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Category: Sports

  • Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    MUMBAI: It’s no longer just about technique and turf, it’s about taming old ghosts with new fire. Sony Sports Network is set to bring viewers the cricketing showdown of the year, the India tour of England 2025, a five-Test epic that kicks off June 20. Played on iconic English grounds like Lord’s, The Oval, and Old Trafford, the series carries weight not just on the scoreboard, but in the psyche of Indian cricket.

    What makes this tour doubly dramatic? It’s the first major Test series in a post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era. With a fresh captain and a young, fearless squad at the helm, Team India is ready to challenge a century-long struggle India has only clinched 3 out of 19 Test series in England. This time, they arrive armed with swagger, skill, and a new spirit: ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’.

    “The India tour of England will be a ‘test’ in the truest sense of the word… With ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’, we are celebrating the courage and determination of this new generation… Sony Sports Network aims to rally the nation behind Team India as they embark on this crucial Test series,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer for distribution & international business and head for sports business Rajesh Kaul.

    Adding his voice to the call is Cheteshwar Pujara, who noted, “With a young and dynamic squad, this tour represents a significant turning point for Indian cricket… I look forward to witnessing how this group rises to the occasion.”

    For Irfan Pathan, the series isn’t just about stats, it’s about seizing the stage: “Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari perfectly captures the fearless attitude… I am confident this team has the talent and determination to take on the toughest challenges.”

    To amplify the buzz, Sony Sports Network has launched ‘Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari’, a fiery, animated campaign packed with emotion and edge. One standout film features iconic captains Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid reflecting on their rare Test triumphs on English soil reminding fans just how elusive victory here has been.

    Another short, ‘Fury in Harmony – Bumrah’, taps into Jasprit Bumrah’s explosive spell from the 2020-21 series, reinforcing the visceral thrill of red-ball cricket. And in a not-yet-aired third film titled ‘Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki’, set to the iconic 1984 Bollywood song, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan join forces with English stars like Mark Wood and Harry Brook to dramatise the rivalry and resistance India faces in England.

    With more than just points on the line, this tour is a statement of intent from a resurgent Indian side determined to rewrite Test history on England’s toughest pitches.

    Catch every ball, every twist, and every cheer Live starting 20 June 2025, only on Sony Sports Network. Because this time, the turf might be theirs but the win? That’s ours to take.

  • From boxing rings to Hindi cinema, IOS Sports unveils bold new logo as it marks 20 years of sporting glory

    From boxing rings to Hindi cinema, IOS Sports unveils bold new logo as it marks 20 years of sporting glory

    MUMBAI: In a career-defining rally that started from the squash courts of India, IOS Sports and Entertainment has launched a vibrant new logo to mark its 20 anniversary—an era that has seen it shape the trajectory of Indian sports management.

    Founded in 2005 by former squash player Neerav Tomar and industrialist Sanjeev Khandelwal, IOS has grown from a modest operation into one of India’s leading sports management agencies. The firm has managed over 150 elite athletes and partnered with 500+ brands.

    The new logo, revealed on 27 May, features a striking ’20’ in gradient hues, symbolising the breadth of sports it represents. It sits alongside the bold ‘IOS’ typography and the dates ‘2005 – 2025’, underpinned by the tagline ‘SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT’.

    “This new logo represents not just our journey, but the evolution of sports management in India”, said MD & CEO Tomar. “The vibrant colours symbolise the diversity of talent we represent, while the modern design reflects our forward-thinking approach”.

    Over the years, IOS has transformed how Olympic sports are perceived and monetised in India. It began its innings with Olympic boxer Vijender Singh and went on to represent top names like Suresh Raina, Lovlina Borgohain, Mirabai Chanu, Saina Nehwal, Geeta Phogat, and Ishan Kishan.

    Singh reminisced, “My journey with IOS began when they were just starting out, and we’ve grown together over these 20 years. They believed in me when Olympic sports athletes had limited commercial opportunities in India”.

    IOS also provides services to sports bodies including the Indian Olympic Association, Athletics Federation of India, Paralympic Committee of India, and Weightlifting Federation. Beyond athletes, the firm has overseen franchise operations like the Gujarat Lions in the IPL.

    Its entertainment credentials are equally robust, having delivered brand integrations in films like Mary Kom, Toofaan, and Rock On, seamlessly blending sport and cinema.

    With a refreshed identity and a legacy to match, IOS is entering its third decade at full sprint. The new branding will roll out across platforms from 27 May, kicking off a year of celebrations.

