Mumbai: A day ahead of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India practice session, top MotoGP riders seemed pretty happy with the Buddh International Circuit. The new circuit on the block has got them curious and raring to go as the action began on Friday.
Some called it interesting, some took the bus checking on the track, some liked the mix of corners, while some saw it as a “fun layout”. Whatever each one has to think, it’s the race enthusiasts and fans who are going to enjoy every bit of it.
“I think the layout of the track is interesting. It’s nice and different compared to a lot of other tracks. So, I think it would be great,” said defending champion and Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia.
Jorge Martin of Prima Primac Racing, who finished first at the San Marino Grand Prix two weeks ago, took a bus, rode a bicycle on the track to get the feel of it, commented, “I really like the layout. It will be really interesting. I’m so excited to go on the track, and I think, as Pego (Bagnaia) said, it’s a bit different to what we are used to. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to tomorrow.”
Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez has already been here before. He expects the track to play out as it did on his Repsol Honda. “It’s one of the circuits that from the layout looks really nice. But if the grip is good, then it will be even nicer,” he said.
It’s not just the track that has left the riders impressed, some are more than happy with how things are and Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider Marco Bezzecchi minced no words. “To be honest, I liked it a lot. The padlock is very well organised, the plain is very beautiful, and we will know about the track only after riding on it, but it looks fantastic. A mix of corners that I really like. Of course, the longest plate is impressive because I think it’s very long, maybe more than Texas. I can’t wait to ride my bike. Also, there is a long right corner in banking that looks fantastic,” he commented.
Meanwhile, Brad Binder, the current record holder for highest speed in MotoGP is cautiously eyeing the longest straight on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. “I don’t really know where the speed trap is, but also it’s quite downhill, which is cool. But then there’s a big kick on the end, so where it goes uphill there might kill the chances a little bit. But anyway, I think it’s a really long straight. More important than the top speed is stopping for the next corner, that’s where my focus lies,” he said.
The high-pulsating action of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India will be exclusively broadcast on Sports18 and live-streamed on JioCinema in India. Fans can secure their tickets for the exciting event on BookMyShow.
Mumbai: In a first for the sport, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 world feed match coverage which is supported by Disney Star, will see ICC TV produce an additional vertical video feed, that will revolutionize fans’ viewing experience of the biggest Cricket World Cup ever.
The ICC’s vertical feed will be a first-of-its-kind coverage for the sport across all 48 World Cup matches. The technological innovation will provide fans with an easier and more intuitive viewing experience on mobile phones that allows them to consume content on-the-go in the most convenient handheld position.
For fans, this transformative approach to consuming ICC events will provide more access to World Cups than ever before. The vertical feed will provide a special experience with the addition of split-screens in its coverage. With a focus on building more context to the on-field action, the split-screen feature will unlock an additional dimension for the viewers and provide a further sense of proximity to the action and their heroes.
The production will use a carefully curated array of dedicated vertically oriented cameras, whilst utilising the world feed cameras for split screens. The production will also feature match graphics and bespoke production enhancements to enhance the vertically oriented coverage.
The vertical video feed will also make use of traditional technical and editorial storytelling tools to further elevate the coverage. Key features like ball tracking, player tracking and field plot will be tailored to fit the vertical format. The coverage will also have a world-class commentary panel calling the action.
ICC chief commercial officer Anurag Dahiya said, “Cricket fans always look forward to the high-quality broadcast coverage of ICC events. With this in mind, the ICC TV team continuously strives to tailor our coverage to fan preferences. We are very excited to launch cricket’s first-ever vertical video production at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. This game-changing initiative promises to transform the fan viewing experience. It is an innovative approach to cricket coverage that will place fans at the centre of the action bringing them closer to the game than ever before and providing a world-class production to the biggest Cricket World Cup ever.”
