MUMBAI: Padel lovers are in for a treat come 24 November. The finals of the FIP Promotion India Padel Open are to be held at the Padel courts of Bennett University in Greater Noida from 3 PM onwards. The tournament is India’s first-ever international Padel event sanctioned by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and is organised by Padel League Pvt Ltd (a subsidiary of PTL Sports Group) with support from The Times Group and featured various international athletes representing countries such as Spain, Japan, Netherlands, France, Italy, and Iran, alongside top Indian talent.
The finals will be telecast Live on Zoom TV and live-streamed on FIP’s YouTube Channel.
The women’s final of the four day tournament features Ainize Santamaria Landa and Aitana Solan Domenech (Spain) against Kotomi Ozawa (Japan) and Elisabeth Nogueras Lorenz (Spain), promising a clash of skill and strategy. In the men’s final, Pol Alsina and Edu Altimires Ros (Spain) face the French powerhouse duo Arthur Hugounenq and Thomas Seux in what is set to be an electrifying encounter.
The semifinals on day 3 of the open saw some intense play in the women’s category with Spain’s Ainize S. Landa and Aitana Domenech cruising past the Indo-Irani duo of Tulsi Mehta and Banafsheh Shahpar in straight sets of 6-0, 6-0, while the second semi finals in the women’s category saw Japan’s Kotomi Ozawa and Spanish Elisabeth Nogueras Lorenz edge past Sharmada Balu and Prerana Prathap by 6-1, 6-2.
In the men’s semifinals, the Spanish duo of Pol Alsina and Edu Altimires Ros overcame the Swedish duo of Arya Roghani and Hami Golestan by 6-4, 6-1. While, Arthur Hugounenq and Thomas Seux from France made their way to the finals with a comfortable 6-0, 6-2 win over the Indian pair of Chaitanya Shah and Vikram Shah.
MUMBAI: This is one player who is not going to be kept out of the game. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI – Culver Max Entertainment Pvt Ltd) has pocketed the exclusive media rights for Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC’s) tournaments for the period 2024-2031. The amount is a 70 per cent jump over the previous rights deal, clearly highlighting the growing global stature and appetite for ACC Asia Cup tournaments.
According to reports, the tender released in September by the ACC, had set a base price at $170 million for the rights, almost double of what Star India had paid in the previous rights cycle.
The deal encompasses all editions of the men’s and women’s Asia Cups, men’s and women’s Under-19 Asia Cups, and the men’s and women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cups. The partnership ensures comprehensive and innovative coverage of Asian cricket’s marquee tournaments across television, digital, and audio platforms.
A press release issued by SPNI and ACC says that the latter’s vision for Asian cricket is inclusive and forward-thinking. The partnership with SPNI not only secures high-quality coverage for the ACC’s flagship tournaments but also provides the financial resources necessary to drive development programs across all member nations.
With SPNI’s extensive broadcasting expertise and the ACC’s commitment to growing the game, this partnership is poised to set new benchmarks for cricket in Asia and beyond. “This media rights deal is a significant milestone for the ACC Asian and cricket across the region. The Asia Cup continues to be a cornerstone of cricketing excellence, bringing together the best of the region’s talent,” said ACC president Jay Shah. “With SPNI as our new media partner, we are confident in their ability to deliver world-class coverage and an immersive viewing experience for fans worldwide.
With Sony’s extensive expertise in the broadcasting industry, we are excited to embark on this new partnership. Sony’s expertise and innovative approach promise to bring a fresh perspective to the coverage of Asian cricket, reaching new audiences and setting new benchmarks.
The substantial increase in rights value will enable the ACC to channel significant resources into grassroots programs, infrastructure development, and talent pathways, especially for associate nations. This collaboration will drive the continued growth of cricket across Asia and ensure its vibrant future.”
“Congratulations to the ACC for conducting a fair and transparent bidding process for the rights to the ACC tournaments!” said SPNI’s MD & CEO Gaurav Banerjee. “We are delighted to bring these action-packed tournaments, which will also include India and Pakistan matches, to our viewers for the next 8 years. ACC tournaments have created unforgettable moments and set the stage for the most intense Asian Cricket rivalries. We eagerly look forward to sharing the thrill and spirit of these matches with cricket fans.”
ACC, had in the last fortnight awarded the exclusive commercial sponsorship rights for all ACC Asia Cup tournaments to TCM Sports Management (TCM), deepening its decade long relationship with the ACC. It gave the marketing agency sole rights over on-ground advertising and sponsorships for men’s and women’s Asia Cup tournaments until 2031. The sponsorship package would grant TCM title and official sponsorship rights, positioning TCM to shape the branding landscape for ACC events.
Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, the official broadcaster of DP World ILT20, is all set to commence the third edition of the tournament on 11 January 2025, featuring Australian cricketing icon David Warner for his second season with the Dubai Capitals. While the team achieved a runner-up finish in the tournament’s previous edition, Warner is determined to play a greater role in building on that success in 2025 – Season 3. Reflecting on the tournament’s unique structure, he highlighted its impact on raising the level of competition and providing invaluable opportunities for local talent. As the new season approaches, Warner remains committed to sharing his extensive experience and supporting the growth of UAE cricket.
Warner opined that the Dubai International Stadium – Dubai Capitals’ home ground is amongst his favourite venues in the world He said, “The best thing about the venue is the atmosphere. Once you’re inside and the fans are here supporting the game, it’s loud, it’s electrifying, and there is also the light display and everything that comes with it. The aesthetics are absolutely fantastic.”
Warner further lauded the wicket dynamics and ground dimensions, “The best thing I like here is the wicket. It can be challenging at first, but once you get through the initial phase, you can play more freely. The boundary dimensions are something I love, in Australia, we don’t get that. The MCG is so big, but here the grounds are perfect for a batsman. The pockets can be a little big, but I just like playing here. It’s always good. If you get through the new ball, you can be there at the end.” he opined.
On the unique squad composition at the DP World ILT20 that mandates each team can feature as many as nine international players besides a minimum of two players from the United Arab Emirates, the hard-hitting southpaw remarked, “It’s rare to have the opportunity where such great talent from around the world mixes with local talent. I think it’s a great experience for the local players, but more importantly, it strengthens the competition, which is incredibly fierce. It’s highly competitive, and everyone talks about it—in Australia and other countries as well. They’re all discussing this tournament and always want to be part of it.”
As the third season approaches, ZEE Entertainment is all set to bring exhilarating action to fans through its linear channels and OTT platform, ZEE5, in a dynamic and immersive way. Commenting on this exciting announcement, Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer – Digital & Broadcast Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited said, “We are thrilled that David Warner is back to head Dubai Capitals for the third season! The last season saw his entry into the DP World ILT20 boosting the tournament’s global appeal and his continuing as Captain will ensure that the third season is bigger and better and more competitive than ever before. The inclusion of nine international players in the team promises high-class cricket with an entertaining sporting carnival experience that combines at a relaxed, luxurious venue to cricket fans with unparalleled entertainment. With the return of world-class players of David Warne’s calibre, this season promises to be bigger and better and more competitive, resonating strongly with cricket fans across India and beyond. Building on last’s season remarkable response, we aim to continue the momentum in broadcasting excellence and fan engagement.”
As a legend of the game with 49 international centuries across all formats, Warner also shed light on the next phase of his career, “This game has given me everything, and it’s upon myself to give the game back because it owes me nothing. I owe everything to the people who have supported me, and my main focus is to keep generating cricketers to come up through the ranks, participate in tournaments like this, and continue evolving as a leader, making sure I’m giving my knowledge back to the youngsters.”
He further added, “It’s not just a game for the young. You can play at my age as well, but you’ve got to stay fit and keep up with the youngsters.”
Addressing the Capitals’ and DP World ILT20 fans, Warner expressed, “I encourage everyone to come out and support the teams—whichever team it may be. The best part is that you get to see exciting talent, both from around the world and locally. It’s a big spectacle, so please go out, purchase some tickets, and enjoy some entertaining cricket.”
On his previous season with the Dubai Capitals, that also marked his debut at the DP World ILT20, the opening batter said, “I enjoyed the competition. It was challenging from an opening batter’s perspective and good for the bowlers. I think the way we fought and came back strongly towards the end of the tournament was fantastic.”
Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can watch the LIVE action exclusively on ZEE’s 15 linear TV channels, OTT platform ZEE5 and its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world.
Through the tournament, Zee Entertainment is aiming for an even larger audience in its third season, targeting 230-million viewers. The strategies being employed to increase its footprints are multifaceted, focusing on the Indian market, which includes cricket lovers, advertisers, and the addition of South Indian channels.
Earlier this year, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) reported that the league’s second season reached 221 million viewers. The channel’s extensive distribution strategy ensured widespread accessibility in India and across the globe. With a notable 46% share of female viewership and 55% share of youth viewership, the league’s broad appeal in India underscores its status.
