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Category: Sports

  • Sportz Interactive expands client portfolio with addition of UFC

    Sportz Interactive expands client portfolio with addition of UFC

    Mumbai: Sportz Interactive (SI), a leading sports technology and content solutions company and a part of the Sportz Solutions Group, welcomed a new client relationship with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation and part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO).

    UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries, including India. With this region in mind, Sportz Interactive has been mandated to provide a comprehensive and forward-thinking social media strategy for India that includes regional-specific content creation, localisation, and implementation across UFC’s official social media platforms in India. SI will leverage its expertise in digital content creation and fan engagement strategies to expand Indian fan engagement on UFC’s Instagram, Facebook and YouTube accounts.

    The first successful implementation in the partnership was the launch of UFC’s first official Instagram account in India in January 2024. In the first two months, the account added over 210,000 organic followers and featured a collaboration with Bollywood superstar Vidyut Jammwal for UFC 298. Engagement across all UFC India platforms experienced a strong start, with over 250,000 interactions and three plus million views.

    Additionally, SI aims to drive viewership of UFC events on UFC’s broadcast partner in the Indian subcontinent, Sony Sports Network India – a partnership that was recently extended through 2028. SI, UFC and Sony Sports Network will collaborate on pre-fight week build-ups and live event coverage, including engaging with celebrities and sports figures, and promoting India’s UFC athletes, Anshul Jubli and Puja Tomar.

    Speaking on the relationship, UFC senior vice president and head of Asia Kevin Chang said, “India is becoming a massive UFC market and our efforts to connect with our fan base there is reflective of that. With their proven expertise in the industry, we are pleased to have Sportz Interactive on board to elevate UFC’s digital footprint and we will endeavor to deliver a truly bespoke experience to UFC fans in India.”

    Sportz Interactive head of partnerships & client success Raghav Mehta said, “We are excited about this opportunity to collaborate with UFC  to enhance their digital presence and engage fans in innovative ways. We look forward to maximising fan affinity and building this globally iconic brand in India and delighting sports fans along the way.”

  • CCL Season 10 roars into playoffs and finals

    CCL Season 10 roars into playoffs and finals

    Mumbai: As the adrenaline-fueled action of CCL 2024 Season 10 hurtles towards its climax, Karnataka Bulldozers, Chennai Rhinos, Mumbai Heroes and Bengal Tigers stand tall, having clinched their berth in the playoffs. The playoffs promise a spectacle of top-tier competition, with the four best teams battling it out for the chance to seize glory. In the heart-pounding first qualifier, Chennai Rhinos and Mumbai Heroes will clash head-on, while the eliminator will see Karnataka Bulldozers and Bengal Tigers duke it out, each fighting tooth and nail for their shot at the ultimate prize. The stage is set in Trivandrum, where the stakes are sky-high and the intensity electrifying.

    In the midst of the jubilant celebrations of victory, the Telugu Warriors find themselves grappling with the harsh sting of defeat. Despite emerging triumphant in three electrifying battles and boasting the laurels of CCL Season 9 champions, their fortunes take a sour turn as their once-soaring run rate plummets, ultimately sealing their fate and relegating them from the title race. It’s a testament to the unforgiving nature of the competition, where every run, every wicket, spells the difference between triumph and heartbreak. This season has been a whirlwind journey, spanning from the scorching grounds of Sharjah to the bustling arenas of Hyderabad and Chandigarh, and now culminating in the battleground of Trivandrum. Bhojpuri Dabbangs and Punjab De Sher, despite their initial setback, fought valiantly in their quest for a spot in the finals. Despite putting up a spirited struggle, they fell short in their bid to secure a coveted place in the ultimate showdown.

    Amidst the blazing heat of this season’s showdown, Kiccha Sudeep’s Karnataka Bulldozers emerge as the undeniable force, dominating the field with an awe-inspiring string of three consecutive triumphs. But they’re not alone in their quest for glory; Jisshu Sengupta’s Bengal Tigers, Arya’s Chennai Rhinos, and Ritesh Deshmukh’s Mumbai Heroes are among the fierce contenders vying for the final showdown. Please find the qualifying scenarios for the remaining teams: 

  • LG UltraGear Skyesports Champion series ends with 100,000 peak viewers

    LG UltraGear Skyesports Champion series ends with 100,000 peak viewers

    Mumbai: The LG UltraGear Skyesports champions series (SCS) 2024, an Rs 10,00,000 open-for-all BGMI esports tournament has concluded with WSB Gaming registering a thrilling first-place finish. The month-long tournament which happened across several qualifier stages and a semifinals saw the top 16 teams battling it out in the Grand Finals from March 5 to 10 for the prestigious title. With top-notch BGMI action being livestreamed exclusively on YouTube, the tournament amassed a peak concurrent viewership of more than 100,000.