Disney Star head – sports Sanjog Gupta said, “Consumers’ preferences and habits are evolving more rapidly than ever before, catalyzing the emergence of new user experiences. Disney Star has always played a pioneering role in taking cricket viewing experiences forward and is now proud to collaborate with the ICC to bring to sports fans for the first-time ever the ‘vertical feed’, on ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The ‘vertical feed’ aims to deliver to digital users, enhanced convenience, engagement and immersion, beyond the differentiated screen orientation. With its uniquely designed production style entailing cameras, graphics, direction, replays and other enhancements, it promises to change the way cricket is watched.”
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup kicks off on 5 October with a repeat of the 2019 final as England face New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Across 10 world class venues, 48 matches will be played in 46 days culminating in the Men’s Cricket World Cup Final on 19 November in the biggest cricket stadium in the world.
Mumbai: Star MotoGP riders tested their ability to play cricket on Thursday as they celebrated the spirit of motorsport in the heart of India ahead of the first-ever IndianOil Grand Prix of India, scheduled to be held from 22 – 24 September at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.
The enthusiastic and passionate group of riders, including the reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, Luca Marini and Pol Espargaro seized the exhilarating opportunity to indulge in a thrilling game of gully cricket at the Buddh International Circuit track. Their fervour and energy reached new heights as they played some fantastic shots and sent the cricket ball far into the stands.
Star Indian cricketer Suresh Raina also joined the riders at the track and played cricket with the fasted man on MotoGP bike Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.
The riders were also involved in the Flash Mob MotoGP before experiencing the thrill of cricket on track. Marco Bezzecchi, Jack Miller, Aleix Espargaro, Jorge Martin and Alex Marquez were joined by 30 local and talented dancers who performed their hearts out to showcase the ethos and culture of India and radiated the buzz of MotoGP.
“It is great to be here in India and I am ready to race at the Buddh International Circuit in IndianOil Grand Prix of India. The track looks really nice and I will take a close look later on but right now it looks really beautiful. We took part in a flash mob and saw these performers doing the typical Indian dance which has been a fantastic experience. All the dancers were really emotional, so, it’s been really good,” commented Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney VR46 Racing Team (Ducati).
Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing MotoGP (Ducati) stated, “Coming to India is really great for MotoGP™ and fans are also really excited for the race. I am feeling happy to be here for the first time. I loved the track, the layout is really nice and we will do our best to give fans a great showing.”
Organized by FairStreet Sports in collaboration with Dorna Sports, the IndianOil Grand Prix of India promises to be a thrilling spectacle with 41 teams and 82 riders participating in the MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 categories, featuring renowned names like Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, Jack Miller, and Jorge Martin.
The high-pulsating action of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India will be exclusively broadcast on Sports18 and live-streamed on JioCinema in India. Fans can secure their tickets for the exciting event on BookMyShow.
Mumbai: Ahead of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, official broadcasters, Sony Sports Network, launched the grandest campaign in the history of the Asian Games in India. In order to ensure that the message ‘Iss Baar Sau Paar, Phir se, Hum Hongey Kamyab’ resonates across every corner of India, Sony Sports Network has garnered support from an impressive line-up of influential and iconic figures such as the Union Minister of Sports, Anurag Thakur, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt General Anil Chauhan along with Chiefs of Tri-Services General Manoj Pande, Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar and Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari who have put their might behind the Indian athletes vying for top honours at the prestigious multi-sporting event.
Recognising the power of collective ambition, the campaign shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of Indian sports – those who have relentlessly dedicated themselves to their respective disciplines and are on the precipice of donning the national colours at this esteemed multi-sport event.
This vast consortium unites with a singular purpose: to challenge Indian athletes to transcend past records, push boundaries, and ignite a nationwide fervour for sports. The strategy stands clear: a united India, cheering in unison, can inspire its athletes to unprecedented heights.
