ITV

Category: Sports

  • “Cricket beats all other impact properties on TV during Diwali week (Week 40-44)”

    “Cricket beats all other impact properties on TV during Diwali week (Week 40-44)”

    MUMBAI: Star Sports builds cricket further and strengthens its popularity at a pan-India level making the India-NZ ODI series as the highest rated bilateral ODI series in the last three years.

    This ODI series delivered 7,397 (‘000)* average impressions on Star Sports network making India-South Africa 2015 ODI series the second highest with 6, 153 (‘000)* average impressions.To complement its scale, the broadcast was bolstered by new look graphics and the best of experts on the commentary panel, cutting across demographic boundaries and capturing the imagination of a diverse fanbase.

    India’s ‘Home Season of cricket’ which kick started with the high impact campaign ‘Har Session Mein Action’ truly delivered what it promised – India’s coronation as the Number #1 Test team, Virat Kohli’s dynamic captaincy and the high quality of Test & ODI cricket being played. This has helped cricket retain its existing audience, bring in new viewers and attract advertisers from different categories. Star Sports networks’ highly engaging cricket coverage of the recently concluded New Zealand Tour of India once again proves that when it comes to Sports, India’s leading broadcaster continues to set new global benchmarks in viewer experience, viewership numbers and an ideal platform for advertisers to reach out to their audience across India.

    Star Sports CEO Nitin Kukreja said, “Cricket outshines all formats of programming consumed by television audiences and Star Sports has consistently taken the sport to newer heights. The India-NZ ODI series setting a new record benchmark as the highest rated bilateral ODI series in the last 3 years further affirms that nothing is adored like quality cricketin this country. With a packed Home season of cricket coming up with world class opponents like England and Australia visiting India, Star Sports network is committed to delight cricket fans across India with the most comprehensive coverage of this sport.”

    No sooner has the New Zealand series concluded that a riveting contest is underway versus England and thereafter with Australia as well. Virat & Co. has an excellent opportunity to prove that India is deservedly #1 in the test ranking and to create legacies in the ODI format of the game. Can Root and Smith play some spell-binding knocks in Indian conditions to take the gloss off Kohli& Co. at home? Catch all the Action LIVE on Star Sports Network. (Source: BARC, 4+ Urban*. *Latest ranking from International Cricket Council*)

  • “Cricket beats all other impact properties on TV during Diwali week (Week 40-44)”

    “Cricket beats all other impact properties on TV during Diwali week (Week 40-44)”

    MUMBAI: Star Sports builds cricket further and strengthens its popularity at a pan-India level making the India-NZ ODI series as the highest rated bilateral ODI series in the last three years.

    This ODI series delivered 7,397 (‘000)* average impressions on Star Sports network making India-South Africa 2015 ODI series the second highest with 6, 153 (‘000)* average impressions.To complement its scale, the broadcast was bolstered by new look graphics and the best of experts on the commentary panel, cutting across demographic boundaries and capturing the imagination of a diverse fanbase.

    India’s ‘Home Season of cricket’ which kick started with the high impact campaign ‘Har Session Mein Action’ truly delivered what it promised – India’s coronation as the Number #1 Test team, Virat Kohli’s dynamic captaincy and the high quality of Test & ODI cricket being played. This has helped cricket retain its existing audience, bring in new viewers and attract advertisers from different categories. Star Sports networks’ highly engaging cricket coverage of the recently concluded New Zealand Tour of India once again proves that when it comes to Sports, India’s leading broadcaster continues to set new global benchmarks in viewer experience, viewership numbers and an ideal platform for advertisers to reach out to their audience across India.

    Star Sports CEO Nitin Kukreja said, “Cricket outshines all formats of programming consumed by television audiences and Star Sports has consistently taken the sport to newer heights. The India-NZ ODI series setting a new record benchmark as the highest rated bilateral ODI series in the last 3 years further affirms that nothing is adored like quality cricketin this country. With a packed Home season of cricket coming up with world class opponents like England and Australia visiting India, Star Sports network is committed to delight cricket fans across India with the most comprehensive coverage of this sport.”

