ITV

Category: Sports

  • Viacom18 unveils Olympic opening ceremony coverage

    Viacom18 unveils Olympic opening ceremony coverage

    Mumbai: Days after unveiling the most comprehensive coverage ever of the Olympic Games, Viacom18, the official broadcast and digital partner for Paris 2024, has now announced a one-of-its-kind coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. The immersive coverage commences with a dedicated camera feed on the Team India boat throughout the Opening Ceremony on the Seine, giving viewers an up and close view of the contingent. Viacom18 will also have a presence on the boat which will enable securing real-time reactions, quotes, and footage of the Indian athletes as the colourful river parade floats through the heart of the French capital.

    The Opening Ceremony will be presented in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, unlocking wider access to the pinnacle of sports for Indians across the country. In addition to the extraordinary studio experts line-up of former champions across multiple sporting disciplines on Opening Day, India’s first athletics World Championship medal winner and two-time Olympian Anju Bobby George will take her place in Viacom18’s studios for Paris 2024.

    For the first time, Olympics coverage in India will be presented across 20 concurrent feeds on JioCinema for free, allowing fans to catch their preferred action and Indian performances at the Olympic Games anytime, anywhere on their preferred device. The presentation will have 17 sports-wise feeds and three curated feeds, all available in 4K.  

    The curated feeds will include an India feed in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, which allows viewers to catch all the action from the Indian contingent as it unfolds on-ground. The Women Power feed for the first time ever will exclusively capture the journey to glory of women Olympians for the entire edition, while a Best Global Action feed in English and Hindi, will allow viewers to track the finest athletes in the world in action at Paris 2024.

    On linear platforms, Sports18 – 1, Sports18 – 1 HD, and Sports18 – 2 will run India-focused feed, and Global Action will be available on Sports18 – 3. Sports18 – 1 and Sports18 – 1 HD will present the Games in English with Tamil and Telugu available on the language button. Sports18 – 2 will offer the Paris 2024 in Hindi.

    SBI and JSW Group will Co-Present Paris 2024 to viewers. ThumsUp and Herbalife have come on board as Associate Sponsors. AMFI, MRF, Bacardi Martini India Pvt Ltd and Punjab National Bank are Special Partners in Viacom18’s presentation of the Olympic Games, while Highlights will be presented by Aditya Birla Capital.

    India’s bid for glory at Paris 2024 will kick off on July 27 at 2:00 PM with Sandeep Singh-Elavenil Valarivan, and Arjun Babuta-Ramita Jindal featuring in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event. Neeraj Chopra will tip off his Javelin Throw title defence on August 6th alongside countrymate Kishor Jena.

    Catch Viacom18’s expansive coverage of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony starting at 9 PM on July 26, live and exclusive on JioCinema, Sports18 Network, Colors Network, VH1, and MTV.
     

  • Sony Sports Network reignites an exciting cricket rivalry with live telecast of India Tour of Sri Lanka

    Sony Sports Network reignites an exciting cricket rivalry with live telecast of India Tour of Sri Lanka

    Mumbai: After a resounding win over Zimbabwe in their own backyard, Team India is set for another litmus test as they travel down south to face Sri Lanka for a limited-over series. The two sides will face each other across three T20Is in Pallekele, followed by three ODIs in Colombo. The series, starting Saturday, 27 July 2024, will be broadcast LIVE on Sony Sports Network from 7:00 PM IST onwards.

    World Champions India picked up where they left off in the recently concluded T20 World Cup to defeat Zimbabwe 4-1 in a T20I series. A new-look India travelled to Harare to prove their caliber as the country ushers in a new era of cricket, following the retirement of legendary players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20I cricket. Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli, however, will feature in the ODIs against the Lankans.

    On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be looking to bank on their young talent to deliver on their home turf as they aim to restore the glory days of the past. Focus will be on key players including Matheesha Pathirana along with Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga who feature in the top 10 men’s ODI Batting and T20I all-rounder ICC rankings. Interestingly, the two sides will also have new head coaches at the helm when they face each other with Gautam Gambhir leading India for the first time and Sanath Jayasuriya taking the charge for Sri Lanka.

