Category: Sports

Mumbai: Ampere the flagship electric two-wheeler brand from Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited, (GEMPL) has collaborated with Royal Challengers Bangalore as their official EV partner for the upcoming season of the T20 League. With Royal Challengers Bangalore being the world’s first carbon positive cricket franchise, this collaboration is in perfect sync with Ampere’s commitment to lead India towards smart and sustainable mobility through electric mobility.

The Cheerleader Squad of Royal Challengers Bangalore will showcase a distinctive Jersey Integration and will be referred to as the ‘Ampere Take Charge Squad.’ Their outfits and musical instruments will be made of 100 per cent sustainable materials and upcycled scrap, thereby reflecting our shared commitment towards creating a greener future. Ampere Electric Vehicles will also launch a limited edition RCB-themed primus electric scooter, and each home match will feature an Ampere electrifying player of the match who will receive the limited-edition primus as an award. Additionally, the collaboration will involve giving away special signed team merchandise and memorabilia to winners of contests run by the brand.

The collaboration will extend Ampere’s Har Gully Electric campaign to the Har Gully Cricket theme, featuring star RCB players, evoking nostalgia about gully cricket that the country is known to enjoy. Ampere customers will get an enhanced T20 experience, with cricket-themed retail experiences, interesting on-ground activations, and more. Overall, the collaboration ensures the brand engages with cricket-crazy fans and stays true to sustainability.

Greaves Electric Mobility Private Ltd CEO & executive director Sanjay Behl said, “We are excited to announce our collaboration with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, as our values and purpose for sustainability are perfectly aligned. Cricket is a democratic game and is a religion in India. Collaboration with cricket helps us to connect with our customers at large, while we continue to democratise smart & sustainable mobility solutions, through our range of electric 2-wheelers for the masses. Our anthem to make Har Gully Electric, and inspire the community towards building a better planet is intimately tied to the culture of Har Gully Cricket.”

Royal Challengers Bangalore head & vice president Rajesh Menon said, “At RCB we firmly believe that progress towards a sustainable future requires collaboration and shared values. We are proud to join hands with Ampere and create a series of sustainable, exciting, and unique touchpoints for the RCB fans and Ampere consumers alike.”

The philosophy adopted by RCB is reflected in their approach both on and off the field, with the mantra ‘Defeats don’t defeat us, the Challenger Spirit keeps us alive’. Meanwhile, Ampere’s clarion call is to take charge and contribute towards a more sustainable future. By collaborating together, they aim to convey the message that impact is created only when we take charge, emphasising the importance of both a bold attitude and charging towards sustainability.

Mumbai: Royal Challengers Bangalore has taken one step forward in merging sports and lifestyle. As a brand with pan-India presence and rapidly rising global visibility, RCB is intending to show a new path to the audience in India while fusing together performance improvement and excellence on and off the field with the introduction of innovative concepts, a first in the Indian sporting landscape — RCB Innovation Lab. 

RCB Innovation Lab aims to generate insight, ideas, methodologies and products that shape the future of sports in India. At the core of this aim is an aspiration to develop adaptable people and leaders, capable of driving performance improvement and excellence on and off the field. 

RCB innovation Lab is based on two principles, to bring sports innovation to as many people and to collaborate with innovative organisations. 

RCB in association with the Leaders, organiser of the sports communities through events, communities and intelligence will connect the most influential people in sports to the most powerful ideas in Sports, thereby bring the global sports leaders together in India for the first time and discuss and drive the future of sports in South East Asia. 

Through this initiative they plan to break boundaries; create a platform where sports, business, tech, media and performance meet. They share ambitious plans to propel growth in the regional and international sports market, both on and off the field. 

They will host the biggest names in sports and media together in a single platform from over 15+ countries over an exploratory two-day meet, checking how to tap an ever-growing, vibrant Indian sports market on and off the field.

Besides, RCB will provide an unmatched opportunity to close to 750 senior executives and participating brands with a unique opportunity to share their brand story with the key regional and international leaders in sport. 

