitals, Manipal Tigers, Gujarat Giants, Urbanrisers Hyderabad, Southern Super Stars, and Bhilwara Kings, will compete for the coveted trophy.

    Legends League Cricket will be broadcast in eight countries in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. The broadcasting partners for different countries are Star Sports in India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh along with Disney+ Hotstar, and ESPN+ will be available for viewers in South Africa and USA with an addition of Willow TV just for American viewers. Fox and Kayo Sports will cater to the Australian region, Etisalat in the Middle East, and BT Sports in the UK region. 

  • Disney-Star India’s ICC World Cup telecast sets new records

    Disney-Star India’s ICC World Cup telecast sets new records

    Mumbai: India’s main strike bowler Mohammed Shami was breathing fire as he charged in and bowled an unplayable delivery to New Zealand tailender Lockie Ferguson which the latter edged to KL Rahul behind the stumps. In the process, he set a record by capturing seven wickets for 57 runs, the most by any Indian bowler. And a roar went up in Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium where the semi-final of the ICC One Day World Cup was being played out. The Indian cricket side led by Rohit Sharma had got through to the finals of the championship, which many a pundit had predicted it would, by bowling out a fighting New Zealand side for 327 runs against their total of 397 for four.

    Even as Shami was running amock on the field of play, executives at Disney Star India’s offices were also celebrating. Its streaming service Disney+Hotstar had a notched up a record by registering  53 million concurrent viewers at peak. A world record, it beat the earlier 44 million concurrent viewership record that Disney + Hotstar had set during the match between India and South Africa.  

    The peak concurrency for the India-New Zealand semi-final fluctuated between 50 million and 53 million as Bumrah scalped Glenn Phillis, Kuldeep outfoxed Mark Chapman, Mohammed Siraj snapped up Mitchell Santner, and Shami got the better of the centurion Daryl Mitchell, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson to take India into the finals.

    Thankfully, for India’s leading broadcast and streaming network the match ran its course which more than allowed it to fulfill its obligations to its on-air advertising and sponsor partners. Some of the earlier fixtures that the very dominating Indian side had played had ended early and Disney Star India had then reportedly chosen to make good some of the air time to its advertiser partners.

    For Disney Star India, the ICC World Cup should prove a matchwinner in terms of revenues. With India now in the finals, which is to be held on 19 November in Ahmedabad, new viewership records are likely to be set. Programming around the finals and India’s chances on lifting the trophy is likely to be pumped up, advertising inventory created – which could sell at a premium. It’s quite possible that more advertisers could snap up FCT on the channel which again will sell at a premium.

    Speaking at an ICC conference Cricket Matters on 14 November in Mumbai’s St Regis Hotel, its sports head Sanjog Gupta was pleased as punch.

    “We have had 450 million viewers on TV in just the first 34 matches, of the ICC one Day World Cup” he said. “That’s more viewers than the top three entertainment channels combined on the sports event.  We had a peak concurrency of 80 million  on our TV channels  in the 12 languages we telecast and 44 million on our streaming service. We have generated a buoyancy in the festive season with advertising spending up 40 per cent. 45-50 new category advertisers have come on to the World Cup. We have had a 20 per cent growth in terms of time spent viewing by viewers over 2019. ”

    Not just Gupta, but even Disney Star country manager and president K Madhavan had a beaming wide smile on his face at the semi-final’s post-match presentation. Madhavan presented the man of the match award to Shami.

    The success of the ICC World Cup event should result in some soul searching in Burbank, the Walt Disney Co’s hq.  The company has been looking for a partner for its India business ever since CEO Bob Iger earlier this year expressed that the low ARPUs, weak advertising, heavy subscriber churn and skyrocketing sports rights costs were eroding the company’s bottom line. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has been reported to be among the front runners for the partnership.

    Iger apparently seemed to have softened his stance – compared to earlier in the year – during the mouse house’s fourth-quarter earnings call for FY2023 on 8 November 2023 when questioned about what he intended to do with the India business.

    “…in India, our linear business actually does quite well. Yes, it’s making money. But we know that other parts of that business are challenged for us and for others. And we are looking, I’ll call it, extensively,” Iger had responded.  “I know I’ve said this before, it always gets me in trouble. But we’re considering our options there. We have an opportunity to strengthen our hand. It is now maybe the most populous country in the world or maybe just still second to China and about to pass them. We’d like to stay in that market. But we’re also looking to see whether we can strengthen our hand obviously, improve the bottom line.”

    With the World Cup shaping up the way it has for Disney Star India in terms of viewership and new advertisers, some of that may hopefully end up showing up in the shape of a much better bottom line. And hopefully keep Iger and investors in a better frame of mind.