Mumbai: The defending champions, New York Strikers, have teamed up with top-tier digital and sports brands as they gear up to defend their crown at the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10. With cricket legends Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine leading the charge, the Strikers have secured key sponsorships: NewCity.vip as principal title sponsor, IceCric.News as back presenting sponsor, and New York Strikers Sports Management as platinum sponsor.
These partnerships mark a major milestone in the team’s strategy to strengthen its global brand. By blending cricket, digital content, and gaming, the Strikers are positioning themselves for even greater fan engagement and success.
The partnership with IceCric.News enhances the team’s digital presence, offering fans around the world exclusive access to news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content. NewCity.vip’s sponsorship adds an exciting layer of fan interaction by merging the worlds of sports and gaming. Meanwhile, the backing from New York Strikers Sports Management ensures the team has the necessary resources for continued success, both on and off the field.
New York Strikers owner, Sagar Khanna emphasises the significance of these strategic partnerships: “These partnerships are integral to our mission of elevating the cricket experience and offering our fans a deeper, more interactive connection to the game. It’s about aligning with brands that share our ambition to push boundaries. We’re not just aiming for success on the field—we’re shaping the future of how cricket is experienced globally.”
New York Strikers CEO, Shazmeen Kara adds, “As a franchise, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the fan experience, and these partnerships do just that. This season is about combining the best of cricket, technology, and entertainment, and we can’t wait to see it all unfold.”
With a star-studded lineup that includes international heavyweights and emerging talents, the New York Strikers are set for an exhilarating 2024 Abu Dhabi T10. Supported by IceCric.News, NewCity.vip, and New York Strikers Sports Management, the team is focused on retaining its title and offering an unforgettable experience to fans worldwide.
Mumbai: The Indian Sports Honours (ISH) returned for its fifth edition. This year’s ceremony will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar on 18 November, 2024, at 5PM & 10:30 PM, bringing together India’s finest athletes and sports enthusiasts for a night of recognition and celebration.
The ceremony will recognise some of the best sporting talents in the country through 10 Jury Honours, four Popular Choice Honours and Lifetime Achievement Honour. Included this year, will also be a new honour for Grassroot Initiatives of the Year, facilitating the organisations that make significant contributions to the development of sports at a grassroot level.
The jury for this esteemed event featured a distinguished panel of sports icons, led by Abhinav Bindra, a member of the IOC and India’s first individual Olympic medal, as a chairperson. Alongside him was the legendary Indian athlete and President of the IOA, P.T. Usha, former world number one shooter, Anjali Bhagwat, and Disney+ Star head of sports Sanjog Gupta. The jury also included boxing olympic bronze medalist in 2008 Vijender Singh, wrestling bronze medalist in 2012, Yogeshwar Dutt, and former Indian hockey captain and player, Sardar Singh, as they all bring their combined expertise and insight into the selection process.
Conceptualised by Cornerstone Sport, the Indian Sports Honours ceremony is a remarkable event that brings together top athletes, sports personalities, coaches, celebrated Bollywood icons and influencers, in recognition of the dedication and achievements that define Indian sports today. The event’s highlights include the main event, which showcases the sporting milestones achieved over the past year and moments honouring the inspirational journeys of the nation’s top sports talent.
The event will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar, who promise to bring a spectacular show encompassing Indian sports and the athletes who have dedicated their lives to it. The broadcaster will showcase several high-profile guests the event, including Sania Mirza, Abhinav Bindra, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Pandey, Sarabjot Singh, Lakshya Sen, Rani Rampal, Padhmashri Muralikant Petkar, Harmanpreet Singh and Avani Lekhara, amongst others. The main event will be broadcast on 18th November, on the Star Sports Network & Disney+Hotstar.
Below are the list of honours the audiences can witness from the comfort of their home: Jury Honours: Sportsman of the Year (Individual), Sportswoman of the Year (Individual), Para-Athlete of the Year (Male), Para-Athlete of the Year (Female), Coach of the Year (Male), Coach of the Year (Female), Team of the Year (Male), Team of the Year (Female), Sportsman of the Year (Team), and Sportswoman of the Year (Team).
Popular Choice Honours: Breakthrough Performance of the Year (Male), Breakthrough Performance of the Year (Female), Fan Club of the Year, and Club of the Year.