However, one of the features of the RCB Innovation Lab is venturing into Sports Ed Tech, Research & Development for performance enhancement and the setting up of startup accelerator programmes with leading sports & health tech accelerators. 

RCB will also establish an AI backed cricket coaching and talent ID platform, helping to identify and develop RCB stars of the future.

Royal Challengers Bangalore head & VP Rajesh Menon said, “RCB has this highly engaging fan base across the globe, and it has been numbered around 30 million. In 2022, we had touched a TV reach of 262.6 million, highest among all the IPL teams. As RCB is returning to their home turf after a gap of 3 years, we want to make it memorable in more ways than one. We want to break down the international barriers and showcase India as a thriving market. With the RCB Innovation Lab, it will be an attempt to take Sports Tech to next level in India. We, as one of the most popular sports teams in India, want to contribute and create meaningful footprints in sports in India which just do not confine to the playing arena alone and we believe if sports has to grow, then all aspects of the sports has to grow as well and we are on that journey with this vision. RCB aspires to give its fans a purpose and meaning with Go Green initiative to utilise the connect and community of fans to be part of a larger movement that benefits society at large.” 

RCB performance consultant Mo Bobat, said, “In addition to the many exciting innovations RCB has been known for on the field, it’s great to be able launch the RCB Innovation Lab.  Cricket, and sport more generally, is evolving at such a pace and RCB wants to play a leading role in shaping what sports organisations and leaders do to achieve success, on and off the field.”

Leader’s managing director Laura McQueen commented,  “India is an exciting and thriving market with endless opportunity. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the team at RCB to bring Leaders to India to be part of the innovation happening here and showcase this to global sports business and performance executives around the world.”

RCB in the journey of green movement 

RCB started the journey of green initiative with the first ever “green game” in 2011. Joined WWF India as the face of Namma Bengaluru for Earth Hour in 2012 and officially declared Carbon Neutrality through fan driven initiatives and not the purchase of carbon credits. RCB became the World’s first Carbon Neutral Cricket Team in 2013. From 2014 to 2019, fan engagement recorded the green pledges, installation of 1422 solar panels in RCB’s home ground – M Chinnaswamy stadium, with an overall capacity of 400KW, establishment of waste management centre for sustainable waste disposal of wet and dry waste in the stadium where eight tones waste was segregated per match. 

RCB is now moving forward in this green movement with a holistic approach to carbon neutrality. RCB aims to make Chinnaswamy, a green stadium, rejuvenate the Lakes and create a network of green schools across Bengaluru to encourage green initiates and sustainable living for future. RCB also aims to continue creating pet friendly stands, an initiative undertaken in 2019. 

RCB has entered an alliance with Goodera, a volunteering platform, to drive Go Green initiatives. Go Green initiatives includes Green Lakes, Green Schools, Green Stadium, and Green Army.

As a first step, RCB will be restoring two lakes in South Bengaluru covering 44 acres that affects the nearby area with floods and if rejuvenated will impact the connected lakes and land, to make it more liveable and sustainable. As with any other venture of RCB, the fan engagement is central to this mission as well. We intend to transform Go Green Initiative into a movement by fan engagement with a purpose.  The RCB will also transform nearly 200 educational institutions in Bengaluru into green schools and earning a special green certificate will work as a source of motivation for them. 

“At Goodera, we strongly believe in the power of community engagement in driving sustainable impact. RCB’s unique fan driven model of carbon neutrality is inspirational. RCB has enabled sustainability for the people, of the people, and by the people. Goodera is proud to partner with RCB since 2011 on the Go Green initiatives inspiring millions of passionate RCB fans to bring small changes in their daily life for planet earth,” said Goodera CEO & founder Abhishek Humbad, a volunteering platform and RCB’s sustainability impact partner.

Fans throng for RCB Unbox

RCB returned to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after a gap of three years in the most remarkable of ways — the cracking RCB Unbox 2.0 for the fans. It is a celebration of the 12th man army, the loyal fan base of the RCB who could not experience a game day at the stadium for the past three years. 