    LG UltraGear was the title partner for the Skyesports Champions Series 2024. The tournament was powered by AMD with EliteHubs and Zebronics joining as the e-commerce and gaming peripherals partners, respectively.

    The Grand Finals was an intense affair with numerous teams competing until the final match for the title. Ultimately, however, it was the aggressive prowess of WSB Gaming, a team that made it through the Quarterfinals and the Semifinals, which earned them the title. The team amassed 261 points, narrowly edging out fan favorites iQOOSoul to take the coveted title of champions.

    In a post-match interview, WSB Gaming’s Zeref, said, “It’s exhilarating to take first place in the Skyesports Champions Series. I feel really great to have won by defeating the teams who have taught us.”

    The SCS was a crucial tournament for teams as they weren’t just fighting for the title, but also for points in the Skyesports Leaderboard. The official Skyesports Leaderboard System amalgamates the performance of teams in official Skyesports IPs and serves as the criterion for invites into future tournaments. Skyesports’ next tournament, the Skyesports Mobile Open, will feature top teams invited directly from the leaderboard.

    Commenting on the thrilling conclusion to the LG UltraGear Skyesports Champions Series, Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “Congratulations to WSB Gaming for their amazing victory in the tournament. With the SCS, we are thrilled to have given an opportunity to all players to go pro through our open qualifiers and also bring high-quality BGMI esports action live for fans. Our added stake with the Skyesports Leaderboard, engaging with fans on social media, close matches, and also strong numbers from our regional Tamil language stream all contributed to driving viewership for the tournament, bringing in a peak viewership of more than 100,000 viewers. I would like to thank our partners LG UltraGear, AMD, EliteHubs, and Zebronics without whom this tournament wouldn’t have been possible.”

    The overall standings of the LG UltraGear Skyesports Champions Series 2024 Finals are as follows:

    •    WSB Gaming
    •    iQOO Soul
    •    Blind Esports
    •    Team Tamilas
    •    Revenant Esports
    •    Orangutan
    •    Hydra
    •    Medal Esports
    •    Entity
    •    Chemin Esports
    •    WindGod Esports
    •    Aerobotz Esports
    •    Team XSpark
    •    Dragon Esports
    •    CS Esports
    •    Reckoning Esports

    Registrations are currently open for the Skyesports Mobile Open, the next tournament in the 2024 Skyesports BGMI roadmap. 

  • Bollywood celebs boost India’s first International Stand-Up Paddling Championship

    Bollywood celebs boost India’s first International Stand-Up Paddling Championship

    Mumbai: World’s best stand-up Paddlers, including the world number two Spanish duo of Fernando Perez (Men’s) and Esperanza Barreras (Women’s) along with Bianca Toncelli, reigning SUP Junior Champion, and reigning national champion Sekar Patchai are all set to showcase a thrilling competition at the country’s first-ever International Stand-Up Paddling event, India Paddle Festival.

    The three-day stand-up paddling extravaganza is sanctioned by The Association of PaddleSurf Professionals World Tour (APP) – the official professional world championship tour for the sport of stand-up paddling. The India Paddle Festival will be hosted at the pristine Sasihithulu beach in Mangalore from 8 to 10 March 2024 while India’s first international stand-up paddling competition is being organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and is presented by Karnataka Government.

    Bollywood celebrities – Suniel Shetty, Shilpa Shetty and Pooja Hegde have come on board as the Ambassadors and Festival Hyper Booster for the India Paddle Festival. The event has also received strong support from the country’s top athletes like Indian cricketer KL Rahul and reigning world no.1 men’s doubles shuttler Chirag Shetty.

    The inaugural India Paddle Festival will see a total of 45 stand-up paddlers from across the world competing in four categories – Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Junior U-16 Boys, and Girls.

    The India Paddle Festival will be a mix of sports, cultural and entertainment, the details which were announced at a press conference held in the city on 8 March, which was attended by APP World Tour CEO Tristan Boxford, Surfing Swami Foundation chairman Dhananjaya Shetty.