    The age-old rivalry between the Men in Blue & the Lankan Lions has seen many twists & turns from the times of cricket greats like Rahul Dravid & Sachin Tendulkar for India & Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardena for Sri Lanka. It is time for the next generation of players including Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Maheesh Theekshana & Matheesh Pathirana, to take the baton forward and write a new chapter in this rivalry.

    As cricket gains pace on Sony Sports Network, with the broadcast of India Tour of Zimbabwe, Major League Cricket (MLC), West Indies Tour of England & Vitality T20 Blast, their flagship studio show Extraaa Innings returns with an exciting roster of English commentators including Robin Uthappa, Scott Styris, Saba Karim and Abhinav Mukund supported by Sri Lankan commentators Roshan Abeysinghe and Russell Arnold. The Hindi roster comprises Ashish Nehra, Ajay Jadeja, Pragyan Ojha, Vivek Razdan and Aakash Chopra while the Tamil & Telugu panel will have Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, R. Sridhar, Anirudha Srikkantha, TR Arasu, Venkatapathy Raju, Ashish Reddy and Akshath Reddy respectively.

    The broadcast of Sri Lanka vs India will be in prime time for Indian fans as they can enjoy watching their favorite cricketers in action live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 5 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels.

    India Squad for T20Is:

    Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.

    India Squad for ODIs:

    Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

    Sri Lanka Squad for T20Is:

    Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando.

    Comments:

    Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:

    “The broadcast of India Tour of Sri Lanka solidifies Sony Sports Network’s position as a global multi-sports arena for audiences in India. These are exciting times for Indian cricket with the team’s recent T20 World Cup victory, the rise of new young players and the appointment of new head coach. India Tour of Sri Lanka comes at the perfect time for Indian fans who will be eager to watch the new-look team in action at prime time.”

    Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley De Silva:

    “We are delighted to welcome India for a limited-over series for the first time since 2021. It will be exciting to see how the team performs under the new head coach. The two teams have a fair share of history between themselves, and it will be exciting to see some top-quality matches during the series, which will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.”

    Watch the live coverage of India Tour of Sri Lanka from 27 July, 7:00 PM IST onwards LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 1. Sony Sports Ten 5 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil / Telugu) channels.

    Match Date

    Time (IST)

    Channel

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 1st T20i

    27/07/24

    19:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 2nd T20i

    28/07/24

    19:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 3rd T20i

    30/07/24

    19:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 1st ODI

    02/08/24

    14:30

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 2nd ODI

    04/08/24

    14:30

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 3rd ODI

    07/08/24

    14:30

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)
  • Pickleball launches Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), PWR World Series & PWR World Tour

    Pickleball launches Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), PWR World Series & PWR World Tour

    Mumbai: Pickleball, widely regarded as the world’s fastest growing sport, has announced the launch of the new Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), the PWR World Series and the PWR World Tour. In a powerful evening of announcements for the sport, the GCC was also named as the region that will host the first PWR World Series in March 2025. This news is backed by Pickleball League Asia Pvt Ltd in partnership with The Times Group at a time when the sport is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity worldwide.

    PWR will bring together regional bodies under one unified structure to enhance sports governance and future longevity. The announcement was made by PWR, The Times Group, colleagues from international Pickleball bodies and some of the world’s top players, including women’s world number one on APP Tour, Megan Fudge DeHeart.

    PWR CEO and founder Pranav Kohli said: “Pickleball originated from relatively humble beginnings in the backyards of America in the sixties, and has now become one of the most exciting sports enjoyed by millions around the world. It is with great honour to be part of the creation of Pickleball World Rankings, PWR World Series and PWR World Tour and we are delighted to be the team taking Pickleball to the next level both on and off the court.”

    He continued, “We will be offering $15 million in prize money for the PWR World Tour and $1.5 million for the GCC stop PWR World Series. This is the highest prize money ever offered in the sport! It is my hope that existing stars and the champions of the future from the United States and all around the world can rise through the rankings and reach their full potential, all in front of millions of followers globally.”