  • Kabaddi scores a social touchdown with multilingual digital slam

    Kabaddi scores a social touchdown with multilingual digital slam

     MUMBAI: They tackled language barriers like a raider takes on defenders and came out with the trophy. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has added a digital feather to its cap, bagging the ‘Social Media Campaign’ award in the Multilingual Campaign category at the ET Brand Equity Trendies 2025. The win celebrates PKL Season 11’s innovative and inclusive digital engagement strategy, executed by Mashal Sports in collaboration with Sportz Interactive, which saw fans across linguistic and cultural divides connect like never before.

    Held from October 18 to December 29, 2024, Season 11 wasn’t just action-packed on the mat, it was a slam dunk online too. The campaign’s multilingual format reached deep into regional fanbases, ensuring that the raiding and defending didn’t just speak one language, but many.

    The digital blitz hit the sweet spot, delivering high engagement across platforms like Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, X, and the Pro Kabaddi app, with vernacular content crafted for fans from every corner of the country. The league’s social-first, fan-first approach resonated with a wide base, helping PKL boost brand affinity and reinforce its position as one of India’s most loved sporting leagues.

    And the kabaddi action doesn’t stop there. The buzz now shifts to the Season 12 Player Auction, which will be held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai. Fans can catch Category A auction proceedings live on the Star Sports Network and Jiocinema starting 7 pm on May 31.

    For those who want real-time updates (in the language of their choice, no less), PKL’s Live Auction Centre on prokabaddi.com and the Pro Kabaddi official app will be the go-to. With the social handles prokabaddi across platforms staying in beast mode, fans can expect another season of full-contact, full-volume entertainment on and off the mat.

    If Season 11 was about digital dominance, Season 12 promises to be a perfectly executed raid into uncharted fan territories.

  • Gautam Gambhir bares it all at Goafest 2025: “Cricket is a part of my life, not my life”

    Gautam Gambhir bares it all at Goafest 2025: “Cricket is a part of my life, not my life”

    MUMBAI: If there were any doubts about Gautam Gambhir being a straight shooter, they were obliterated in the opening minutes of his fireside chat at Goafest 2025. Titled “Why So Serious? The Making of Gautam Gambhir”, the session was anything but sombre. Moderated by CNN News18’s Anand Narasimhan, the hour-long conversation unpacked the mind of one of Indian cricket’s most intense figures—and revealed the grit behind the game face.

    “10,000 runs are not important”, Gambhir asserted early on, dismissing the fetish for stats in favour of match-defining moments. “You don’t play for broadcasters or the media; you play for the common man”. That common man, he noted, has always been his ultimate judge, not press headlines or highlight reels.

    Gambhir emphasised that public memory may be short, but for players, the work behind the scenes is lifelong. His mantra to aspiring cricketers and leaders: “It’s okay to make mistakes. Take decisions with conviction”.

    The conversation took a personal turn as Gambhir spoke of his singular regret—not serving in the army. “If given a choice today, I would give up everything to join”, he said. That spirit, he added, defines both his approach to cricket and life. “I’m not into Bollywood, I’m not into corporates. I’m just here to win”.

    Touching on his coaching stint, Gambhir credited India’s Champions Trophy win to the entire dressing room. “It wasn’t about me or the captain. Everyone contributed”.

    When asked about his notorious intensity, he responded, “There is nothing wrong with having a game face. Cricket is a profession where only one side wins”.

    On heated dressing room exchanges and media narratives, Gambhir remained stoic. “If it’s not personal, it ends on the field. Once the match is done, it’s dinner and back to normal”.

    He admitted that India’s transition phase in red-ball cricket demands patience. “You can’t compare formats. Australia was tough, but so will England be. The key is to stay the course”.

    On retirement, he recalled waking up one morning in 2018 and realising the fire was gone. “If you can’t be the best, it’s time to go. And once you go, don’t look back”.

    Politics, he claimed, “just happened”. He entered with a desire to change things, but eventually returned to cricket. “Five years in politics taught me my peace lies on the pitch”.

    His closing advice was aimed at India’s next generation of leaders: “If your intent is right, don’t fear failure. Lead from the front, be vulnerable, and never stop being honest”.

  • FanCode aces it: Roland Garros streams every court, every smash, every stat

    FanCode aces it: Roland Garros streams every court, every smash, every stat

    MUMBAI: Tennis fans, rejoice! FanCode is swinging into the grand slam game, teaming up with Sony LIV to stream every single rally from Roland Garros 2025. From 25 May to 8 June, viewers can follow the drama across all courts — live, on demand, and on their own terms.