    Ambassador of the event, Bollywood superstar Suniel Shetty said, “Big shout to Team Mantra (Mantra Surf Club), all the officials, and Goodwill Ambassador KL Rahul, and for bringing the fastest growing water sport to our shores. This is a great step, looking forward to many such events in Namma Mangaluru, the very best spot in the country for surfing and other water sports. Best wishes to all the athletes, participants, and organizers for making this event a great success.” – https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4LLW9bsUit/?igsh=cGl2enJhaXo4eG1o

    Event ambassador and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty said, “Congratulations to the Mantra team on hosting the first ever International Stand-Up Paddle Championship in India. This is the 1st step towards promoting the world’s fastest-growing water sport here in Namma Mangaluru, and it is a matter of great pride that it is happening in our city.”

    Bollywood actress Pooja Hegde, festival hyper booster, said “I am very happy to say that India’s first international Stand-up Paddle Festival is happening in our city, my city Mangaluru. It is genuinely a matter of immense pride and honour. Good luck to all the contestants and I hope they enjoy the yummy Mangalorean food and the untouched beauties of Mangaluru that are our beaches.” –

    Speaking on the event, APP World Tour CEO Tristan Boxford said, “It’s amazing to be here at the India Paddle Festival in Mangalore, India’s first ever International Stand-up Paddling event. We already have established ourselves across Europe, Americas, Asia, the Pacific and Middle East, and now we are looking at India as the next big growth market for the sport. We have been discussing with Surfing Swami and Mantra Surf School for many years now about the opportunity to bring something here and finally we are embarking on this adventure together.”

    He further added, “Sasihisthilu is such a beautiful beach and a venue for Stand-up Paddling. And I hope to witness some intense competition over the weekend. We’ve got athletes from Denmark, Hungary, Spain, Korea, Indonesia, all over the world to Thailand. We also have some top-class athletes like, Christian Anderson (Denmark) and world no. 2, Fernando Perez from Spain while on the women’s side, world no. 2 Esperanza Barreras is one of the fastest women in the world.”

    Day one commenced with a Yoga session, followed by a Community/Pro SUP Paddle session. The main event on the same day will be the Juniors Race, scheduled for the evening. The crowd will be entertained with the screening of It Is This, In Search of the Storm and Powerstar, which is part of the film festival that will be conducted on all three days of the event. The heats and finals of the technical races for both men and women will be held on Day 2. The main attraction of the India Paddle Festival, the sprint races, will be held on the final day along with the finals of the community race.

    The Association of PaddleSurf Professionals World Tour (APP) announced its entry in India with the country’s first-ever International Stand-Up Paddling championship last month. The India Paddle Festival will be the first step in an exciting new development journey for the organization as a significant growth of the sport in the region over the coming years. Presented by Karnataka Tourism, organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation, the India Paddle Festival will welcome a selection of top athletes from the APP World Tour, as well as other aspiring professionals from the region.

     

  • The Golf Foundation concludes its fourteenth Invitational Fundraiser Tournament in Mumbai

    The Golf Foundation concludes its fourteenth Invitational Fundraiser Tournament in Mumbai

    Mumbai: The Golf Foundation (TGF) concluded its highly anticipated fourteenth Invitational Fundraiser Tournament at the prestigious Willingdon Sports Club in Mumbai marking yet another successful event in its commitment to nurturing young golf talent from underprivileged backgrounds.

    The tournaments, held in support of TGF’s noble cause, witnessed an enthusiastic participation of golf enthusiasts who came together to contribute towards fostering promising golf talent across India.

    Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including the esteemed presence of iconic former cricketer Kapil Dev, Miss Supranational India 2024 Sonal Kukreja and more noteworthy guests.

    Reflecting on the success of the event, multiple-time national golf champion, Asian Games gold medallist, and Arjuna awardee Golfer Amit Luthra reiterated TGF’s unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals through golf. “The Golf Foundation strongly believes in the transformative power of golf in the lives of young individuals. Reflecting on the success of the event, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all participants and supporters for their invaluable contribution to our cause. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for young golfers from underprivileged backgrounds.”,

    Talking about the event, The Golf Foundation supporter Kapil Dev said, “The commitment shown by The Golf Foundation towards nurturing golf talent is commendable. By providing opportunities and support to young golfers, they are not just shaping athletes but also inspiring future champions. I am proud to be associated with such a noble cause.”