    He concluded, “It is no coincidence that we selected the GCC as the location for this announcement and we are thrilled to confirm that our first PWR World Series – in a grand style will be hosted in the region. The ambition and visionary leadership within the region and the positive pace of societal change is in step with the growth of the sport and we are confident that the sport will enjoy a bright future here,”

    The Times Group MD Vineet Jain said: “The ‘Times Group is proud to be an anchor investor in PWR, a path breaking initiative that unifies the global pickleball community. Times Group is known for its innovation and its ability to be ahead of the curve in every one of its initiatives. We are happy that PWR is bringing the PWR Rankings, PWR tour and PWR World Series, and we really hope that this further accelerates growth of Pickleball globally. I personally believe that Pickleball will overtake Tennis in terms of participation in near future. PWR is a platform that will empower players from every corner of the globe to compete, excel, and showcase their talents on an international stage.”

    Pickleball is already a worldwide sensation, enjoyed by celebrity fans such as Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Taylor Swift. It is the fastest-growing sport in the USA and is now on its way to becoming the fastest-growing sport in the world.

  • TNA Wrestling expands partnership with Warner Bros Discovery’s Eurosport India

    TNA Wrestling expands partnership with Warner Bros Discovery’s Eurosport India

    Mumbai: Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc, a global multi-platform media company, announced that TNA Wrestling has expanded its partnership with Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) premium sports channel Eurosport India. The exclusive multi-year agreement, encompassing hundreds of hours of content, extends TNA’s offerings, broadcasting all-new original series, iconic matchups, PPV events, and more throughout India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

    The deal builds upon the agreement previously announced in March, which featured eight new TNA+ presents specials each year, as well as all-new episodes of the tailor-made Hindi-language series Pehlwani Patakha—showcasing top highlights from TNA iMPACT!, as well as groundbreaking moments from TNA’s storied legacy.

    Now, in addition to these popular offerings, Eurosport India viewers will be able to enjoy even more hard-hitting TNA action, with over 200 hours of original programming annually from TNA’s complete first-run output. The new deal includes the weekly flagship series TNA iMPACT! and cornerstone pay-per-views such as Bound for Glory and Slammiversary; to content from TNA’s extensive library spanning 20 years of the promotion’s history, selected from over 6,000 hours of original series and landmark events boasting appearances by some of the biggest stars in professional wrestling. Highlights include access to legacy series such as epics, TNA’s greatest matches, legends, British Boot Camp, and TNA Unfinished Business, as well as classic pay-per-views, and much more.

    Warner Bros Discovery began broadcasting curated TNA programming in the region in the first quarter of 2020. The promotion continues to resonate with viewers in India and its Sub-Continent, and has firmly established itself as the #2 data-supported genre brand in India—amassing more than 2.5 million Facebook followers in the country. TNA’s global reach has grown, as well, with the promotion attracting over 4.94 million YouTube subscribers worldwide.

    Warner Bros Discovery head of distribution and sports, South Asia, Ruchir Jain stated, “We are delighted to extend our partnership with TNA Wrestling and bring their exclusive content to our viewers in India. Pro-Wrestling has been an integral part of childhood in India, creating a nostalgic connection for many. Cultivating this connection has been key to the growth of Eurosport’s passionate fan base. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering top-tier sports entertainment, and we look forward to providing our thrill-loving audience with exceptional wrestling experiences through this partnership.”

    “This expanded deal is a testament to how powerfully TNA has resonated with audiences throughout India and its sub-continent,” said Anthem Sports Group SVP of content, distribution and marketing Ariel Shnerer. “WBD clearly recognizes the value that TNA brings to the Eurosport India platform, and we are proud to continue our successful partnership with them. We look forward to providing these loyal viewers with even more of the high-quality professional wrestling content they enjoy.”