    No sooner has the New Zealand series concluded that a riveting contest is underway versus England and thereafter with Australia as well. Virat & Co. has an excellent opportunity to prove that India is deservedly #1 in the test ranking and to create legacies in the ODI format of the game. Can Root and Smith play some spell-binding knocks in Indian conditions to take the gloss off Kohli& Co. at home? Catch all the Action LIVE on Star Sports Network. (Source: BARC, 4+ Urban*. *Latest ranking from International Cricket Council*)

  • El Clasico among most viewed global annual sporting events, says Sony’s Rajesh Kaul

    El Clasico among most viewed global annual sporting events, says Sony’s Rajesh Kaul

    MUMBAI: Spain’s leading football league La Liga’s official broadcasters in India — Sony Pictures Networks India president, distribution and sports Rajesh Kaul has said that El Clasico was among the most viewed annual sporting events in the world and they enabled football fans who could not watch the match live at Barcelona’s Camp Nou, an opportunity to experience one of the most heavily anticipated games of the season with football legends, Luis Garcia and Frederic Kanoute.

    La Liga, which launched its India office in New Delhi recently, screened in Delhi and Mumbai European-style live match between FC Barcelona & Real Madrid CF, popularly called the ‘E l Clasico.

    Meanwhile, a number of Europe’s major leagues, including the Spainish La Liga, the Bundesliga in Germany, Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1, include a mid-season break. England manager Gareth Southgate has meanwhile questioned whether the introduction of a winter break in the premier league would improve fortunes in major tournaments. Southgate, who was handed a four-year contract last week having impressed the FA during four matches as interim manager, said any negative effects of England’s fixture-packed winter schedule were an “assumption”.

    The lack of a winter break during the season has often been considered one of several factors contributing to England’s international failures in recent years, with some premier league managers claiming the gruelling festive period pushes players to their limits. Traditionally, English football had a busy Christmas period when teams frequently play several matches in a short period, with just a few days rest between games.

    Mumbai and Delhi hosted European style fan park screenings. Garcia and Kanoute attended the events and engaged with the fans.

    The match concluded in a draw with some high action in the last minute of the game. Both cities witnessed unprecedented support from the fans, as they took over the stadia to support their respective clubs.

    Both clubs had a large fan following in India, and for the first time, their fans had a chance to experience the El Clasico in a fan park atmosphere with a football carnival focussed around the match. The evening included giant screens, competitions and fan engagement activities, food & beverage stalls both in Mumbai (Khar Gymkhana) and in Delhi (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium).

    La Liga president Javier Tebas said that theit aim was to take La Liga across the world, and further establish the league as one that was inclusive and is global. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid were hugely popular in India and they feel that they owe the passionate fans of the league, a chance to experience such an event.

    Garcia, who played for Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona in La Liga, said it was a fantastic atmosphere at the screening and it was wonderful to see such enthusiasm from the crowd.

    Kanoute, who attended the Mumbai screening, said he was glad to see such tremendous support for Spanish football in India, it was an evenly fought contest and was a treat for all.

  • El Clasico among most viewed global annual sporting events, says Sony’s Rajesh Kaul

    El Clasico among most viewed global annual sporting events, says Sony’s Rajesh Kaul

    MUMBAI: Spain’s leading football league La Liga’s official broadcasters in India — Sony Pictures Networks India president, distribution and sports Rajesh Kaul has said that El Clasico was among the most viewed annual sporting events in the world and they enabled football fans who could not watch the match live at Barcelona’s Camp Nou, an opportunity to experience one of the most heavily anticipated games of the season with football legends, Luis Garcia and Frederic Kanoute.

    La Liga, which launched its India office in New Delhi recently, screened in Delhi and Mumbai European-style live match between FC Barcelona & Real Madrid CF, popularly called the ‘E l Clasico.

    Meanwhile, a number of Europe’s major leagues, including the Spainish La Liga, the Bundesliga in Germany, Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1, include a mid-season break. England manager Gareth Southgate has meanwhile questioned whether the introduction of a winter break in the premier league would improve fortunes in major tournaments. Southgate, who was handed a four-year contract last week having impressed the FA during four matches as interim manager, said any negative effects of England’s fixture-packed winter schedule were an “assumption”.

    The lack of a winter break during the season has often been considered one of several factors contributing to England’s international failures in recent years, with some premier league managers claiming the gruelling festive period pushes players to their limits. Traditionally, English football had a busy Christmas period when teams frequently play several matches in a short period, with just a few days rest between games.

    Mumbai and Delhi hosted European style fan park screenings. Garcia and Kanoute attended the events and engaged with the fans.

    The match concluded in a draw with some high action in the last minute of the game. Both cities witnessed unprecedented support from the fans, as they took over the stadia to support their respective clubs.