  • Punjab Kings announces partnership with Shikhar Dhawan Foundation & M3M Foundation

    Punjab Kings announces partnership with Shikhar Dhawan Foundation & M3M Foundation

    Mumbai: On International Women’s Day, the KPH Dream Cricket Ltd via the Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings announced their partnership with Shikhar Dhawan Foundation & M3M Foundation to support girl child education and skills. As part of the partnership, the Punjab Kings will help in amplifying the initiative with implementation partners Shikhar Dhawan Foundation (SDF), in collaboration with Funding partner M3M Foundation.

    In an innovative scholarship, the M3M Foundation with its implementing partner Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, will commit support to one girl child for her vocational education for every 25 runs scored or three wickets taken by Punjab Kings during their home games. Through the initiative, the organisation will offer vocational education support to 111 girls for up to Rs. 5 Lakhs, covering a total amount of Rs 5.55 crore over the next five years.

    The scholarship would be used towards funding the education of deserving girls from economically disadvantaged homes for their higher vocational training to make them independent financially and to shape their future. The funds will be provided to the girls from the undergraduate level till they finish graduating and will be agnostic to their education choice.

    The enrolments for the scholarships will be taken through registrations at the https://shikhardhawanfoundation.com/  Website.

    Speaking on the initiative, Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan said, “I am delighted that my IPL franchise decided to partner with our cause and amplify our initiative in such a unique and interesting way. With the support of our Shers, we hope to secure the future of young girls in the country and to ensure our aid reaches those who are in need to have a sustainable future.”

    KPH Dream Cricket Ltd CEO Satish Menon said, “This is a wonderful initiative, and we are delighted to do our part in enabling equal opportunities to each one. We are confident that we will be able to help those in need, and we hope to create a society where all girls can spread their wings and achieve their dreams.”

    M3M Foundation chairperson and trustee Dr Payal Kanodia said “As stewards of progress and champions of change, we acknowledge that educating girls is pivotal in building a thriving society. We are happy that together, we are trying to pave the path towards a future where every girl, irrespective of her background, is empowered through education to reach her fullest potential and illuminate the world with her brilliance. With deep appreciation, we extend our gratitude to Shikhar Dhawan Foundation and Punjab Kings for their invaluable partnership in advancing girl child education with us through this initiative.”

  • International Women’s Day: Female gamers carving their niche in Indian esports

    International Women’s Day: Female gamers carving their niche in Indian esports

    Mumbai: Esports, which was once a male-dominated domain, is witnessing a significant shift as female gamers are carving their own space within the landscape by challenging stereotypes. With talent, resilience, and a supportive community, women are proving that esports is a platform where skill and passion determine success, regardless of gender.

    According to the ‘Female Gamers in Asia’ report by Nikoartners, the female gamers market in Asia represents 37 per cent of total gamers, with an annual growth rate of 11 per cent, nearly double that of new male gamers. Female gamers contribute about 23.5 per cent of total revenue in the Asian games market and have the potential to double in size in the coming years.

    Brands are increasingly recognising the unique appeal and reach of female gamers and teaming up with them to tap into their considerable influence within the gaming community. The increasing presence of gaming streamers and collaborations between in-game advertising and fashion brands, such as Burberry x Minecraft, Balenciaga x Fortnite, and Gucci x Roblox, are proving to be lucrative ventures, driving higher ROI and engagement across diverse audiences.

    8Bit Creatives and co-founder of S8UL founder and CEO Animesh Agarwal shared his thoughts on this trend by saying, “In the budding years, the Indian Gaming Industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in Female Gamers fostering the growth of the industry as a whole. With the number of women increasing in Esports, gaming content creation, and streaming, brands recognize the immense potential and capitalize on the ability of female content creators to connect authentically with diverse audiences. At 8Bit Creatives, we align brands with our female gamers and empower aspiring gamers at the grassroots levels. This growth not only showcases the talent and expertise of female gamers but also reflects a shift in the industry.”

    As more women step into roles as developers, CEOs, designers, writers, and coaches, there is a noticeable increase in female representation across various facets of the video games industry. The latest FICCI-EY report titled ‘#Reinvent: India’s media & entertainment sector is innovating for the future’, forecasts an increase in the female fan base of the overall Esports audience, rising from 23 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent by 2024.