    TNA is one of the largest professional wrestling organisations in the world, and the premier destination for wrestling fans across the globe. Since its inception in 2002, TNA has been home to legendary wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sting, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, AJ Styles and many more. TNA’s current roster is headlined by TNA world champion Nic Nemeth and knockouts world champion Jordynne Grace, X-Division champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey, world tag team champions (ABC) Ace Austin and Chris Bey, knockouts world tag team champions Alisha Edwards and Masha Slamovich, and digital media champion PCO as well as rising Indian powerhouses Bhupinder Gujjar and Shera.

     

  • JioCinema set to revolutionise India’s Paris 2024 experience with ad innovations

    JioCinema set to revolutionise India’s Paris 2024 experience with ad innovations

    Mumbai: With over 100 Indian athletes set to prove their mettle at Paris 2024, the excitement is palpable. Every four years, the Olympics captivate the world like no other event, drawing unparalleled attention and enthusiasm. With a staggering 20 concurrent feeds, JioCinema will ensure fans catch every thrilling moment from wherever they are. These include 17 sports-wise feeds and 3 exclusively curated feeds dedicated to the Indian Contingent in Paris, Global Action, and a special focus on Women Athletes.

    It’s a unique opportunity for brands to align themselves with the values of excellence and unity to reach diverse audiences and drive resonance. The association with the Olympics lead to greater consumer trust and loyalty, as viewers often transfer the positive emotions and excitement they feel for the Olympics to the brands that support it. Additionally, the extensive media coverage and social media buzz around the Olympics provide brands with multiple channels to engage with audiences, further amplifying their message and presence.

    Viewers opting for the India feed can immerse themselves in the Olympic Games in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, following the Indian contingent’s performances. Additionally, the dedicated women-centric feed will chronicle the inspiring journeys of female Olympians throughout the event. Advertisers have a unique opportunity to leverage these feeds to reach a diverse and engaged audience. By aligning their campaigns with specific sports or thematic feeds, they can maximize visibility and resonance among viewers deeply invested in these specific Olympic narratives.

    Moreover, these curated feeds being streamed in stunning 4K resolution promise an unparalleled viewing experience, capturing the essence of the Olympic Games with exceptional clarity and vibrancy. They are a powerful medium for brands to connect with their target demographic in a meaningful and impactful manner. This integration of technology and content will ensure that advertisers can connect with viewers in meaningful ways, leveraging the global appeal and excitement of the Olympics to maximize brand impact and audience reach.

    To start the Olympic celebrations on a high note, Indian viewers have an exclusive treat in store — a dedicated camera feed focused on the India float during the Opening Ceremony. This special feature will ensure fans get a ring-side view of the Indian contingent as they proudly march and represent the country on the global sporting stage. Viewers will also enjoy extensive coverage of Indian athletes’ medal moments, including live interviews with family members.

    With Viacom18 holding digital and TV rights through JioCinema and Sports18 respectively, advertisers can craft targeted campaigns that resonate deeply with a captivated audience — irrespective of where they are watching Paris 2024. Whether through digital platforms or linear TV, advertisers can leverage curated media plans to maximize impact and engagement during this monumental event.

    Beyond sporting events, the Games are a global cultural phenomenon. JioCinema’s free streaming of the Olympics marks a milestone in viewer engagement, bridging the gap between fans and their sporting heroes like never before. It’s not just about watching; it’s about feeling a part of something historic, celebrating achievements and sharing in the triumphs of the athletes.

    The Olympics are a significant driver of national pride, fostering unity among citizens in the passionate support of their athletes. Brands can actively participate by aligning themselves with national pride and heritage narratives, strengthening their connection with audiences. Endorsing athletes allows brands to leverage their influence, particularly among younger generations. To effectively engage this demographic, brands can craft aspirational campaigns celebrating active lifestyles and sporting achievements.

    Alongside these interviews, domain experts in the studio will provide insights and commentary, enriching the viewing experience and offering deeper context to the achievements of the athletes. The comprehensive and immersive coverage aims to bring Indian viewers closer to the action across devices of their choice, celebrating the country’s sporting heroes and their incredible journeys.