The fans were allowed to watch the full squad practice of RCB, a first of its kind initiative in the T20, accompanied by RCB brand launches and the fans also witnessed the coming back of two cricketers who are now part of the RCB folklore — Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers. They were inducted into RCB Hall Of Fame and as a mark of respect, the RCB retired the jerseys of Villiers (17) and Gayle (333) forever from its roster.

“First of all, a big thanks to RCB for inducting me into the Hall Of Fame. I have so many fun memories of playing at the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the RCB. It feels like homecoming for me and it was a delight for me to reconnect with the team, the players and above all the fans. The RCB, RCB chant will always stay with me,” said Gayle.

“It is a massively touching gesture by RCB to induct me into the Hall Of Fame and it has a very special place in my heart. I have missed the atmosphere at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, and it was enthralling for me to relieve all those experiences once more during the RCB Unbox,” said Villiers.

The stadium was packed to the rafters with live music beats by Sonu Nigam and Jason Derulo followed by the arrival of Virat Kohli, Faf Du Plessis, ABD and Chris Gayle were greeted with thundering cheers and the iconic chant — RCB, RCB.

“I am quite excited to welcome back fans to the stadium after three years. It was such an exhilarating experience to practice in front of some amazing fans as part of the RCB Unbox. It was also thrilling to welcome back AB and Chris for their special day, and it was awesome to feel the energy,” said Plessis.

Mumbai: To support the delivery of its global sales and servicing strategy, DreamSetGo has been selected by On Location, an official hospitality provider, to service the Indian market to deliver the best possible hospitality experience for stakeholders and guests of the Olympic Games.

DreamSetGo has agreed to a consistent set of rules regarding:

•     The pricing and customization of their packages to promote.
•     The marketing of fair and consistent Paris 2024 Olympic hospitality products worldwide.

The restriction to offer stand-alone ticket sales as these are exclusively sold by Paris 2024 through its dedicated ticketing platform, https://tickets.paris2024.org/

The created hospitality packages for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 can be accessed on DreamSetGo website by clicking on the following link http://dreamsetgo.co/paris2024hospitality

An overview of territories where official sub-distributors have been appointed can be found on On Location website at the following link, https://olympics.onlocationexp.com/paris2024/

On Location executive VP olympic and paralympic games Will Whiston commented, “The International Olympic Committee and Paris 2024 aim to set a new standard in Hospitality for the Olympic Games. It is the first time this new, historical, and innovative hospitality model will be in place. As the sole Official Hospitality Provider for the next three Games, On Location is excited to work with our new network of exceptional partners to open up the most memorable hospitality experiences to stakeholders, partners, and sports enthusiasts worldwide.”

Mumbai: TCL,  a consumer electronics brand and one of  the global TV industry, has become an official sponsor for the cricket team Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the fourth time in a row. The sponsorship announcement has been made in line with the company’s plans to launch its revolutionary series of 4K and QLED TVs.

Cricket fever in India is not going away. It lies inside the heart of every Indian that millions of fans worldwide buy tickets to watch Cricket LIVE while double the fans keep their eyes glued to their TV sets.  Considering the love of Indians for cricket, TCL demonstrates its commitment to delivering a convenient and immersive viewing experience brought by continuous breakthroughs and innovations in technology. 

The partnership will not only connect TCL with its existing and potential customers but also glorify exciting moments of the match through its tech-integrated LED TVs.  

TCL India CEO Xia Dongyue said, “Being a technology-driven brand, we believe cricket and technology share a similar philosophy of connecting people and sharing enhanced experiences. Through this sponsorship, we have kept firm the trustful relationship between TCL and Sunrisers Hyderabad and are certain that SRH will play an integral role in creating an inclusive and exciting event for the viewers.” 

“Hyderabad is a big consumer market for us in India. Considering the popularity of SRH, our sponsorship will allow us to bring state-of-the-art HD and 4K LED TVs to consumers so they don’t miss out on a single shot in the field,” he added. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO K Shanmugam said, “Cricket has the power to create powerful connections among people and states. We believe that TCL’s innovations in each of its products will build a strong community of the brand’s consumers and SRH’s fans. We look forward to witnessing a world-class and valuable viewing experience for the customers during the forthcoming cricket season.” 