  • Star Sports flagship show ‘Cricket Live’ garners immense popularity amongst viewers of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

    Star Sports flagship show ‘Cricket Live’ garners immense popularity amongst viewers of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

    Mumbai: Cricket Live, the exclusive in-depth analysis show on Star Sports, has redefined storytelling during the ICC World Cup 2023, presenting compelling narratives of Indian and foreign players. From Bumrah’s much-anticipated return to Shami’s stellar performances, Virat’s pursuit of glory, and Rohit’s captaincy, the coverage resonated with fans worldwide. The stories extended beyond borders, highlighting Rachin’s journey, Pakistan’s cricketing odyssey, and exclusive confessions from Australian players about their rivals. Adding a personal touch, Cricket Live celebrated the birthdays of stars like Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli, fostering a deeper connection with fans. Not limiting the narrative to players, an anthem titled ‘Tum ho apne saath mein’ was curated for Team India, aiming to galvanize fans in unwavering support of the entire squad. The most watched Cricket show has collaborated with influencers and content creators from across the country to build the fandom for Team India. Fans have also been able to ask compelling questions to the StarCast and get featured on the broadcast via #AskStar.

    As per BARC, till Match 34 of the tournament, Cricket Live has captivated a staggering 273 million viewers, with an impressive watch time of 19 billion minutes, a growth of 6 per cent compared to the 2019 edition. Additionally, the show witnessed an uptick of 10 per cent in average time spent by viewers, compared to the 2019 edition. In the pre-show, the first half-hour has experienced the most significant surge, with consumption levels up by 27 per cent, and average time spent per viewer up by 18 per cent. The post-shows have also flourished, boasting an incredible 117 per cent higher consumption and an impressive 38 per cent higher reach compared to the previous edition. Cricket Live on regional feeds (Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada) has grown in consumption by 122 per cent (3.4 billion minutes), compared to the last edition and its viewership has increased by 46 per cent (62.2 Mn), compared to 2019.

    In its commitment to delivering an all-encompassing cricketing experience, Cricket Live on Star Sports has gone above and beyond with exclusive interviews featuring Team India heroes. A special content campaign, “We for Virat,” celebrated Kohli’s historic feats, offering a comprehensive glimpse into various facets of his life, personality, and illustrious career. The coverage extended to behind-the-scenes moments, backstories of players from the ICC World Cup 2023, and engaging debates pitting experts against each other on burning topics and contextual big stories of the day. Special segments like “What’s Trending,” “Unboxing,” “Wow Factor,” “Versus,” and “Cheeky Singles” capture all aspects of the World Cup, ensuring a diverse and engaging viewing experience.

    Cricket Live on Star Sports is also at the forefront of technological innovation. Utilizing a decibel meter for real-time crowd noise data, holographic teleportation to virtually transport commentators, and 3D-rendered graphics placing players next to iconic monuments like the Gateway of India, have made Cricket Live a visually dynamic experience. The usage of augmented reality (AR) graphics to display stats seamlessly on the pitch, and Quad replay technology to enhance the replay experience for a comprehensive view of key moments have made the cricket viewing and analysing experience more immersive for fans globally.

    With a remarkable line-up of former players who have graced the Cricket World Cup since its inception in 1975, the StarCast for Cricket Live served as a treasure trove of in-depth analysis, insights, and expertise. The iconic World Cup winners, including legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, K Srikanth, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, and S Sreesanth, graced the panel, bringing their invaluable experience and championship wisdom to the audience. The panel further boasted multiple Former Indian chairmen of Selectors, such as MSK Prasad, Sandeep Patil, and Sunil Joshi, along with the esteemed former India batting coach, Sanjay Bangar.

    Adding to the international flavor were former cricket legends and World Cup winners Shane Watson, Aaron Finch, Matthew Hayden, Dale Steyn, Faf Du Plesis, Imran Tahir, Shane Bond, and Paul Collingwood. Their presence amplified the depth of analysis and championship-winning insights, creating a dynamic and insightful panel for Cricket Live viewers.

    In a celebration of India’s linguistic diversity and cricketing fervour, Star Sports provided an immersive experience for fans with exclusive broadcasts in various regional languages. The Tamil feed featured former World Cup winners K Srikanth and S Sreesanth, complemented by insights from players S Ramesh and Russel Arnold. The Telugu feed was enriched by former India Chief Selector MSK Prasad, seasoned campaigner, and former Indian women’s captain Mithali Raj, and experienced cricketer Venugopal Rao. The Kannada feed showcased the esteemed presence of former Indian legend Gundappa Viswanath and former India cricketers Vijay Bharadwaj, Vinay Kumar, and Sunil Joshi, alongside local cricketing talents. This diverse and talented roster ensured that Cricket Live not only entertained but also educated cricket enthusiasts with unparalleled insights and perspectives.