    Strategic partnerships with JioCinema during Paris 2024 will allow brands to maximize presence, build genuine connections with audiences and positively influence consumer perception and loyalty.

  • Inaugural edition of Panja League for corporates held in Mumbai

    Inaugural edition of Panja League for corporates held in Mumbai

    Mumbai: In a unique display of strength, camaraderie, and competitive spirit, working corporate professionals from various industries stepped out of their offices and into the world of Armwrestling. The event, held at Aurika Hotel, Mumbai, saw participants competing in different categories, showcasing their prowess in Armwrestling.

    The event organized by Pro Panja League, co-founded by Bollywood actor duo of Parvin Dabas and Preeti Jhangiani, and with Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, as a partner, brought together employees from several companies for an evening of excitement and friendly competition. The event aimed to foster team spirit and promote physical fitness among corporate employees, offering a refreshing break from their usual routines.

    Sharing his thoughts on this unique event, Parvin Dabas said “We have had great success with the professional athletes. It was time for the corporates to show what they are made of – not just in the boardroom, but on the Panja table. We look forward to hosting such unique events going forward as well.”

    Manifest India founder & editor Raahil Chopra who co-organised the event said, “The first edition saw great camaraderie among the participants, who gave it their all to win and had fantastic support from their colleagues.”

    Havas India CMO Pritha Das Gupta who also attended, spoke about the event. She said, “Armwrestling is more than just a game—it’s a cherished household tradition, often sparking friendly battles between friends and families. The event was a nostalgic journey that revived countless memories. In a cricket-obsessed nation, it’s heartening to see sports like Panja that are so deeply rooted in our culture being celebrated and played in a league format.”

  • Baseline Ventures to represent Indian sporting icon, Abhinav Bindra

    Baseline Ventures to represent Indian sporting icon, Abhinav Bindra

    Mumbai: Baseline Ventures, a sports management company has announced the signing of Indian sporting icon and 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist, Abhinav Bindra. Baseline Ventures will be exclusively representing successful shooter Abhinav Bindra for all commercial engagements, including brand endorsements, sponsorships, licensing etc.

    Abhinav Bindra made history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by becoming India’s first individual Gold medallist. His journey to this achievement is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence, which also made him the first Indian to win a World Championship Gold in Air Rifle Shooting. Born in Dehradun, Bindra has won over 150 individual medals in a career that spanned over two decades, concluding with a commendable fourth-place finish at the Rio Olympics in 2016. His illustrious career has earned him the Arjuna Award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, and the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. He has also been conferred with the Blue Cross, the highest honour by the International Shooting Sport Federation, and holds the honorary title of Lt. Col. in the Territorial Army.

    Beyond his career in sports, Bindra is passionately involved in numerous initiatives through the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT). The foundation is dedicated to leveraging sports for social change, focusing on intervention, education, and social upliftment. ABFT’s STEAM scholarship program integrates Science, Engineering, Analytics, and Medicine into the training of grassroots athletes. The foundation’s efforts also include the Sport Science Interventions at ABTP Centers, the Athlete Mental Wellness Program, and the Physiotherapy and Sport Science Institute in Odisha. Additionally, the foundation’s ‘Sport4Her’ program empowers female athletes, and its Olympic Values Education Program, in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee and the Governments of Odisha and Assam, has positively impacted millions of school children.

    Abhinav Bindra shared his thoughts on this occasion, “I am looking forward to working closely with Baseline Ventures to create valuable and meaningful collaborations. Their expertise in sports marketing is well known and I hope to partner with them to nurture mutual goals.”

    Baseline Ventures co-founder Vishal Jaison expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are honoured and thrilled to represent Abhinav Bindra, a legend in Indian sports. His career and accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and determination. We look forward to creating meaningful and impactful opportunities that align with his vision and values for the long term.”

    With the signing of Abhinav Bindra, Baseline Ventures continues to strengthen its portfolio of top-tier sports athletes and further cement its status as a prominent player in the Indian sports landscape through its unwavering commitment of creating a share of voice for athletes across sports.