    Both clubs had a large fan following in India, and for the first time, their fans had a chance to experience the El Clasico in a fan park atmosphere with a football carnival focussed around the match. The evening included giant screens, competitions and fan engagement activities, food & beverage stalls both in Mumbai (Khar Gymkhana) and in Delhi (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium).

    La Liga president Javier Tebas said that theit aim was to take La Liga across the world, and further establish the league as one that was inclusive and is global. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid were hugely popular in India and they feel that they owe the passionate fans of the league, a chance to experience such an event.

    Garcia, who played for Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona in La Liga, said it was a fantastic atmosphere at the screening and it was wonderful to see such enthusiasm from the crowd.

    Kanoute, who attended the Mumbai screening, said he was glad to see such tremendous support for Spanish football in India, it was an evenly fought contest and was a treat for all.

  • World Billiards Championship to be telecast live on digital media

    World Billiards Championship to be telecast live on digital media

    MUMBAI: Sports app Sports Flashes has tied up with Billiards & Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) to telecast the IBSF World Billiards Championship live. The championship will be taking place in Bengaluru from December 5 to 12. The eight-day championship that includes the Points format and the Long Up format will offer a prize of Rs 13.6 lakh (USD 20,000).

    Reigning National Billiards Champion Sourav Kothari, defending champion Pankaj Advani, Englishmen Robert Hall and Nalin Patel, and Ben Judge of Australia are some of the participants who will be vying for the title.

    BSFI president PVK Mohan, in a release, stated that they know that digital media was the future of sports broadcasting. And, therefore, they tied up with SportsFlashes App to show the event live which will certainly enhance the popularity of the game in the country and would also increase the reach of Cue sports by many folds.

    Sports Flashes founder Raman Raheja said that their aim was to provide every single sport which missed out from being shown on Sports channels to have a digital platform for live coverage. Through that new association, they were sure to increase the fan base of billiards as well as the popularity of the sport in the country.

  • World Billiards Championship to be telecast live on digital media

    World Billiards Championship to be telecast live on digital media

    MUMBAI: Sports app Sports Flashes has tied up with Billiards & Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) to telecast the IBSF World Billiards Championship live. The championship will be taking place in Bengaluru from December 5 to 12. The eight-day championship that includes the Points format and the Long Up format will offer a prize of Rs 13.6 lakh (USD 20,000).

    Reigning National Billiards Champion Sourav Kothari, defending champion Pankaj Advani, Englishmen Robert Hall and Nalin Patel, and Ben Judge of Australia are some of the participants who will be vying for the title.

    BSFI president PVK Mohan, in a release, stated that they know that digital media was the future of sports broadcasting. And, therefore, they tied up with SportsFlashes App to show the event live which will certainly enhance the popularity of the game in the country and would also increase the reach of Cue sports by many folds.

    Sports Flashes founder Raman Raheja said that their aim was to provide every single sport which missed out from being shown on Sports channels to have a digital platform for live coverage. Through that new association, they were sure to increase the fan base of billiards as well as the popularity of the sport in the country.

  • SPN India to broadcast ‘El Clásico’ at prime time on 3 Dec

    SPN India to broadcast ‘El Clásico’ at prime time on 3 Dec

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) is all set to broadcast one of the most anticipated matches between Spain’s fiercest rivals — FC Barcelona and Real Madrid – El Clásico.

    The coverage will be simulcast at primetime in India on 3 December at 8:15 pm on Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN & Sony ESPN HD as well as on the SonyLIV app and website. To enhance the experience of the highly-anticipated clash, SPN has innovated with a wraparound show that will be broadcast live from the Fan Park at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi.

    The segment called the ‘El Clásico Show’ will be helmed by the former LaLiga star Luis Garcia along with host, Marc Edwards. It will showcase Luis Garcia reviewing the pre and post-analysis of the anticipated game before the kick-off until the end.

    The show will commence at 8:15 pm, followed by the half time analysis of 15 minutes and will conclude with a 20-minute post-match review. The ‘El Clásico Show’ will also be streamed live on SonyLIV app and website for digital audiences.

    Sony Pictures Network distribution and sports business president Rajesh Kaul said, “For the first time in India, viewers will get to see Barcelona and Real Madrid at prime time. As a sports network, we have amplified the experience for the fans by not only giving them a prime time viewing experience but also giving fans an opportunity of being a part of the live screening of the match in Mumbai and Delhi for the first time with La Liga stars — Luis Garcia & Frederic Kanoute.”