The company announces to launch a broad spectrum of new products, extensively expanding the TCL product portfolio in 2023. Recently, the company has also unveiled its iconic range of Google TV and Android 11 TV, featuring FHD resolution with built-in Google voice assistant and much more. The next-gen product range boasts an HD-ready panel to display high-resolution images for an immersive viewing experience.

The company has always focused on delivering innovation through each of its products which are backed by various new-age technologies such as Quantum Dot. With the aid of Quantum Dot Technology, over a billion colours and shades fulfill the TVs’ visual performance. TCL’s C635 is a perfect definition of a brilliant TV that provides outstanding image quality with the help of Quantum Dot technology.

Not only this; even TCL’s MiniLED TV C835 is supported by the Quantum Dot technology. In this; a pure, ultra-high definition TV is filtered through a layer of over a billion Quantum Dot nanocrystals. A combination of leading technologies improves brightness, reaches higher contrast and achieves superior color precision, providing a theatre-like viewing experience at home.

Besides the extensive range of TVs, TCL also boasts an impressive range of ACs and Washing Machines which include multiple variants like Front Load, Top Load, Semi-Automatic and Fully Automatic.

TCL is one of the fastest-growing consumer electronics brands globally. In the upcoming financial year, the brand envisions continuing to offer world-class experience to its customers loaded with next-gen technologies. 

Mumbai: Punjab Kings has announced playR as their official fan merchandise partner for IPL 2023 onwards. The partnership is aimed at helping fans show their support for the team, by providing them with exclusive fan merchandise and accessories. The partnership will bring fans around the world exclusive Punjab Kings fan merchandise such as fan wear, caps, – cricket equipment, fitness and accessories. –

Each product has been designed keeping in mind the team’s identity and the logo. The collection includes t-shirts, cricket bats, balls, pads, gloves, fitness accessories and more- The merchandise is available for purchase on playR Punjab Kings website – and will also be available across leading stores globally –

playR started in 2021, currently retails in 100 plus retail stores globally and soon to touch 800 stores across the globe. It also retails from its dedicated e-commerce store, as well as on multi-brand online stores. playR specialises in apparel, sports equipment, bicycles, and accessories across sports, age and gender and lifestyle.

Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon shared, “We are thrilled to announce playR as our Global Official Fan Merchandise Partner. After months of research and careful consideration, we have selected playR which shares our values and commitment to quality. What is interesting is that playR as a brand already has a range of apparel and cricket equipment and they understand our requirements and work towards making sure that our brand reaches across platforms”.

“We are confident that this strategic alliance with Punjab Kings for India and the International market will bring success to both parties and the fans of Punjab Kings will surely love the merchandise. We look forward to many years of success together” said  playR co-founder & director Ravi Kukreja.

 

Mumbai: Not too long ago, Shikhar Dhawan was India’s ultimate ICC player, but in an ODI World Cup year, he finds himself out of contention. Dhawan can be seen facing tough questions from Sudhir Chaudhary on the upcoming episode of Seedhi Baat.  The viewers can also expect a response to speculations on his retirement and his zeal to make a comeback with just seven months to go for the ICC ODI World Cup.

In this special episode, Dhawan will also talk about his troubled marriage, his relationship with M S Dhoni, his time as Captain of the team, his style statement, his views on joining politics, Shubhman Gill replacing him in the team and his advice to Rishabh Pant who is on the road to recovery after a deadly accident. Watch the ‘Gabbar’ of Indian Cricket Shikhar Dhawan answer all such questions in a very hard hitting and to the point interview.

Seedhi Baat is a one-on-one interview format show which features newsmakers from different walks of life like Politics, Bollywood, Sports, Business among others. This year, the iconic show differentiates itself with its quintessential its conversational style and embodies a friendly yet inquisitely approach to interviews. The show has made a comeback on Aaj Tak with India’s popular anchor, host and senior journalist, Sudhir Chaudhary and airs on Saturday at 9pm. In this season, the show already had Akshay Kumar, J P Nadda and Kapil Sharma as guests.