  • Indian Racing Festival announces Arjun Kapoor as Speed Demons Delhi owner

    Indian Racing Festival announces Arjun Kapoor as Speed Demons Delhi owner

    Mumbai: The Indian Racing Festival, a premier event in the motorsport calendar of India, is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2024 season with a thrilling addition of Bollywood luminary, Arjun Kapoor. This collaboration marks Arjun’s entry into the motorsport arena as the proud owner of the Delhi franchise, Speed Demons Delhi, under a multi-year agreement.

    Building on the momentum from the recent unveiling of the Kolkata team by India’s most celebrated captain, Sourav Ganguly, the festival is now set to welcome Arjun Kapoor as the owner of the Delhi team. With Arjun Kapoor’s significant interest, the league now boasts two celebrity-owned franchises. This significant stride in its expansion strategy underscores Arjun Kapoor’s passion for racing and promises to elevate the excitement and glamour surrounding the upcoming season of the Indian Racing Festival.

    Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd presents the exhilarating Indian Racing Festival (IRF), at the heart of which there are two prestigious championships: the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the FIA Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC). The Indian Racing Festival will also be hosting the first ever night race in a street circuit in Chennai’s Street Racing Circuit as a part of round two, from 31 August to 1 September.

    Arjun Kapoor, renowned as a true motorhead and has a huge fascination with cars, has invested in the team of Speed Demons and will play a major role in promoting motor racing in Delhi and NCR region.

    With Arjun Kapoor’s presence the Speed Demons Delhi franchise in the Indian Racing Festival is poised to make a significant impact. Arjun Kapoor’s personal passion for motorsports not only aligns perfectly with our objective but also serves as a powerful catalyst to enhance it. His involvement will authentically resonate with enthusiasts, bringing a fresh wave of excitement and engagement to the sport and helping us captivate and inspire a growing community of motorsport aficionados nationwide,” remarked RPPL chairman and MD Akhilesh Reddy.

    The festival features eight dynamic city-based teams from Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. From August to November this year, these teams will engage in intense competition, vying for racing glory and the coveted title of champions. The IRF promises adrenaline-fueled action and showcases the finest talents in Indian motorsport, making it a must-watch motorsports event for enthusiasts nationwide.

    Arjun Kapoor’s collaboration with the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is poised to draw in a diverse audience, including Bollywood Celebrities and those from the hinterland. His association brings a dynamic appeal to the festival, making it more engaging and accessible for millennials, Gen Z, and beyond. This partnership not only aims to broaden the festival’s reach but also to cultivate a fresh and diverse fan base among emerging demographics, thereby cultivating a broader and more inclusive fan base.

    Arjun Kapoor, owner of the Delhi team at the Indian Racing Festival, shared his excitement: “Ever since I was a young kid I’ve always been interested in cars and motorsports, and Delhi’s love for racing is clear. The Indian Racing Festival, along with our Delhi team, is a great opportunity for young racers and fans. I believe we can discover and support talent that could represent India internationally, making motorsports more popular here.”

    Arjun Kapoor also urged fans to come and watch the races in large numbers and cheer and support the drivers.

  • Eurosport India announces Shikhar Dhawan as MotoGP brand ambassador

    Eurosport India announces Shikhar Dhawan as MotoGP brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Eurosport India announced the appointment of Indian cricket icon Shikhar Dhawan as the brand ambassador for MotoGPin India. Dhawan, known for his dynamic presence on the cricket field, will ignite his passion for racing through Eurosport India’s latest campaign, ‘Face Kar Race Kar’.

    Expressing his excitement, Shikhar Dhawan shared, “Partnering with the prestigious MotoGP as its India Ambassador is a remarkable honour. The growing excitement around MotoGP in India is truly thrilling, and it feels like a full-circle moment for me, especially when I think back to my days riding my favourite bike through the streets of my hometown, Delhi. My journey as a cricketer born and raised in this vibrant city adds a personal connection to this new role with Eurosport India. Through their sports platform Eurosport India, Warner Bros. Discovery has been a beacon for world-class sports, consistently delighting our ever-expanding sports fanbase. What excites me most is the potential we have to introduce MotoGP to new audiences across India. Together, we aim to inspire and engage fans with the exhilarating world of MotoGP.”