    La Liga president Javier Tebas added, “La Liga is thrilled to be able to share such an important match as El Clásico with all of its fans in India. We hope that they all attend and enjoy the huge party that we’ve prepared in New Delhi and Bombay. It’s going to be unforgettable for all the local fans.”

  • SPN India to broadcast ‘El Clásico’ at prime time on 3 Dec

    SPN India to broadcast ‘El Clásico’ at prime time on 3 Dec

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) is all set to broadcast one of the most anticipated matches between Spain’s fiercest rivals — FC Barcelona and Real Madrid – El Clásico.

    The coverage will be simulcast at primetime in India on 3 December at 8:15 pm on Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN & Sony ESPN HD as well as on the SonyLIV app and website. To enhance the experience of the highly-anticipated clash, SPN has innovated with a wraparound show that will be broadcast live from the Fan Park at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in New Delhi.

    The segment called the ‘El Clásico Show’ will be helmed by the former LaLiga star Luis Garcia along with host, Marc Edwards. It will showcase Luis Garcia reviewing the pre and post-analysis of the anticipated game before the kick-off until the end.

    The show will commence at 8:15 pm, followed by the half time analysis of 15 minutes and will conclude with a 20-minute post-match review. The ‘El Clásico Show’ will also be streamed live on SonyLIV app and website for digital audiences.

    Sony Pictures Network distribution and sports business president Rajesh Kaul said, “For the first time in India, viewers will get to see Barcelona and Real Madrid at prime time. As a sports network, we have amplified the experience for the fans by not only giving them a prime time viewing experience but also giving fans an opportunity of being a part of the live screening of the match in Mumbai and Delhi for the first time with La Liga stars — Luis Garcia & Frederic Kanoute.”

    La Liga president Javier Tebas added, “La Liga is thrilled to be able to share such an important match as El Clásico with all of its fans in India. We hope that they all attend and enjoy the huge party that we’ve prepared in New Delhi and Bombay. It’s going to be unforgettable for all the local fans.”

  • CCD’s Car Rally to be aired on two channels

    CCD’s Car Rally to be aired on two channels

    BENGALURU:  The Cafe Coffee Day India Rally has taken a big leap forward this year by being a round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) which will be run in Chickmagaluru through December 3 to December 5, 2016. The event thus has become an international one.

    Thirty minute capsules of the event will be featured on one Indian and one international channel every day of the event – the Indian one being news channel Times Now. For international channels, the event will be produced by New Zealand’s Asia Pacific Sports Media’s (APSM) APRC TV, a channel with a sponsorship revenue model.  APSM specialises in providing television and media from international sports events.

    The current edition of the Coffee Day India Rally is supported by Café Coffee Day’s The Serai Resorts, MRF Tyres, Hindustan Petroleum and Blue Water Mediacom. Coffee Day Hotels and Resorts director Venkatesh M said, “At Coffee Day, we have been consistently working towards creating new levels of excitement for the spectators and rallyists. Bearing in mind this sentiment, our association with our international partners continues to evolve and strengthen every year. The Coffee Day rallies date back to 1982, when the rally was first held in Chikkamagaluru. Our association with APRC has helped put us on the global map especially since we will be hosting a leg of the APRC this year.”

    FMSCI Rally Commission chairman and Chikmagalur Motor Sports Club vice-president Farooq Ahmed said: “The Coffee Day rallies are one of the most awaited motor racing sport in the country. It is this enthusiasm and the sporting spirit of the racing community which encourages us to present an exciting experience to our partners and spectators. We are really excited to take our international association to the next level and look forward to an enthralling session this year.”

    More about the rally

    Amongst the participants in this year’s rally include India’s Gaurav Gill, who has already sealed the 2016 APRC driver’s title by winning all the previous five rounds, and his long-time partner Glenn Macneall from Australia; the team of German champion Fabian Kreim and Christian Frank as co-driver that currently stands second in the championship. Other participants include New Zealand’s Michael Young (Malcolm Read), Pune-based Sanjay Takale with his regular Japanese co-driver Noriko Takeshita; the only female in the APRC category, and former multiple Asia Cup winner Yuva Sumiyama (Takahiro Yasui), also from Japan.

    Adding to the start grid are five entries for the FIA Asia Cup in Phalguna Urs, Younus Ilyas, Dhirendra Kumar, Amol Saloskar and the lone female driver in this category, Harshita Gowda.

