ITV

Category: Sports

  • Infosys turbocharges Formula E with AI-powered stats centre

    Infosys turbocharges Formula E with AI-powered stats centre

    MUMBAI: Infosys has launched an AI-powered Formula E stats center to electrify fan engagement for the world’s premier all-electric racing championship. The digital services giant has partnered with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to create an interactive platform that transforms complex racing data into digestible insights for motor racing enthusiasts.

    The new platform, powered by Infosys Topaz, uses generative AI to deliver dynamic stat cards and AI-generated narratives across Formula E’s decade-long history. Fans can track their favourite drivers and teams through current and past seasons via a trendy bubble chat format that serves up curated questions about stellar performances and key milestones.

    Says Formule E chief executive officer Jeff Dodds,:  “Fans are at the heart of what we do, and we’re thrilled to offer them a new and engaging way to connect with the sport. As our first technical partnership with Infosys, we’re showcasing how innovation and technology can elevate the experience for everyone who loves Formula E, by making race data more accessible and easier to understand. Fans will be able to  follow their favorite driver and team with in-depth insights and track their performance over the seasons ahead.”

    The tech partnership coincides with Formula E’s introduction of the lightning-quick Gen3 Evo vehicle in Season 11. This engineering marvel accelerates from 0-60 mph in a jaw dropping 1.82 seconds—30 per cent faster than current Formula 1 cars—while maintaining the championship’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

    Adds Infosys EVP & chief marketing officer  Sumit Virmani: “Our partnership with Formula E
    proves how technology can revolutionize fan engagement. The AI-powered Stats Center, fueled by Infosys Topaz, transforms raw data into compelling narratives, offering fans an immersive journey through driver and team performance, celebrating key milestones and unlocking compelling stories. From dynamic stat cards that adapt to the race timeline to an AI companion that prompts engaging questions, we’re supercharging the Formula E fan experience, making its rich history, and exciting present more accessible and engaging, ultimately raising the bar for digital fan engagement.”

    Infosys has also helped shift Formula E’s central datalake to Google Cloud, creating a robust architecture for the racing series’ marketing, business intelligence and sporting operations.

    The collaboration represents another lap in Formula E’s race to combine cutting-edge motorsport with sustainable innovation, giving fans more reasons to get charged up about the electrifying championship.

  • Dreamsetgo bags Olympic first, skis into history with Milano Cortina 2026 deal

    Dreamsetgo bags Olympic first, skis into history with Milano Cortina 2026 deal

    MUMBAI: When an Indian brand lands a gig at the winter Olympics, it’s not just a deal—it’s a snowball-sized milestone. Dreamsetgo, the homegrown sports travel outfit that’s more Rolls than rickshaw, has been named the first-ever official hospitality sales agent from India for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. That’s right. India is now on the Olympic winter map, and no, it didn’t involve curling up in a blanket.

    Announced on 2 April 2025, the partnership with On Location—the official hospitality provider for the Olympic games—means Indian fans can now sip Prosecco in VIP lounges while watching ski legends hurtle down the Italian Alps. This isn’t armchair fandom. This is full-throttle, fur-lined Olympic indulgence.

    “Our collaboration with On Location for Milano Cortina 2026 enables us to offer passionate fans an unparalleled hospitality experience, bringing them closer to the world’s premier winter sporting event. This collaboration allows us to provide not only exceptional hospitality but also an unforgettable experience that goes beyond simply watching the action unfold,” said Dreamsetgo co-founder & CEO Monish Shah.

    Taking place from 6–22 February 2026, the XXV Olympic Winter games will see a line-up of frosty spectacles like alpine skiing, ice hockey, figure skating, and the debut of ski mountaineering. Dreamsetgo’s luxury packages will feature:

    ●   Official winter Olympics tickets: Guaranteed, no-waiting-in-line access

    ●   Luxury hospitality: Think VIP lounges, gourmet bites, and seating better than your couch

    ●   Elite accommodations: The crème de la Cortina across Milan, Cortina and beyond

    ●   Exclusive fan access: Behind-the-scenes glitz and local cultural flavour

    ●   Personalised travel services: Private transfers, concierge wizards, and zero chaos

    It’s not just about watching someone land a triple axel. It’s about doing it with a glass of Chianti and a personal butler. And with this strategic leap, Dreamsetgo has once again shown it knows how to play in the big leagues—not just in cricket-mad India, but on icy global turf.

    Olympic dreams? Pack your gloves, your appetite, and maybe your fanciest jumper. Dreamsetgo is taking Indian fans on a one-way ticket to sporting opulence.