    The ‘Face Kar Race Kar’ campaign encapsulates the indomitable spirit of MotoGP™, celebrating resilience and inspiring fans to conquer challenges with unwavering determination.

    1   The 2024 MotoGP™ season has seen 9 races so far, with 11 more scheduled across Europe, Asia, and Down Under, culminating in the BritishGP at Silverstone from August 2nd.

    2   Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), the current 2024 season leader, faces stiff competition with only a 10-point lead over Jorge Martin (Pramac Ducati).

    Warner Bros. Discovery general manager of South Asia Arjun Nohwar said, “We are thrilled to welcome Shikhar Dhawan aboard as our MotoGP™ brand ambassador for India. His infectious energy and wide appeal will not only resonate with racing enthusiasts but also introduce MotoGP™ to sports fans in a compelling way.”

    With Yamaha being onboarded as the title sponsor for MotoGP in India, Yamaha India’s general manager of marketing strategy division Vijay Kaul said, “Yamaha has a profound racing heritage, and we are delighted to revive our partnership with Eurosport India as MotoGP’s title sponsor. As we embark on this thrilling journey, we look forward to enriching the exhilarating MotoGP experience we all cherish and promoting it across India through Eurosport.”

    Eurosport India has reacquired and extended its broadcasting rights for MotoGP™ in India, solidifying a three-year partnership with Dorna. The channel continues to showcase a diverse lineup of world-class sports, including Motorsports, Golf, Cycling, Pro Wrestling, Table Tennis, and Marathon. Recent partnerships with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board for the BPL underscore Eurosport India’s commitment to offering comprehensive sports coverage.

  • BGMI Masters Series season three to launch on the Star Sports Network

    BGMI Masters Series season three to launch on the Star Sports Network

    Mumbai: The BGMI Masters Series (BGMS) is back with its highly anticipated third season. Season three will begin on Friday, 19 July at 7:00 pm and will run until 11 August on the Star Sports Network. This season promises to be the most thrilling yet, with several innovative features for an esports experience like never before.

    Broadcast schedule:

    . Monday to Saturday: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

    . League week Sundays; playoff & finals: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

    Channel mix:

    Fans can catch all the action on Star Sports 2 (HD & SD) in English and Star Sports First in Hindi. Fans will also have the option to switch to Tamil & Hindi commentary on SS2 using the blue button.

    Digital streaming:

    The entire BGMI Masters Series will also be streamed on Star Sports & Nodwin Gaming’s YouTube, making it accessible to a broader audience.

    Exciting new features for season three:

    1. Powerplay:

     . Returning from season two to make the game action-packed from the get-go, this feature rewards double the points to squads for each finish they achieve in the first circle of each match.

    2. Impact player:

    . For the first time, the in-game leader will conduct a random draw to select the Impact Player. This player will earn double points for each finish.

    3. Bounty:

    .  Also debuting this season, the top four teams based on the standings of the league week’s first match will carry a bounty. In subsequent matches, the top four teams overall will carry a bounty, with ten bounty points awarded for wiping out an entire squad.

    Impact and reach:

    Over the first two seasons, BGMS has garnered an impressive reach of over 100 million across linear and digital platforms. As the biggest esports IP in the country, BGMS continues to play a pivotal role in bringing esports into the mainstream.

    Fan engagement initiative: play with the masters:

    BGMI fans now have the unique opportunity to play the game directly with top BGMI gamers featured in BGMS everyday through the ‘Play with the Masters’ initiative. This exciting feature, introduced by Star Sports and Nodwin Gaming, encourages viewers to follow Star Sports’ & Nodwin Gaming’s social handles and tune into the BGMS broadcast for updates on how to participate.