    The field for the National Championship has leader Arjun Rao in the Volkswagen R2 at the top followed by two Mahindra Adventure team entries Amittrajit Ghosh and Sunny Sidhu in the Mahindra XUV 500 (all INRC Overall), besides the likes of Karna Kadur and veteran Rahul Kanthraj of Team Yokohama India 2K, and Dean Mascarenhas (INRC 2000).

    Running in the top-end IRC class are two seasoned campaigners Sameer Thapar of JCT Rallying and PG Abhilash driving a modified Mitsubishi Evo.

    Completing the grid are the young guns in the FMSCI Cup led by Jacob KJ who will be seeking his fourth consecutive win this season, and the popular Gypsy Cup which makes a one-off return to the IRC after being scrapped a few years ago.

    The APRC participants will cover 225.41 kms spread across 17 Special stages, beginning with the Super Special Stage at the Amber Valley school grounds while the National Championship cars will do 113.81 kms over nine Special Stages. The entire rally route is located in the Coffee Day Global’s estates bordering Chikkamagaluru.

  • CCD’s Car Rally to be aired on two channels

    CCD’s Car Rally to be aired on two channels

    BENGALURU:  The Cafe Coffee Day India Rally has taken a big leap forward this year by being a round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) which will be run in Chickmagaluru through December 3 to December 5, 2016. The event thus has become an international one.

    Thirty minute capsules of the event will be featured on one Indian and one international channel every day of the event – the Indian one being news channel Times Now. For international channels, the event will be produced by New Zealand’s Asia Pacific Sports Media’s (APSM) APRC TV, a channel with a sponsorship revenue model.  APSM specialises in providing television and media from international sports events.

    The current edition of the Coffee Day India Rally is supported by Café Coffee Day’s The Serai Resorts, MRF Tyres, Hindustan Petroleum and Blue Water Mediacom. Coffee Day Hotels and Resorts director Venkatesh M said, “At Coffee Day, we have been consistently working towards creating new levels of excitement for the spectators and rallyists. Bearing in mind this sentiment, our association with our international partners continues to evolve and strengthen every year. The Coffee Day rallies date back to 1982, when the rally was first held in Chikkamagaluru. Our association with APRC has helped put us on the global map especially since we will be hosting a leg of the APRC this year.”

    FMSCI Rally Commission chairman and Chikmagalur Motor Sports Club vice-president Farooq Ahmed said: “The Coffee Day rallies are one of the most awaited motor racing sport in the country. It is this enthusiasm and the sporting spirit of the racing community which encourages us to present an exciting experience to our partners and spectators. We are really excited to take our international association to the next level and look forward to an enthralling session this year.”

    More about the rally

    Amongst the participants in this year’s rally include India’s Gaurav Gill, who has already sealed the 2016 APRC driver’s title by winning all the previous five rounds, and his long-time partner Glenn Macneall from Australia; the team of German champion Fabian Kreim and Christian Frank as co-driver that currently stands second in the championship. Other participants include New Zealand’s Michael Young (Malcolm Read), Pune-based Sanjay Takale with his regular Japanese co-driver Noriko Takeshita; the only female in the APRC category, and former multiple Asia Cup winner Yuva Sumiyama (Takahiro Yasui), also from Japan.

    Adding to the start grid are five entries for the FIA Asia Cup in Phalguna Urs, Younus Ilyas, Dhirendra Kumar, Amol Saloskar and the lone female driver in this category, Harshita Gowda.

    The field for the National Championship has leader Arjun Rao in the Volkswagen R2 at the top followed by two Mahindra Adventure team entries Amittrajit Ghosh and Sunny Sidhu in the Mahindra XUV 500 (all INRC Overall), besides the likes of Karna Kadur and veteran Rahul Kanthraj of Team Yokohama India 2K, and Dean Mascarenhas (INRC 2000).

    Running in the top-end IRC class are two seasoned campaigners Sameer Thapar of JCT Rallying and PG Abhilash driving a modified Mitsubishi Evo.

    Completing the grid are the young guns in the FMSCI Cup led by Jacob KJ who will be seeking his fourth consecutive win this season, and the popular Gypsy Cup which makes a one-off return to the IRC after being scrapped a few years ago.

    The APRC participants will cover 225.41 kms spread across 17 Special stages, beginning with the Super Special Stage at the Amber Valley school grounds while the National Championship cars will do 113.81 kms over nine Special Stages. The entire rally route is located in the Coffee Day Global’s estates bordering Chikkamagaluru.