Other honours: Lifetime Achievement Honour, Grassroot Initiatives of the Year Honour and Star Believe Honour
Cornerstone Sport CEO Bunty Sajdeh expressed his excitement for the honours, stating, “The fifth edition of the Indian Sports Honours marks another milestone in our mission to celebrate the best of Indian sports. Each athlete has a special story, and it is important to celebrate that with full gusto. This year, we aim to go even further in honouring the achievements of our athletes, whose dedication, resilience, and passion inspire us all. With new categories and our collaboration with Star Sports, we’re thrilled to bring the spirit of Indian sports to viewers across the country.”
Mumbai: The Emirates NBA Cup trophy arrived in New York to mark the start of the Emirates NBA Cup 2024, following its journey from Dubai. As the official global airline partner of the NBA and inaugural title partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, Emirates transported the trophy aboard an Airbus A380 featuring an NBA-themed livery. The tournament began on 12 November and will culminate with the championship game on 17 December in Las Vegas.
NBA legend James Worthy accompanied the trophy, which was handed to NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Emirates senior VP Thierry Aucoc upon arrival in New York. The flight featured basketball-themed cabin décor across all classes, with NBA-branded food served in special packaging and live NBA games available on the in-flight entertainment system, ice. Passengers in first and business class enjoyed exclusive NBA-themed snacks and a chance to socialize with worthy in the onboard lounge.
From now until 17 December, customers flying to and from 13 U.S. and Canadian cities will experience NBA-themed services, including co-branded headrests, NBA-inspired meals, and live game streaming on flights. Emirates lounges in select cities will feature NBA-themed menus. Passengers also received commemorative memorabilia such as limited-edition NBA replica aircraft models, luggage tags, and photo frames.
Additionally, basketball fans can purchase NBA merchandise, including replica aircraft models, from the Emirates official store. The Emirates NBA Cup continues with group play matchups, including the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies vs. the Golden State Warriors.
Mumbai: On 17 November 2024, the prestigious ‘Vishwa Samudra Golden Eagles Golf Championship’ will return for its 8th edition at the esteemed Classic Golf & Country Club in Gurgaon. This highly anticipated event, organized by the Vishwa Samudra Group, will bring together elite athletes, celebrities, and business leaders for a spectacular blend of sport, luxury, and entertainment.
Participants will compete for top prizes, including a ‘BMW XM’ for a Hole-in-One and a ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’ for the overall champion. Other exciting rewards, such as iPhones, PXG irons, and exclusive gift vouchers, add to the event’s allure.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Vishwa Samudra Group chairman, Chinta Sasidhar stated, “The Vishwa Samudra Golden Eagles Championship is not just a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of excellence and a gathering of visionaries. We are thrilled to see it grow year after year, bringing together sports icons, industry leaders, and enthusiasts who share a passion for the game. This year’s edition will undoubtedly be our most spectacular yet, and we look forward to creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.”
The event’s theme—’Golf, Glamour, Glory’—is set to elevate the championship with professional and celebrity golfers, including Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, and golf pros Neha Tripathi and Ridhima Dhilawari. Adding an international flair, Swedish pro Camila Lennarth will join, enhancing the competitive spirit of this premier event.
Evening festivities will feature live performances, highlighted by a show-stopping act from India’s rap sensation Badshah during the award ceremony. Signature entertainment and world-class acts will ensure an unforgettable night for attendees.
Event Details:
– Date: November 17, 2024
– Venue: Classic Golf & Country Club, Gurgaon
– Entertainment and Awards Ceremony: 7:30 PM Onwards
Mumbai: India is hosting the FISU World University Championship Shooting 2024 for the first time, with the opening ceremony held at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies (MRIIRS) in Faridabad. The event, organized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), brings together top university-level athletes from around the world.
The opening ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including government of Haryana’s minister of state for youth empowerment & entrepreneurship, sports, and law & legislative affairs, Gaurav Gautam and Government of India, IAS, secretary of sports, ministry of youth affairs & sports, Sujata Chaturvedi
The championship has drawn over 200 athletes from 23 countries, including eight Olympians such as Privratsky Jiri (Czech Republic), Sevval Layada Tarhan (Turkey), and Nobata Misaki (Japan). The Indian team includes shooters like Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar, Sift Kaur Samra, Manini Kaushik, and Bakhtyaruddin Mohamadmuzahid Malek, competing for top honors.
As the host university, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies has played a crucial role in making this event possible. Organising committee president and Manav Rachna Educational Institutions VP Dr. Amit Bhalla said, “It is a profound honor for Manav Rachna to serve as the host university for the FISU World University Championship Shooting 2024, a landmark moment for India and for university sports worldwide. This championship embodies the values of resilience, unity, and sportsmanship that transcend borders, fostering a global spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. We celebrate not only the skill and dedication of these exceptional athletes but also the cultural exchange and camaraderie that sports inspire. This event is more than a competition—it is a platform for creating relationships, sharing stories, and building memories that will connect and inspire future generations across the globe.”