Mumbai: Shyam Steel, one of the producers and manufacturers of primary TMT bars, has announced its association with IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants as the principal sponsor of the franchise. The association will help Shyam Steel to enhance its brand and business presence across the HSM markets and nationally. The sixteenth edition of Indian Premier League is set to begin from 31 March 2023 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Aligned to the association, the players and official members of Lucknow Super Giants team will be sporting the Shyam Steel logo on the back of the official match day jersey. The logo will also be prominently visible during the on-ground matches of the franchise. The brand will have the right to use player images and team logo for internal use and promotional purposes. The association will also be amplified across, print, outdoor, television, digital and social media platforms which will run through the entire duration of the tournament. The duration of the association is three years.

Shyam Steel Industries Ltd. director Lalit Beriwala said, “We are very proud to associate ourselves with one of the most popular franchises, Lucknow Super Giants. The team is the perfect amalgamation of talent, experience and enthusiasm. India is a cricket frenzy nation, and this partnership will help us to build a high brand recall amongst our target audience nationally. Uttar Pradesh is a key market for us as it serves as our gateway to the North Indian markets, and we hope this association creates a positive impact in the region. We look forward to a very successful season for both the brands.”

RPSG Sports CEO colonel Vinod Bisht said, “We are absolutely delighted to be entering into a long-term partnership with an esteemed brand like Shyam Steel. There is a lot of positive synergy between the brand and the franchise, and we look forward to working with them in this prestigious tournament.”

Shyam Steel will leverage the association to enhance its brand awareness, build relevance and engage with the target audience. The partnership with Lucknow Super Giants will help brand Shyam Steel to instantly connect with the millions of viewers watching the event across India and abroad. The brand has also planned a series of activations across digital and traditional platforms to grow stakeholder engagement and brand recall.

Shyam Steel with an annual turnover of Rs 5,000 crores is now on a steady expansion mode braving the disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The Company, an integral partner of building new India, is committed to meaningfully contribute to the realisation of the target of 300 million tonnes steel production by 2030-31. The brand is associated with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma as the face of the company in addition to having Sonu Sood as one of its brand ambassadors. Shyam Steel has also recently added Vijay Devarakonda to the pantheon of famous endorsers.

Mumbai: Garuda Aerospace, an Indian drone startup, has announced a partnership with Chennai Super Kings. As part of the agreement, Garuda Aerospace will be the official drone partner for the 2023 season, marking the first-ever drone partnership for a team.

Garuda Aerospace is the first-ever dual DGCA approved drone startup that manufactures Make in India drones and trains young professionals in the field of drone technology. The startup recently raised $22 million, which is the largest ever Series A fund raise in the drone sector. Former Indian cricket team captain and brand ambassador Mahendra Singh Dhoni is also a shareholder in the company.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Garuda Aerospace founder & CEO Agnishwar Jayaprakash said, “We are extremely excited to partner with Chennai Super Kings, one of the most iconic teams in the competition. As a long-time fan of Chennai Super Kings, it is a dream come true for us to partner with the team we love the most. This partnership represents a perfect synergy of two organizations that share a common vision of leveraging technology and innovation to achieve success. Although our company colors are blue, we will bleed yellow this season.”

“We are delighted to have Garuda Aerospace as our official drone partner. As a team that considers innovation an important part of our success and growth, we are thrilled to partner with a company like Garuda Aerospace that shares our values and commitment to excellence. Their focus on innovation and youth training align perfectly with our values at Chennai Super Kings.” said Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd CEO Kasi Viswanathan.

The upcoming season is set to be an exciting one with Chennai Super Kings and Garuda Aerospace teaming up to bring the best of cricket and technology to fans across the world.

Mumbai: The newly launched JERSEY OF THE SEASON was formally unveiled in Jaipur amidst players from Rajasthan Royals, Luminous Power Technologies managing director and chief executive officer Preeti Bajaj and Transformation senior VP and chief strategy Neelima Burra and Business today marketing Officer and senior VP – energy solutions Amit Shukla, were present at a press conference.