Indiantelevision.com in a telephonic conversation with Sony Sports Network, SPN, head, marketing & on-air promotions, Neville Bastawalla, on the thought behind the campaign, the strategy to rope in our armed forces to motivate our athletes and much more……
Edited excerpts
On the Asian Games campaign by Sony Sports Network
I worked on a large multi-sporting campaign for the first time during the 2020 Olympics. Our mission was to galvanise the nation. The questions we asked ourselves were: Who are the heroes of the nation and how do you galvanise the nation? The heroes of the nation go beyond Bollywood stars. Starting with the late General Bipin Rawat who was then the Chief of Defence Staff at that time, Sudha Murty, Parth, and Sajjan Jindal of JSW who do a lot for sports in India and so many more who came on board for the campaign. That’s how we built a massive campaign for the Tokyo Olympics, and that expanded our all-data points. Whether it was revenue, ratings, viewership or digital interaction, we went to the next level. Our campaign for the Olympic Games taught us, that we should not give up “hum honge kamyab” however we would make it relevant to the Asian Games.
India has won 69 medals in 2018, the maximum tally so far in a single edition of this marquee event. We decided that we would give out a war cry “This time we will cross 100 medals’ and galvanise the athletes as well as the nation. When the Indian contingent returned from Tokyo, we met a few of them. And they told us that our campaign and the whole nation really made them feel very supported. Our Honourable Sports Minister, Shri Anurag Thakur along with a couple of parliamentarians with him went outside the parliament during the Olympics, and he gave out the war cry of “hum honge kamyab” with the victory punch. The campaign actually resonated, and the athletes said this was the first time ever they felt the nation was backing them.
Cricket has always been an appointment viewing while multi sports events were never appointment viewing. Now that is no longer the case; people are actually tuning in to watch multi-sporting events like the Olympics and Asian Games. This makes it destination viewing and this is very important for multi-sporting events, which we are doing this time for the Asian Games. Our line is “Iss baar, sau paar, hum phir se honge kamyab” .
We went to the Srinagar forward base and filmed Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, taking a sortie in one of our latest aircrafts. We filmed General Pande, Chief of Army Staff in Delhi, General Anil Chauhan in the South Block and Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff on INS Vishakapatnam. The Navy in fact got us access to shoot with a submarine commander. I personally went inside the submarine and was in the helicopter base. The helicopters were dancing in front of us for the camera crew. That kind of show of support from our armed forces for our athletes is unheard of. Then Aamir Khan came on board as a big supporter of the athletes, especially the women athletes. We now have Amitabh Bachchan, Sudha Murthy, John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan, Kapil Sharma, Sunny Deol, Madhuri Dikshit, Hema Malini and so many more all on board to support our athletes.
On how the campaign was handled
This is serious perseverance by my team. We also reached out to the Chief Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, The President of India. We reached out to our Honourable President and even got an approval from her office that she is on board. However due to the paucity of time, they could not manage to schedule a shoot with her. Each marketeer should have a mission and the belief to do new things or to do things differently or just do something big, If there is that fire in your chest or in your heart, big things will happen.
With regard to Chief of Defence Staff, Lt General Anil Chauhan along with Chiefs of Tri-Services General Manoj Pande, Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar and Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: It took us two or three months to contact them and schedule meetings in Delhi followed by multiple conference calls with multiple officers from each of the Armed Forces, explaining to them the concept & storyboard and how we would execute it. Each of the divisions is extremely professional and the knowledge they have of filmmaking is outstanding.
On what makes Sony Sports Network different
We do some outstanding storytelling and we want to do things differently. Tent poles are tent poles but how you market them is in the hands of the team. “We exist to boldly challenge the status quo” – that has been Sony Pictures Network’s philosophy. This is what makes Sony Sports Network different.
Our ideas require a lot of belief, and it’s not easy. Otherwise, most networks will engage a brand ambassador, pay him or her, and film the campaign. However it doesn’t work like that for our Asian Games campaign: this is a campaign that money can’t buy. Also, we cannot pay the Armed Forces for the campaign.
On the marketing plan for the campaign
The digital numbers are astounding in terms of reach, engagement, and the kind of patriotism we have. Our campaign that has been plastered across our network channels and social media platforms, features the armed forces, Indian film industry icons as well as our CEO, Mr NP Singh and more, has evoked a strong emotional response. Even the sports journalists of India joined our mission. And for the first time in the history of the Asian Games, the Indian cricket teams, both men and women
Once you have such a huge digital presence, all the Armed Forces are putting these creatives on their platforms, and it’s automatically multiplied, and a multiplier effect happens when you have these nations’ influencers on board.