  • Euro chips in with Gujarat Titans to make this IPL season crunchier

    Euro chips in with Gujarat Titans to make this IPL season crunchier

    MUMBAI: The only thing crunchier than a toe-crushing yorker this IPL season? Euro India Fresh Foods’ snacks. In a pitch-perfect partnership, the Gujarat-based snack giant has been crowned the official snacking partner of Gujarat Titans. That’s right—this cricket season, it’s sixes, wickets, and sizzling wafers, all under one stadium roof.

    Announced in Surat, this tie-up combines cricketing firepower with the unmistakable joy of munching mid-match. From stadium seats to sofa setups, Euro’s flavour-packed offerings promise to make every GT fan’s experience lip-smackingly unforgettable.

    “In India, cricket is more than just a sport. It is an emotion and passion that brings people together. At Euro, we are thrilled to be part of this cricketing journey, ensuring that fans enjoy not only the excitement on the field but also an exceptional snacking experience with our delicious range of products,” said Euro Fresh Foods India Ltd Manhar J. Sanspara.

    This isn’t just a branding gig; Euro’s bringing the party. The partnership features interactive fan engagements, contests, and good old-fashioned giveaways. Think spicy namkeens, cheesy chips, and a chance to win Gujarat Titans merchandise or even those elusive match-day tickets. Yes, snacks could now be your ticket to the big game.

    Fans can expect a season sprinkled with surprises, as Euro India Fresh Foods rolls out a full toss of marketing madness—from social media games to match-day magic. Whether you’re at the edge of your seat during a last-ball thriller or chilling with mates on a lazy Sunday, Euro’s got your snack cravings covered.

    The Titans, meanwhile, are ready to roar through another high-octane season, now with a crunch that can rival any cover drive. So next time you bite into a chip, it might just echo in the stands.

  • Raja partners with Society Tea for IBSF Championship, brewing success

    Raja partners with Society Tea for IBSF Championship, brewing success

    MUMBAI: In a move that promises to steep the competition, Society Tea has teamed up with India’s cue sports champion, Venkateswaran Subramanian, fondly known as Raja, ahead of the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) Championship in Ireland. The event, taking place from April 12 to 16, 2025, will see Raja don the Society Tea logo proudly on his waistcoat, representing a partnership that’s as strong as the finest brew.

    Raja’s journey in the world of billiards is steeped in perseverance. From his roots in local circuits to making his mark globally, he has become a beacon of resilience. Despite facing multiple disabilities, Raja competes against the world’s top cueists, showing the world that passion and skill know no boundaries. His journey from the grassroots to the global stage is a testament to his unwavering determination and talent.

    Society Tea director, Chintan Shah said, “Raja is more than just a champion in his sport, he is family. We have seen his journey up close, and supporting him as he represents India on the global stage is an absolute honor. At Society Tea, we believe in standing by our own, and Raja is a perfect example of that. We are proud to support him in this journey and look forward to celebrating his achievements as he represents India at the IBSF Championship.”

    Expressing his gratitude, Venkateswaran Subramanian (Raja) said, “India has secured an impressive 45 World Championships in the twin sports of Billiards and Snooker, showcasing its rich legacy of excellence. It is truly commendable that Society Tea is stepping forward to support and promote this magnificent sport, setting an example for corporate backing in the sporting arena.”

    With Society Tea by his side, Raja is all set to take the cue sports world by storm, proving once again that with the right support, champions can rise above all odds. Whether on the green baize or in the corporate world, this partnership is brewing up something special.

  • TAM Sports: Ad volumes surge as IPL 2025 hits a six with brands

    TAM Sports: Ad volumes surge as IPL 2025 hits a six with brands

    MUMBAI: The latest advertising fiesta around Indian Premier League cricket has bowled over expectations, with commercial volumes jumping sevem per cent in the first five matches of IPL 2025 compared to last year’s opening spell.

    The IPL advertising carnival, which kicked off on 22 March, has attracted a whopping 29 per cent more advertisers (55+ in IPL18 vs 40+ in IPL17) than the previous season, according to data from TAM Sports. The number of product categories hawking their wares has also climbed by 12 per cent (45+ vs 40+), suggesting marketers are stumping up more cash for India’s premier sporting extravaganza.

    Mouth fresheners have emerged as the surprise package this season, gobbling up 11 per cent of total advertising time and displacing last year’s champion, the gaming platforms. These minty merchants, led by Vishnu Packaging’s Vimal Elaichi, clearly believe cricket fans need fresh breath while biting their nails during nail-biting finishes.