    “As a female gamer, witnessing the progressive influx of female talent across various domains within the video game industry fills me with immense pride. Women choosing their passion over societal norms play a pivotal role in reshaping the narrative around gender representation in gaming. With more female gamers continuing to assert their place in this dynamic industry, they will inspire budding gamers and create an inclusive and welcoming space for players of all backgrounds to thrive,” noted Payal Dhare aka PayalGaming who is a part of 8Bit Creatives and stands one of India’s leading female gamers with more than three million followers on Youtube.

    The emergence of more female protagonists in games is gradually reshaping narratives and broadening the appeal to a wider audience. Historically, female video game protagonists were scarce, with characters like Lara Croft and Samus Aran standing out as exceptions. However, the gaming landscape is gradually becoming more diverse, with numerous upcoming titles featuring strong female leads, including Wonder Woman, Star Wars: OutLaws, Grand Theft Auto 6, and many others.

    Krutika Ojha, also known as KrutikaPlays, another well-renowned female gamer of 8Bit Creatives expressed her optimism by stating, “With this certainly evolving gaming industry, women are thriving in their ways to break the stereotype and make their mark in the community. Women lead in video games not only serve to attract more female gamers to the medium but also provide them with relatable and empowering role models within virtual worlds. Initiatives like these are instrumental in paving the way for a more diverse and welcoming gaming community.”

    The presence and influence of women in the Indian Esports industry is undeniable and with each achievement and contribution, they pave the way for a vibrant future for the community.

  • South United Football Club Marks AFC Women’s Football Day with a spectacular celebration

    South United Football Club Marks AFC Women’s Football Day with a spectacular celebration

    Mumbai: South United Football Club (SUFC), which competes in the highest league in the state of Karnataka and recently launched as many as three training centres in Pune, celebrated the AFC Women’s Football Day at the Ganga Legends Sports Complex in Bavdhan here with great enthusiasm on 2 March 2024. The occasion was observed with a sense of fostering community spirit and a strong focus on women in football. Preeti Maske, renowned Ultra Cyclist and holder of five Guinness World Records was the chief guest at the event and addressed the excited crowd who were present.

    The chief guest, Preeti Maske, said, “It is a great initiative by South United Football Club to celebrate this occasion and promote fitness and sports among women. It was good to see so many young girls participating in all the activities conducted here with their parents. I urge more parents to push their children to take up sports, and clubs like South United are a perfect place for them to start.”

    The event, hosted at the Club’s state-of-the-art training facility in Bavdhan, received overwhelming participation and welcomed talented girls of the SUFC Academy, their families, as well as relatives of the SUFC Academy players. Ganga Legends Society members and Mai Bal Bhavan (NGO for the Visually Impaired) also joined in the celebrations to promote health and wellness among women.

    “We are thrilled to have played a part in celebrating AFC Women’s Football Day, showcasing the immense talent and passion that exists within our community”, said South United Football Club CMO & COO Prerana Dhawan. “As an organisation deeply committed to promoting gender equality and social inclusion, South United Football Club remains dedicated to creating opportunities for women to excel in football and beyond. Through initiatives like AFC Women’s Football Day, the Club hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes and foster a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.”, she added.

    Highlighting the day’s excitement were eight engaging and fun events, meticulously planned by SUFC coaches that brought together girls and women in spirited competition, competing with and against each other.

    This celebration stands as a testament to SUFC’s commitment to nurturing talent, encouraging inclusivity, promoting women’s football, and creating a vibrant community through the beautiful game.

  • Sony Pictures Networks India renews UEFA rights for three more seasons

    Sony Pictures Networks India renews UEFA rights for three more seasons

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), has extended its collaboration with Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), with a renewal of exclusive broadcast and digital rights for showcasing the biggest European club football leagues that includes UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Youth League.

    The renewal is valid from the 2024/ 2025 season till the end of the 2026-2027 season. As part of the three-season renewal, the broadcaster will have access to showcase over 1600 football matches across its channels over three seasons. Audiences in India will get a chance to watch their favorite teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and more along with their favorite players like Kylian Mbappe, Mo Salah, Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski amongst others.  These UEFA tournaments will be available exclusively on both linear television on Sony Sports Network as well as live-streamed on their on-demand OTT platform SonyLIV in the Indian subcontinent.  