As a key partner in the event, Association of Indian Universities (AIU) general secretary Dr Pankaj Mittal, underscored the pivotal role AIU plays in nurturing sports talent at the university level. “Over the next five days, we will witness intense competition and exceptional sportsmanship as athletes from around the world strive for glory. This championship exemplifies AIU’s commitment to promoting university sports, fostering international collaboration, and building lasting relationships among students from diverse nations,” she stated.
AIU’s role in promoting sports at the university level has been instrumental in creating platforms for student-athletes to showcase their talents globally. The association has long championed the cause of sports in universities, and this event is a testament to their dedication to enhancing university sports culture in India.
FISU VP Marian Dymalski said, “Shooting sports require immense strength, determination, and commitment. This event provides athletes with a platform to showcase their skills and achieve greatness. FISU is proud to support these athletes as they strive for excellence, and through their dedication”.
Addressing the opening ceremony, government of Haryana’s minister of state for youth empowerment & entrepreneurship, sports, and law & legislative affairs, Gaurav Gautam emphasised the growing importance of India as a host nation for international sporting events. “India has vast potential as a host for global sporting competitions, and I am confident that this championship will pave the way for us to organize many more such prestigious events in the future,” he said.
Government of India, IAS, secretary of sports, ministry of youth affairs & sports, Sujata Chaturvedi echoed this sentiment, welcoming the athletes from across the world. “It is a privilege to host athletes from over 23 countries here in India. I extend a warm welcome to all the participants to experience the rich heritage and dynamic sports culture that our country proudly upholds,” she said.
The opening ceremony included a vibrant display, with athletes carrying their national flags, followed by cultural performances celebrating India’s heritage. A formal athletes’ pledge underscored the values of integrity and sportsmanship, setting the tone for the competitions ahead.
MUMBAI: We all know Whoopi Goldberg as a wonderful actress and for her roles in The Color Purple and Sister Act series. Now the American star – who has long been a supporter of sports – will be known for launching a global sports network for women. Yes, exclusively focused on women’s sports.
Called the All Women Sports Network (AWSN) its launch was announced mid-last week on The Tonight Show hosted by Jimmy Fallon. Goldberg is partnering with an organization called CommonSpirit Health which is led by CEO Wright Lassetter III for the network.
The new channel will “be the home for live women’s sports from around the world. Everything from soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket, curling, you name it — if a woman is playing it, we’re showing it,” expressed Goldberg to Fallon.
In India, AWSN is available on Jio TV and Jio TV+ across all mobile phones and is integrated with the Jio set top box as well. Goldberg added that the channel is to be available in 65 countries including west Asia, Asia and a US announcement is set to follow.
According to Goldberg, the goal of AWSN is to “rectify the imbalance in sport representation, championing the cause of female athletes one step at a time.”
At the time of writing, the channel was showcasing docuseries around prominent sportswomen like Billie Jean King, Serena Williams and other athletes, interspersed with live matches of women’s football, beach ball in Germany and Sweden, and basketball, field hockey leagues in Australia.
Mumbai: Sony Sports Network will telecast the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 live for hockey fans across India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This much-anticipated continental tournament will be held from 11 to 20 November 2024 at the newly built Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar.
Sony Sports Network will ensure a seamless broadcast of the tournament, where the Indian Women’s Team has an impressive record. Having won the trophy for the first time in 2016, India enters the competition as the defending champion after reclaiming the title in Ranchi in 2023. With this victory, India joined Japan as one of only two teams to have won the trophy twice. The Indian team will face strong competition from Olympic silver medallist China, as well as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Led by captain Salima Tete and vice-captain Navneet Kaur, India will play against Malaysia on the tournament’s opening day, eager to secure an early victory. After missing out on qualification for the Paris Olympics this year, the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy presents a vital opportunity for the team to start afresh.
India must achieve a top-four finish among the six participating teams to advance to the semi-finals on 19 November. The winners of the Semi-Finals will then progress to the Final, scheduled for 20 November. This tournament also marks the Indian women’s hockey team’s first Asian competition under chief coach Harendra Singh, who took charge earlier this year.
All the matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD and HD channels and live streamed on SonyLIV, starting from 1500 hrs IST.