     

    Top categories

    The digital gaming sector hasn’t thrown in the towel, however, claiming the second spot with a hefty 10 per cent share of advertising volumes. Dream11.com’s parent Sporta Technologies remains a formidable presence, though it has slipped from last year’s top advertiser position.

    Biscuit baron Parle has crumbled the competition to claim the advertiser’s crown, contributing 8 per cent of total ad volumes. Its Platina Hide & Seek brand made its IPL debut as the most prominent among 67 new brands that have joined the advertising innings this season.

    Tech giant Apple has also dialled up its presence, with its iPhone 16E campaign helping the company secure third place among top advertisers.

    The food and beverages sector continues to have a healthy appetite for cricket audiences, with two of the top five advertising categories coming from this segment. Meanwhile, automobile makers have driven into the top five for the first time, with the ‘Cars’ category parking itself in fifth position with a six  per cent share.

    As the cricketing carnival continues, brands are clearly betting big on the IPL’s ability to deliver eyeballs. With 28 channels now broadcasting the cricket extravaganza—up from 24 last year—advertisers have more platforms than ever to bowl over potential customers during the six-week sporting spectacle.

  • beIN ropes in Planetcast for sports broadcasting tech across Asia

    beIN ropes in Planetcast for sports broadcasting tech across Asia

    MUMBAI: beIN Asia Pacific has drafted Planetcast Media Services to power its sporting ambitions, striking a deal that will see the technology provider manage 14 HD sports channels across southeast Asia and Australia.
    The Singapore-based broadcaster, part of beIN Media group, has enlisted Planetcast’s cloud-first NexC platform to handle everything from playout to disaster recovery—ensuring sports fans don’t miss a second of action when their team is on the pitch, track or court.

    At the heart of this digital partnership sit two key technologies: Cloud.X Turbo, a nimble playout solution that promises ultra-low latency (tech speak for “you’ll see the goal almost before the goalkeeper does”), and Recaster, which delivers broadcast-quality streams over the public internet without breaking a sweat.

    “beIN Sports is a leader in live sports media innovation,” said beIN Asia Pacific vice-president of media technology  Sabil Salim who clearly believes his company has netted a winner with this partnership. “Planetcast’s proven expertise in managing major sports like the Indian Premier League (IPL), its leading-edge Cloud.X Turbo solution, and its robust NexC cloud platform provide the scalability, reliability, and seamless integration we need to elevate sports broadcasting across the region.”

    Planetcast  chief executive Sanjay Duda returned the compliment, suggesting the tie-up would give beIN “a competitive edge” in a broadcasting landscape that changes faster than football managers after a bad season.

    The deal comes as beIN looks to flex its muscles across 12 countries in the region, where it holds rights to premium sporting contests including Formula 1, UEFA Champions League and the Australian Open.
    Planetcast, meanwhile, will use the upcoming NAB Show in Las Vegas (5-9 April) to showcase its NexC platform—presumably hoping to attract more suitors with its cloud-native charms and AI-powered content automation. 

    Game on.

  • DBS Bank India hosts exclusive Badminton event at Bombay Gymkhana

    DBS Bank India hosts exclusive Badminton event at Bombay Gymkhana

    MUMBAI: DBS Bank India offered its customers and select members of Bombay Gymkhana a unique badminton experience with some of the nation’s top players. The exclusive event, held at the iconic sports club in Mumbai, featured stars Lakshya Sen, Chirag Shetty, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Treesa Jolly, and Gayatri Gopichand.

    Attendees enjoyed a special meet-and-greet session, a 15-minute game on the Gymkhana’s badminton court, followed by lunch and a personalised photo opportunity with their favourite player. A two-hour interactive session was also held for Gymkhana members and their children, making it a memorable day of sportsmanship.

    Sen, who made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Indian men’s singles player to reach the semi-finals, headlined the event. The rising star holds titles including the India Open, Canada Open, and a silver medal at the 2022 All England Championships.

    Joining him were Jolly and Gopichand, the world No. nine women’s doubles pair, who played a key role in India’s gold-medal win at the 2024 Asia Team Championships. Also present were Shetty and Rankireddy, Khel Ratna awardees and former world No. one, known for their historic triumphs at the Asian Games and Super Series events.

    DBS Bank India managing director & head of group strategic marketing & communications Azmat Habibulla said, “We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to redefine customer engagement by curating exceptional, memorable experiences. This exclusive event embodies our brand promise, ‘Live more, Bank less,’ offering a unique opportunity to connect with India’s top badminton stars.”