On building a national consensus
I am so excited because this is a campaign that every CMO would dream about, and there are no budgets involved. This is an idea-driven campaign. It’s very easy for someone to go and get a celebrity, pay for that contract, and do it. This is money that can’t buy experience, which is moving the nation. In the Navy Chief’s film, he mentions that the athletes have the prayers of 140 crore Indians. My entire team had tears in their eyes, especially when we were on INS Shikra and the helicopter base in Mumbai.We all thought – We are from a sports network so what are we doing here? We all are very humbled by the support that we received from the Armed Forces, the sports journalists of India, Indian Film Icons, sports heroes and the many more for their support for the Indian Contingent.
Mumbai: Over 450 million enthusiastic fans across the globe are eagerly waiting for the IndianOil Grand Prix of India scheduled to take place at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida from 22 to 24 September.
The 13th MotoGP race of the season will create a sporting milestone that marks the culmination of years of dedicated efforts to bring top-tier international bike riders to the Buddh International Circuit for the first time. Fans will see a total of 82 riders from 41 teams vying for top honours in MotoGP, Moto 2 and Moto 3 over the course of three days.
The forthcoming IndianOil Grand Prix of India is also poised to make waves in the Indian economy, given its potential to harness the nation’s massive market for motorcycles. As per Nielsen Sports Fan Insights 2022 Report, with a staggering population of 1.4 billion and an annual sale of 18 million bikes, India stands as the largest global market for motorcycles. The race is expected to send economic shockwaves as it unfolds, with a track record of the MotoGP races generating a whopping 106 million euros from enthusiastic spectators and an additional 6.6 million euros in staff impact, contributing significantly to job creation. Furthermore, even before the maiden race takes place, India already boasts a colossal fan base of 54 million, indicating a fervent appetite for MotoGP in the nation.
It will reach 450 million homes in 195 countries with the help of a massive 90 broadcast network companies across the globe. The race gets broadcast through 180 live cameras at the track. MotoGP also has 480 million engagements globally across all social media platforms and 82 per cent of fans viewing MotoGP for over six years now. Meanwhile, the MotoGP is placed at fifth place in terms of media visibility of top sporting leagues with 329 million, topped by Champions League football.
There have been several modifications done to the Buddh International Circuit to make it ready for the IndianOil Grand Prix of India. The track is now FIM-certified and is ready to host the biggest biking spectacle in the world.
KTM India, Ducati India, Honda Racing India, Yamaha Motor India, Aprilia India, Michelin have come on board as industry partners while Red Bull India, OLA, 24seven, Radio Mirchi 98.3, R.E. Rogers India are event sponsors. Apollo Hospitals, MeduLance, Jaypee Hospital are medical partners and Bushmills India is the celebrations partner. BookMyShow has come on board as a ticketing partner. Robin Hood Army & Vedica Himalayan Spring Water have become the event partners.
A special Conclave “UP INVEST” will be organised on the sidelines of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India where 300 CXOs’ and global representatives will be participating and the conclave.
Organised by FairStreet Sports in collaboration with Dorna Sports, the IndianOil Grand Prix of India will feature renowned names like Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, Jack Miller, and Jorge Martin.
The high-pulsating action of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India will be exclusively broadcast on Sports18 and live-streamed on JioCinema in India. Fans can secure their tickets for the exciting event on BookMyShow.
Mumbai: Indian gaming sensation Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOP who is part of 8Bit Creatives, a leading gaming talent management agency has become the country’s first-ever gamer to be featured in the official anthem for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 after starring in the exciting video alongside notable personalities including actor Ranveer Singh, composer Pritam, commentator Jatin Sapru, choreographer Dhanashree Verma and creator Be YouNick.