    Marking its smashing debut into tennis, FanCode is now letting fans pick and pay: fancy just Djokovic vs Alcaraz? You got it. Want the whole clay court carnival? That’s in play too. No bundles. No fluff. Just pure, uncut tennis.

    But it’s not just video. Real-time stats will now pop up mid-stream on the FanCode app — think rally lengths, break point conversion, and more geeky-goodness — offering die-hards a courtside analyst’s view from their couch.

    “At FanCode, we take great pride in building a product purely for sports fans. With tennis entering a new era and a strong fan base in India, we are reimagining how the sport is viewed. Our fan-first approach lets viewers engage with the game on their terms — whether it’s following a favourite player or tuning into a specific match.”
    said FanCode co-founder Prasana Krishnan., 

    Sony LIV’s head of growth and monetisation Manish Aggarwal added, “Sony LIV has consistently been the go-to destination for premium global sports leagues in India. We’re thrilled to partner with FanCode to bring the excitement of the Roland Garros 2025 to an even wider audience across the country. This collaboration not only amplifies the reach of one of tennis’ most iconic Grand Slams but also ensures that fans across India can seamlessly follow their favourite players and catch every match live or on demand with greater ease and flexibility than ever before.”
     

    FanCode’s Roland Garros coverage will be available via its mobile apps (iOS & Android), smart TVs and www.fancode.com.

    Whether you’re backing Sinner or Swiatek, Sabalenka or Osaka — it’s game, set, match for streaming tennis in India.

  • Fan-tastic four as Dhoni hype and debutant delight rule IPL 2025 pulse

    Fan-tastic four as Dhoni hype and debutant delight rule IPL 2025 pulse

    MUMBAI: Turns out the biggest impact player of IPL 2025 isn’t even an “impact player”, it’s Dhoni. A new report titled The IPL Pulse by 23 Watts Insights Studio has bowled over cricket buffs with fan-fuelled findings from over 5,000 respondents across 10 cities. From emerging icons to unexpected frontrunners, the survey captures the shifting allegiances, breakout stars, and strategic evolution of this year’s league proving once again that in India, cricket isn’t just watched, it’s felt.

    At 42, MS Dhoni may not be scoring big with the bat, but his grip on the nation’s heart remains unshaken. A whopping 73 per cent fans say he shouldn’t retire just yet, with 35.13 per cent calling him the “soul of CSK” and 37.77 per cent admitting he’s not in peak form, but still brings immense value. Only 27 per cent feel it’s time for Thala to trade the gloves for the dugout.

    While legends still shine, Gen Z has crowned its new prince. Rajasthan Royals’ teen dynamo Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as the most impressive debutant with 31.4 per cent votes. Following close are Mumbai Indians’ Ashwani Kumar (21 per cent) and South African import Ryan Rickelton (15.8 per cent), whose flair with the bat has turned heads across formats.

    When it comes to bowling nightmares, Jasprit Bumrah (32.4 per cent) reigns supreme, followed by CSK’s crafty spinner Noor Ahmad (28.4 per cent). Fans, though, are clearly on the pace bandwagon 65.3 per cent believe fast bowlers are tougher to face than spinners this season.

    It’s the year of the underdog. According to the report, 65 per cent of fans are hoping for a first-time IPL winner. Royal Challengers Bangalore leads the fairytale charge with 44 per cent of the vote, ahead of Delhi Capitals (12 per cent), Punjab Kings (7 per cent) and Lucknow Super Giants (2 per cent). Mumbai Indians (13 per cent) and CSK (12 per cent) remain in the hunt, but fan hopes seem to favour fresh silverware.

    Love it or overhype it, the “Impact Player” rule has divided the pitch but not the people. An overwhelming 78 per cent agree it’s added a strategic edge to the game, while 20 per cent say it’s tough on true-blue all-rounders.

    Key takeaways from The IPL Pulse:

    . Thala for life: Only 1 in 4 fans want Dhoni to retire.

    . Debut delight: Suryavanshi and Kumar lead the rookie chart.

    .  Bowling heat: Bumrah is still the batter’s worst nightmare.

    .  Dark horse energy: RCB tops wishlist for a new IPL champion.

    .  Rule reimagined: “Impact player” earns mass approval.