    The UEFA Champions League will also be following a new format and competition system from 2024/25. From this season, four additional clubs will participate in the UEFA Champions League in a new league phase giving four more sides the opportunity to compete against the best clubs in Europe. 36 clubs will participate in this single league format in which all 36 competing clubs are ranked together. This will make this phase of the tournament even more exciting and would give the fans an opportunity to see more matches between the top teams. In addition to this, UEFA’s premier club competitions will no longer have a break in January, so fans can continue to enjoy non-stop European club football from August to May without any breaks in between.

    Sony Sports Network will continue to telecast select UEFA Champions League matches in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and the contribution of regional language coverage to the viewership of the league’s knockout matches has gone up in recent years. Over the last three years, the incremental reach contributed by the regional coverage has increased from 25 per cent in the 2020/21 season to 38 per cent in the last season (2022/23).

    Sony Sports Network has been the home to UEFA Champions League since 2017 and this year the final is going to take place at the ‘Home of Football’, Wembley Stadium in London, England. In addition to this, Sony Sports Network continues to be the official broadcaster for the UEFA EURO 2024, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, Roshn Saudi Pro League and more.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul said, “Sony Sports Network, with a longstanding commitment to showcasing the very best of football, takes immense pride in announcing the extension of its partnership with UEFA for the next three seasons. Through this renewed collaboration, Sony Sports Network reaffirms its dedication to delivering unrivalled access to the most prestigious club football tournaments to fans across the Indian subcontinent. Since 2020, UEFA Champions League viewership in India has surged by over 51%, attributed largely through the introduction of regional language commentary. With the forthcoming transition to a new format, featuring over 125 additional matches and up to 38 early kickoff matches per season tailored for Indian audiences, we are confident that this growth will gain momentum further. As the ‘Home of Football’ in India, we eagerly anticipate showcasing over 1600 highly competitive football matches across these leagues to our viewers.”

    UEFA Events SA marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein said, “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Sony Sports Network. Sony Sports Network coverage of UEFA properties in India has led to the growth of its following and viewership in India. Fans in the region will be offered extensive and excellent coverage of UEFA’s Football portfolio which includes the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, with the broadcast on Sony Sports Network and their digital platform Sony LIV.”

  • RCB’s 12-Man Army smashes gender biases, elevates women’s cricket passion in India

    RCB’s 12-Man Army smashes gender biases, elevates women’s cricket passion in India

    Mumbai: Breaking gender biases, the passionate fanbase of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), also called the 12-man army, is offering India a first-ever glimpse of genuine fandom in women’s cricket by rallying in full force to support their team in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.

    After the inaugural season of the WPL in Mumbai last year, the second edition of the league has expanded to two cities, with Bengaluru hosting the first eleven matches of the league stage before shifting to Delhi.

    The M Chinnaswamy stadium, which is the home stadium of RCB has been witnessing an electrifying atmosphere as a staggering 30,000 cricket enthusiasts gathered to support the RCB Women’s team in most of their league matches played so far.

    “I’m used to hearing them yell out Smriti’s name, so it’s sort of quite nice to hear that they’re calling my name. The crowds have been fantastic here. Everyone spoke about RCB fans and how good and passionate they are and it’s been unbelievable to witness that in person in the last couple of games. It’s certainly the loudest I’ve been involved in and to have that support’s been motivating for the whole group,” said The RCB Allrounder and legendary Kiwi cricketer Sophie Devine.

    As per the recent ‘Indian Cricket Fandom Report 2024’ by YouGov, RCB enjoys consistent support across all age groups with support for the team notably being the strongest among Gen Z (18-24 years) at 38 per cent. The team enjoys 34 per cent support in the 25-34 age group, 31 per cent in the 35-44 age group, 33 per cent in the 45-54 age group, and 31 per cent in the 55+ age group.

    The overwhelming support from the tribe has added a new dimension to the WPL experience, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and encouragement for not just women cricketers but also is a huge boost and encouragement for the RCB team every time they step into the centre.

    Sophie further added, “I think back to the start of my career and we were playing in front of ten people, do you know what I mean? And to have, I think, more than 25,000 here, just shows where the woman’s game gone. So proud to be a part of that.”

    Such unprecedented turnout in women’s cricket also reflects the immense impact of RCB’s passionate yet conscious fanbase promoting inclusivity and equality.

    Renuka Singh who had the crowd cheering every time she went with her fiery bowling spell said “it is an amazing feeling and gives a different level of momentum to all of us. I just love when they not only chant our name but show so much loyalty for RCB by coming to every game in such huge numbers, it just pumps us up during our game like anything.”