By being the sole gamer to grace the promotional video of the highly anticipated cricket tournament, ScoutOP has not only made history but has also showcased how gaming is increasingly becoming part of the mainstream landscape in India. His inclusion signifies the growing interest among brands and advertisers to collaborate with gamers as a means to connect with their highly engaging and tech-savvy fanbase.
Sharing his thoughts on being included in the promo for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOP expressed, “It feels like a great moment of reflection! It shows how far Indian Gaming has come, and also makes me look back to my own journey. Sharing the stage with figures like Ranveer Singh and working with organizations like ICC for the International cricket event of the year, ‘ICC Men’s World Cup 2023,’ is truly special! Thankful to 8Bit Creatives for setting the stage for me to work on projects like these.”
Following its official recognition as a multi-sport event by the government, Esports has made its way into prestigious tournaments such as the Olympics Esports Week and Asian Games 2022, establishing itself as a mainstream sport.
“As a cricket fan, it is a personally happy moment as well. Looking forward to working on more audacious projects each day. Thanks to all my viewers & fans for their support in my journey! In India, Esports holds a promising future with increasing recognition, substantial rewards, and surging popularity. The gaming industry has evolved giving rise to a new content ecosystem primarily driven by Esports players, gaming content creators, and live streamers,” he added.
With more than 4.85 million subscribers on YouTube and four million subscribers on Instagram, ScoutOP is one of the most influential gamers in India. The 27-year-old is part of India’s leading gaming talent management agency 8Bit Creatives which is home to the country’s best gaming talents and has a rich portfolio of curating exemplary campaigns with high-profile brands.
“This is a big moment for 8Bit Creatives and the Indian Gaming Community. Congratulations to Scout for becoming the first and only gamer to be featured in an ICC Men’s World Cup anthem so far. India’s growing gaming network is the place to get your brand conversations going and we at 8Bit Creatives are proud to open doors like these for gamers,” commented 8Bit Creatives founder & CEO and S8UL co-founder Animesh Agarwal.
According to the “Windows of Opportunity” report on India’s media and entertainment industry by FICCI-EY, the number of brands investing in Esports in India grew from 72 in 2021 to 80 in 2022, and it is estimated to reach 100 in 2023.
This milestone will propel the entry of brands to aid the growth of collaborations with gaming creators within the video-gaming industry in India.
Mumbai: Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) seventh T-20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf will kick-start on 25 September 2023 in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. A total of 19 teams will take part in this seven-day-long championship to clinch the national championship trophy.
Teams divided into four different groups will play a total of 42 matches with each other before making it to the finals. Hosted by the Odisha Deaf Cricket Association, the matches will be played on four different grounds across Bhubaneswar. The final match will be played on 1 October 2023, at East Coast Railway Sports Association Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
IDCA president Sumit Jain said, “In the recent past deaf cricket has gained immense reorganisation in the country. We hope that awareness continues to grow with more specially-abled young people taking up sports as a career option. Sports is not only about physical prowess and skill; it is also a powerful medium for self-expression. Together, we can continue to build a world where everyone has the opportunity to shine.”
“We are excited for the upcoming hearing-impaired cricket tournament to be held in Odisha and wish luck and success to all the teams participating in it,” he added.
IDCA CEO Roma Balwani said, “We are delighted to be in Bhubaneswar with a huge presence of 19 teams for the first time, to play 43 matches across four grounds. Our hearing-impaired teams are excited to be here to compete with each other in the true spirit of sport. We are grateful to all our national & local support partners. We are overwhelmed by all the arrangements made by our host organisation, ODCA to welcome the teams. These athletes are looking for due recognition & are pleased to see the awareness IDCA has achieved for deaf cricket in India”.
The closing ceremony will commence at 3:30 p.m. on October 1, 2023, during which the winning team and players will be felicitated for their exceptional performance. The T-20 champions will receive a prize of Rs 1,00,000, while the runner-up will get Rs 50,000. The best individual sportsmen in categories such as batting, bowling, fielding, super sixes, and others will each receive a sum of Rs 5,000. The players of the match will be awarded Rs 2,100.