    With 55 matches down and plenty more fireworks to come, The IPL Pulse proves one thing beyond doubt, the love for cricket is as layered and unpredictable as the tournament itself. And in this game, it’s not just the players making an impact, it’s the fans who write the script.

  • Puma India strikes multi-year partnership with NEB Sports for marquee city marathons

    Puma India strikes multi-year partnership with NEB Sports for marquee city marathons

    MUMBAI: When the starting gun goes off this August, thousands of runners in Mumbai and Bengaluru will do more than just race—they’ll wear a movement. Puma India has signed a multi-year deal with NEB Sports to become the official sportswear partner for the Mumbai Half Marathon and the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon, two of the country’s most celebrated road races.

    The eight edition of the Mumbai Half Marathon is set for 17 August 2025, while the 12 Wipro Bengaluru Marathon will be held on 21 September. Puma’s partnership includes 360-degree support: training runs, race-day performance gear, and post-race assistance. The tie-up is part of the brand’s larger ambition to fuel India’s transition from casual jogging to serious distance running.

    “The sport of Running is transforming India—shaping lifestyles, building communities, and redefining competition. Our partnership with NEB marks Puma’s deeper commitment to fuel this momentum. India has an extremely vibrant community of close to three million registered runners and double-digit growth in marquee events like the Mumbai and Wipro Marathons. We think it is a fantastic opportunity to empower them to chase their goals and go the distance. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to push and elevate the evolution of running in the country”, said Puma India MD Karthik Balagopalan.

    The company’s running credentials are backed by performance data. Since October 2024, over 50 per cent of elite podium finishers in five top Indian races wore Puma’s Nitro shoes. The Running division is growing faster than Puma India’s core business, confirming a robust demand for serious running gear.

    According to 2024 data, India’s emerging sports business grew 19 per cent year-on-year, with marathons making up 23.5 per cent of the segment. Puma is tapping into this momentum with events, gear, and grassroots activations that turn running into a lifestyle.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Puma India on board as our official sportswear partner. At NEB Sports, we have always believed in creating inclusive, eco-conscious sporting experiences that go beyond the racetrack. This association marks an exciting chapter in fostering a culture of health and wellness across communities. Together, we aim to inspire more people to lace up and hit the roads with passion and purpose”, said NEB Sports chairman & MD Nagaraj Adiga.

    Puma India’s track record includes supporting events like the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, the high-altitude Ladakh Marathon, and the Adani Marathon. In 2024 alone, it ran over 250 training sessions across cities and introduced formats like the Puma x Bumble Singles Run.

     

  • Dream Sports Foundation and UTT team up to serve India’s next table tennis champs

    Dream Sports Foundation and UTT team up to serve India’s next table tennis champs

    MUMBAI: In a sharp backhand boost to grassroots talent, Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) have joined forces to launch ‘Dream UTT Juniors’ — a one-of-a-kind under-15 table tennis tournament designed to offer rising stars a taste of the big league.

    The initiative will see eight top-performing boys and girls from the recently concluded Dream Sports Championship Table Tennis 2025 drafted into UTT franchises. These young athletes will compete alongside the sixth season of the Ultimate Table Tennis league, scheduled from 29 May to 8 June in Ahmedabad, with matches streamed live on Fancode.

    “At Dream Sports, we are driven by our vision to ‘Make Sports Better’”, said Dream Sports CEO & co-founder Harsh Jain. “Thanks to Vita Dani and Niraj Bajaj, Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) has played a pivotal role in nurturing India’s table tennis talent to compete & win at the global stage. But there remains a pressing need to support grassroots talent, and our partnership to create Dream UTT Juniors is a big step toward bridging this gap. Through our Dream Sports Foundation, we aim to empower the next generation of athletes to make India proud in the 2030 Youth Olympics and thereafter at the 2036 Olympics”.

    Dream UTT Juniors marks a pivotal extension of DSF’s mission to build from the base. The U-15 stars were selected through a national talent pool, shaped during DSF and the Table Tennis Federation of India’s earlier initiative—one lauded for professionalism and intensity rarely seen at this level.

    “Dream UTT Juniors is a natural extension of our shared vision with Dream Sports Foundation — to strengthen the foundation of sport in India and empower young athletes”, added UTT co-promoter Vita Dani. “By giving budding table tennis talent early exposure to the world-class UTT ecosystem, we’re not just launching a tournament — we’re creating a pathway for the next generation of Indian stars to emerge”.