Royals Sports Group-owned franchise Rajasthan Royals has announced India’s energy solutions provider, Luminous Power Technologies as the team’s title sponsor for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which is set to begin from 31 March 2023.

With the motto of providing customer delight through innovation & passion with a focus on execution & teamwork, Luminous Power Technologies has been a trustworthy No. one energy solutions super brand that offers a wide range of innovative products and solutions in the energy, power back up and residential solar space. Luminous Power Technologies is pioneer in Inverter and battery technology including recent launches of Lithium Ion based inverter premium designed ultra charge batteries, Icon Inverter series and powerhouse high-capacity Inverter series for homes and offices. Meanwhile, the winners of the inaugural edition of the IPL, Rajasthan Royals, are known for their innovative and pioneering approach which is married with the extensive use of technology to achieve results on the field.

Having previously extended their support to the sport through in-stadium and linear TV partnerships, Luminous is re-entering the IPL space with this partnership with the Royals for the 2023 season.

Rajasthan Royals chief executive officer Jake Lush McCrum said, “Luminous is a brand driven by innovation and technology which is central to what drives success for our franchise. Countless synergies have emerged as we’ve deepened our discussion around this partnership with innovation and sustainability being a core focus of both brands. We are incredibly excited about the impact we can achieve together and look forward to helping Luminous strengthen their national and global footprint through various campaigns during the season and beyond.”

Luminous Power Technologies managing director & chief executive officer Preeti Bajaj quoted, “With over 35 years of expertise in creating innovative and technology driven products for our consumers, Luminous is one of the most reputed and reliable brands in India. This exciting partnership with Rajasthan Royals provides us with the opportunity to keep scaling and creating a tangible impact on our current and potential consumers. We have been associated with cricket in the past through other associations, and with this partnership with Rajasthan Royals, we aim to reaffirm our commitment to innovation and technology, and also promote exponential growth for the business leveraging the Royals’ domestic and global presence.”

Luminous Power Technologies senior VP and chief strategy, transformation and marketing officer Neelima Burra added, “Luminous has carved a distinct niche for itself and is a No.1 brand in the energy solutions market today. As India is at the cusp of change, there is a paradigm change in the evolution of power quality, power consumption and per capita income in India. The power back-up needs have been marking a shift towards residential solar as well as higher KVA ranges and hence Luminous is on a mission to accelerate growth in coming years, shaping the Luminous of Future – Luminous 3.0. To this end, a range of strategic initiatives have been chalked out across businesses and brands to drive this transformation journey to position Luminous as a global Prosumer-Tech player. Our rationale is transforming the world of sustainable energy and powering happier homes. With huge products’ acceptability, we will expand our B2C footprint and will invest substantially to grow smarter, safer and more sustainable products with superior consumer experience. We have earmarked our investments for the coming years on brand building, channel development and digitisation. These will be towards capacity build-up and modernization in the next three years.”

Rajasthan Royals association Burra said, “IPL and RR collaboration is very valuable as it will help us strengthen our brand in every household in India. This association between a brand that has transformed into a household name that aims to power happier homes through technology innovations and a cricket team whose mission is to ‘transform society through cricket, and cricket through innovation’, goes a long way in establishing a mutually beneficial partner ecosystem that can drive the ambitions of both the entities. Through its philanthropic arm – the Royal Rajasthan Foundation – the franchise has been working to enable opportunities for empowered women in Rajasthan for equitable access to water, livelihoods and mental health interventions, while also providing access to solar energy.  The ongoing women’s day campaign #WomenInEnergy aims to reduce the gender gap in the energy sector and provide equal opportunity for women powering happier homes. Luminous commitment to enriching education for girls, creating livelihood, and a green environment to live in, there are numerous synergies for both the brands given the Royals’ ambition of impacting society with cricket as the vehicle.”

The Rajasthan Royals squad, which includes international and domestic cricketers from across the world who have been at the forefront of using technology and innovation in their game, will be kick-starting their 2023 campaign in Hyderabad on 2 April 2023.