Odisha Deaf Cricket Association (ODCA) Secretary Sagarkanta Senapati asserted “We are delighted to host IDCA 7th T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. We are pleased to welcome teams from (19) teams deaf cricket associations invited by IDCA. Nurturing deaf cricket talent is truly a celebration and we are proud members of IDCA & look forward to this tournament that will create excitement, and goodwill & promote the cause of deaf cricket in the state of Odisha.”
He added, “We are grateful to Odisha Cricket Association, Youth, Sports Committee, Govt. Of Odisha and all our valuable partners for helping us with their support & motivation to hold this mega tournament across 4 cricket grounds.”
KFC India, Hero MotoCorp, Impact Research and Measurement, Nykaa, Airtel 5G plus, SAIL-Rourkela Steel Plany, Cognito and Kaizzen are IDCA’s support partners for the upcoming tournament.
Local support from OCAC, IDCO, Ruchi Spices, and SBI.
Mumbai: With two weeks left until the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 kicks off, the event’s official anthem, ‘Dil Jashn Bole’ has been released. This anthem is the result of a fantastic collaboration, starring the internationally acclaimed superstar Ranveer Singh in the lead role with sensational music created by Pritam, one of Bollywood’s most coveted composers.
The anthem takes fans on an epic journey through India on board the One Day Express, witnessing a never-seen-before celebration ahead of the biggest Cricket World Cup ever.
‘Dil Jashn Bole’ is available on streaming platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Gaana, Hungama, Resso, Wynk, Amazon Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Fans can soon enjoy listening to the Anthem on radio stations Big FM and Red FM.
Speaking about the Anthem launch, superstar Ranveer Singh said “As a part of the Star Sports family and a die-hard cricket fan, being part of this anthem launch for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is truly an honour. It’s a celebration of the sport we all love.”
Pritam said, “Cricket is India’s greatest passion and composing ‘Dil Jashn Bole’ for the biggest World Cup ever, has been a tremendous honour for me. This song is not just for 1.4 billion Indian fans but for the whole world to come to India and be a part of the biggest celebration ever.”
The music video encapsulates the emotions of the global fan community, uniting nations and fans across different cultures. The fan-centric anthem represents an epic celebration, designed to resonate with hearts and ignite spirits. The anthem embodies the World Cup combining the unique Indian passion for cricket with the national pride of all competing nations to create an unrivalled global sporting occasion.
Fans worldwide are also invited to take part by showcasing their creative interpretations of the hook-step in diverse global locations. Whether it’s cricket stadiums, educational institutions, iconic landmarks, or historical monuments, the stage is theirs. Fans need to simply team up with a friend, capture their unique hook-step performance, and share it on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #CWC23. The most captivating videos will be curated to craft a collective Fan Anthem, showcasing the world’s enthusiasm for all to witness.
ICC general manager of marketing and communications Claire Furlong said: “The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to be the biggest Cricket World Cup ever with hundreds of millions of fans around the world ready to be a part of it. The anthem brilliantly captures the passion and energy of India and the fans that will make this event so special, and we can’t wait for the world to hear it. This World Cup will put place fans at the centre of the action and the anthem will help bring them closer to the game than ever before, so go listen now and create your own hook-step.”
Star Sports spokesperson said, “We are delighted to collaborate with the ICC for the official anthem of the World Cup. The anthem is an expression of the cornucopia of emotions and waves of energy, which each and every day of the tournament promises to deliver to more than a billion viewers around the world.”
Cricket fans are invited to be part of this celebration as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 gets underway from 5 October – 19 November.
Mumbai: Poised to make their mark in one of the most prestigious multi-sport tournaments in the world, India’s FIFA stars S Charanjotingh and Karman Singh have departed for Hangzhou to compete in EA Sports FC Online at the upcoming Asian Games 2022 from 24 to 27 September.
Having been featured as a demonstration event in 2018, Esports will be making its full-fledged debut as an official medal sport at the Asian Games 2022. The Esports event will be held in China Hangzhou Esports Centre from 24 September to 2 October, and the athletes will compete for gold medals in seven different titles.