     

  • KP Group powers Delhi Capitals’ innings with a green energy partnership

    KP Group powers Delhi Capitals’ innings with a green energy partnership

    MUMBAI: KP Group has stepped up to the crease, not with a bat, but with big green energy. On 29 March 2025, the renewable energy titan announced its partnership with Delhi Capitals as the official renewable energy partner for the ongoing T20 League season. It’s not just cricket and contracts—it’s climate goals wrapped in a cricket jersey.

    KP Group chairman & MD Faruk G Patel put it straight, “We are proud to associate with Delhi Capitals as their renewable energy partner. Cricket is a religion in India and the T20 League is one of the most popular sporting leagues in the world featuring the best cricketers. The association not only brings KP Group to the spotlight but also emphasises the crucial role of renewable energy in conserving the planet. Together, we aim to inspire crores of cricket fans and other people around the world to adopt clean energy solutions.”

    This partnership isn’t a one-hit wonder. KP Group has a long track record of supporting sporting events and athletes across disciplines. Patel added, “At KP Group, we have always believed in the power of sports to bring people together and inspire change. Over the years, we have supported various sporting events and athletes across disciplines, showcasing our commitment to supporting talent and promoting a healthier world. This association with Delhi Capitals is another milestone in our journey of empowering sports.”

    Delhi Capitals CEO Sunil Gupta echoed the sentiment, “We are happy to welcome KP Group as our renewable energy partner for the ongoing season. This association aims to promote positive change to inspire sustainability through sport as the vehicle. We look forward to their support and a meaningful partnership.”

    There’s a cricketing twist to the tale too. Former Indian pacer and 2011 World Cup winner Munaf Patel—now bowling coach of Delhi Capitals—is also a brand ambassador for KP Group. Call it a match made in sporting sustainability.

    With over 1.4 GW of renewable projects energised and another 3.8 GW in progress, KP Group is no small player. From solar and hybrid energy through KPI Green Energy, to wind energy via KP Energy, and engineering expertise from KP Green Engineering—the company has covered its green bases. Plus, its bold new venture into green hydrogen under KP Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Pvt. Ltd. shows it’s not just talking clean, but walking the green walk.

    Delhi Capitals, co-owned by GMR Group and JSW Sports, led by all-rounder Axar Patel, are set to play their second match of the T20 League 2025 season against Hyderabad in Visakhapatnam on 30 March.

  • Shalimar Paints adds colour to Mumbai Indians for a vibrant cricket season

    Shalimar Paints adds colour to Mumbai Indians for a vibrant cricket season

    MUMBAI: When cricket meets colour, the result is a masterpiece, this IPL season, Shalimar Paints is bringing its brushstrokes to the Mumbai Indians (MI) as their official paint partner. With a legacy spanning over 120 years, the iconic paint brand is set to paint the town blue with its vibrant association with one of the league’s most successful franchises.

    This partnership isn’t just about branding, it’s about blending passion and performance, much like a perfectly mixed shade. With MI boasting five IPL titles and a colossal global fanbase, Shalimar Paints aims to amplify its reach, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where the brand sees immense growth potential. The collaboration promises wide brand visibility across MI’s team merchandise, advertisements, digital campaigns, and fan engagement initiatives making Shalimar a household name, both in the stadium and at home.

    Shalimar Paints director Kuldip Raina said, “At Shalimar Paints, we are thrilled to partner with Mumbai Indians as the official paint partner, tapping into the massive cricket fan base to connect with India’s passionate audience. This collaboration targets the young, radiant generation who value creativity, modern aesthetics, and bold, dynamic energy, principles that drive our Shalimar Paints 2.0 transformation. We are blending exceptional quality, innovative products, and forward-thinking solutions, supported by substantial investments in R&D. With a wide range of sustainable, power-packed products, we cater to individuals whose dynamic lifestyle aligns with our offerings. Leveraging digital integration, social media, and region-specific campaigns, we are creating experiences that drive awareness, build lasting connections, and foster loyalty. This collaboration is about igniting a passion that resonates with India’s energetic spirit, positioning Shalimar Paints as a brand that evolves with today’s vibrant audience.”

    A Mumbai Indians spokesperson added, “We welcome Shalimar Paints to the Mumbai Indians family. Their commitment to innovation and quality aligns well with our team’s ethos. We look forward to an exciting season together, bringing fans closer to the game and enhancing their engagement with Mumbai Indians.”

    As the IPL fever grips the nation, Shalimar Paints and Mumbai Indians are set to create a bold, bright, and unforgettable season, because whether on walls or wickets, a flawless finish is what truly matters.