    Adding a touch of glamour and excitement, Cricket Live has welcomed a plethora of celebrities, including Bollywood Superstars Salman Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon and the entire cast of ‘The Archies’. South superstars like Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra, Venkatesh Raghupathi, Ravi Teja and more also graced the regional shows. All these celebrities shared their love for Team India, adding a captivating dimension to the cricket-watching experience.

    As the World Cup enters its knockout stages, Star Sports is committed to redefine the boundaries of delivering a compelling viewing experience. Upcoming appearances from global pop sensation Dua Lipa, and Bollywood and South stars Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Naga Chaitanya promises an unforgettable spectacle for viewers and fans alike. Cricket Live’s coverage is set to expand with extended 2-hour pre-shows starting from 12 PM across five languages – English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada throughout the knockout stages.

    Cricket Live on Star Sports continues to be the ultimate destination for cricket enthusiasts, offering unparalleled insights, entertainment, and star-studded appearances, making it an integral part of the ICC World Cup 2023 experience. 

  • Vishwa Samudra Golden Eagles to host its seventh Annual Golf Championship in Mumbai

    Vishwa Samudra Golden Eagles to host its seventh Annual Golf Championship in Mumbai

    Mumbai: The Vishwa Samudra Golden Eagles Championships, one of the most awaited Golf Tournaments in India, will be held in Mumbai on the 18 November, 2023 at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club, Chembur.

    This Pro-Am format, began in 2015 as a vision of Vishwa Samudra Group chairman Chinta Sasidhar. The event very quickly grew to become the most sought-after corporate golf event in India. The event celebrates Golf, glamour and glory in all its form!

    The seventh edition will witness the participation of leading celebrities from across the world including Brian Lara, Sania Mirza, actress Prachie Tehlan, Indian Pro-Golfers Neha Tripathi & Ridhima Dhilawari and Swedish Pro-Golfer Camilla Lennarth.

    Former Indian Cricket Captain and star of the 1983 World Cup winning team, Kapil Dev will also be participating in this event along with other top amateur golfers from across the country. The seventh edition gets special with exciting prizes to be won across various categories, including a BMW 7 Series car for the Hole in 1 contest and other exciting prizes like Rolex Watches and Apple Products!

    With over 100 golfers playing this event in every city, it moves to Delhi and then Bangalore after Mumbai.

    The event over the years has witnessed some of the best corporate and pro golfers as a part of the event along with celebrities like Brian Lara, Sharmila Nicolette, Chitrangada Singh, Tamanna Bhatia, R Madhavan, Mandira Bedi, Tvesa Malik, Ridhima Dhilawari. It honours people who have brought glory to our country with the likes of Kapil Dev, the 1983 Indian Cricket team winning captain, Leander Paes – Tennis icon, multiple grand slam winner.

  • UEFA chooses Decathlon’s Kipsta for the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa conference league

    UEFA chooses Decathlon’s Kipsta for the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa conference league

    Mumbai: KIPSTA continues its rise in professional football. From the 2024-2025 season onwards and for a period of three years until the end of the 2026-2027 season), Decathlon will supply official match balls for the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Europa Conference League. From Portugal to Azerbaijan, from the Faroe Islands to Türkiye, all matches in these competitions will be played using Official Match balls designed and produced by Decathlon’s sub-label Kipsta.

    Kipsta, whose global headquarters are situated at the Kipstadium in Tourcoing, France, has been producing, for several years, official match balls that meet the highest technical requirements of the Ligue one Uber Eats and Ligue 2 BKT in France, as well as the Jupiler Pro League in Belgium.  

    Thanks to the thermo-bonding of its match ball panels (seamless ball), Kipsta official match balls offer superior sphericity and durability. It also provides a heightened playing sensation thanks to the textured microfiber foam component and debossing. Kipsta official match balls are characterised by their highly stable flight trajectory. Designed, tested and created in France, Kipsta official match balls are FIFA Quality Pro certified.

    Decathlon chief products and sports officer Fabien Brosse said: “UEFA’s decision recognises KIPSTA’s expertise and ability to offer a high-level technical product that meets the highest standards. It also reinforces the commitment of the KIPSTA teams to the practice of football, whether amateur or professional, throughout the world.”

    UEFA marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein said: “We are thrilled to announce KIPSTA as the official match ball supplier for the first time as we join forces with a brand that shares our passion for innovation, quality and the love of the game. KIPSTA’s experience in providing top-quality balls and commitment to the sport will be tremendous assets as the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League enter into new eras”