    Since 2017, UTT has helped rewrite the script for Indian table tennis, providing domestic talent the platform to share space with international champions. Now, Dream UTT Juniors aims to embed that exposure early in the athlete journey.

    With this initiative, DSF and UTT aim to establish a structured pipeline that bridges school-level promise with professional readiness. As Indian table tennis gains new traction, this partnership might just deliver India’s future champions.

  • Sportskill launches Champions Club Elite Pass to back India’s top-ranked young athletes

    Sportskill launches Champions Club Elite Pass to back India’s top-ranked young athletes

    MUMBAI:  In a powerful push for grassroots excellence, Sportskill has launched the Champions Club Elite Pass — a performance-based initiative designed to identify, support, and celebrate India’s top young athletes. Far from a membership card, the pass is a golden ticket to advanced training, national recognition, and elite exposure — all backed by one of India’s oldest sporting institutions, the Cricket Club of India (CCI).

    The pass, awarded free of charge, is open to athletes who rank in the top eight nationally or top 16 in Asia across five racket sports — Tennis, Squash, Table Tennis, Badminton, and Pickleball. By eliminating financial barriers and prioritising merit, Sportskill is flipping the script on how early-stage sports talent is nurtured.

    “This is not just an endorsement; it’s a call to action for institutions across the country to come together and build a world-class, athlete-first ecosystem”, said Sportskill co-founder Chetan Desai.

    The initiative received ringing endorsement from Anil Nayar, a Harvard alumnus and 28-time national champion who’s been inducted into the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame. He called the programme “a win-win for champion players, club members, and budding juniors”, underscoring its potential to transform both player development and club prestige.

    With CCI lending its name to the pass, Sportskill has found a heavyweight ally. Known for shaping legends and hosting historic tournaments, the Mumbai-based institution’s support adds legacy value to a forward-facing initiative.

    Sportskill co-founder Abhinav Sinha added, “The support from CCI gives further momentum to our mission of building a transformative sporting culture for India’s youth. It’s time clubs moved from being venues to becoming talent incubators”.

    Pass holders will gain access to high-performance training, a dedicated athlete profile to attract sponsors, and entry into an invitation-only celebration featuring top talent across disciplines. Even their coaches will be formally acknowledged — a rare move that spotlights mentorship in Indian sport.

    Underneath the glamour sits a solid tech stack. Sportskill is evolving into a full-fledged sports tech as a service (STaaS) platform that leverages AI, video analytics, and data-driven coaching to deliver measurable improvement across athlete journeys. Its ambition: to support champions not when they make it, but while they’re making it.

    Applications for the Champions Club Elite Pass are now open at www.Sportskill.app. For queries, athletes and parents can write to connect@Sportskill.app.

    With this initiative, Sportskill isn’t just investing in India’s next sports stars — it’s building a structure to ensure their journey is seen, supported, and celebrated from the start.

  • Sportz Interactive doubles down on Europe with new hires across UK, France and Iberia

    Sportz Interactive doubles down on Europe with new hires across UK, France and Iberia

    MUMBAI: Sportz Interactive (SI), the sports technology and fan engagement powerhouse, is deepening its European footprint with a string of new strategic hires across the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal. The move marks a significant leap in the company’s bid to digitally transform sports engagement across the continent.

    These appointments strengthen SI’s business development and marketing teams as it continues to deliver next-gen digital experiences for fans and commercial partners alike. The new team members bring industry insights and local expertise to support SI’s partnerships with global heavyweights like the International Olympic Committee, Fiba, Formula 1, Disney, and European Athletics.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome such exceptional talent to our growing team”, said Sportz Interactive director – head of UK & Europe operations Alex Chamberlen. “Their experience and insights will be instrumental as we continue to deliver transformative digital solutions to leading sports organisations across the region”.

    From advanced data platforms to immersive fan experiences, SI’s tech toolkit is powering how sports bodies connect with audiences, expand their global reach, and tap new revenue streams. Its European playbook now gains fresh momentum with on-ground leadership in key markets.

    “This marks a significant step forward in our growth journey”, added Sportz Interactive chairman Arvind Iyengar. “These appointments enhance our local expertise and reinforce our position as a trailblazer in digital fan engagement – ensuring we deliver outstanding value to our partners and unforgettable experiences to fans”.

    Sportz Interactive’s global expansion continues to gain pace, as it blends technology, sport, and storytelling to redefine the fan experience in stadiums, on screens, and across platforms.