India, however, will be participating in four of the seven titles: DOTA 2, EA Sports FC Online, League of Legends, and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition. The official draw to determine the dates and opponents regarding the fixtures for all four titles will take place on 22 September.
Expressing his feeling as the tournament approaches, Charanjot Singh said, “As the tournament draws nearer, it feels surreal that the dream of representing India at the Asian Games 2022 is finally becoming a reality. Both Karman and I have been training relentlessly to showcase our skills on this platform against the continent’s finest players. We are determined to make our country proud and bring home a historic medal.”
The fixtures for EA Sports FC Online will be in the knockout format with the Grand Finals scheduled to be held on 27 September. A total of 34 athletes from 21 countries will battle it out for glory at the competition.
“The Asian Games 2022 is a massive opportunity for Indian Esports to announce itself as a powerhouse on the global stage. I feel honored to be one of the first athletes carrying the nation’s flag at Esports’ maiden appearance as a medal sport at the tournament. We would like to thank ESFI for not just providing us with the opportunity to represent our country but also providing us with ample support including the best-in-class gaming gear to make sure we are ready to give our best in Hangzhou. We are ready to take on the tough competition and give our best to achieve success,” commented Karman Singh.
Both athletes left their mark during the recently held seeding event for the Asian Games 2022, with Charanjot Singh securing the top seed in the South Asian region, while Karman Singh secured the fifth seed. The two athletes, who are renowned names in the global FIFA community, earned their places at the Asian Games 2022 by advancing to the finals of the National Esports Championships (NESC), organised by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI).
“With the Asian Games 2022 just around the corner, we are excited to witness the performances of our talented athletes who have put in remarkable efforts to reach this stage. Charanjot and Karman have both performed brilliantly in the seeding event and we are confident that they will replicate those performances in the main event to ensure India bags not one but two medals in EA Sports FC Online. Everyone at ESFI wishes them the best of luck in their pursuit of glory,” said Esports Federation of India & vice president of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF) director Lokesh Suji.
One of the country’s top sports & esports communication agencies, Artsmith-Concepts & Visions, will continue its support to the Esports Federation of India as their official communication partner.
Following the commencement of EA Sports FC Online matches, the League of Legends fixtures will be held from 25 to 29 September, while the Street Fighter V: Champion Edition encounters are scheduled for 26 to 28 September. The DOTA 2 matchups are set to take place from 29 September to 2 October.
Mumbai: Motorsports aficionados in India are in for a grand treat with the MotoGP Bharat taking place at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida from September 22-24, LIVE on JioCinema, and aired on Sports18 Khel. This is the 13 race of the season and the first time that the highest class of motorcycle racing is taking place in India.
About 1,50,000 fans are expected to watch proceedings at the fast-flowing track that includes 13 challenging turns (eight right and five left). This year, Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM became the fastest Grand Prix rider ever, clocking 366.1 km/hr at the Italian GP, however, the record is expected to be breached at 370 km/hr, thanks to the long back straight at BIC, measuring 1.06 km.
Ducati Lenovo Team’s Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia stands at the top of the riders’ standings after 12 races with 283 points. Bagnaia produced a stellar performance in the second half of 2022 and clinched the crown at the season finale. Sporting the #1 for the 2023 season, Bagnaia has been the rider to beat and will be seen in action at the Bharat GP. Spain’s Jorge Martin Almoguera of Prima Pramac Racing (Ducati) stands in second place with 247 points. Nicknamed the ‘Martinator’, Martin bounced back after a winless season last year to become a title contender again and will have his sights set on the trophy come Sunday.
Mooney VR46 Racing Team (Ducati)’s Marco Bezzecchi of Italy lies in third place with 218 points. Bezzecchi announced himself as a title contender this season with two wins in the first five races. Sunday’s race will also see six-time world champion Marc Marquez of the Repsol Honda Team in action.
Sunday’s race will witness a fierce battle of world-class motorcycles and champion riders as they vie to etch a piece of history by becoming the first-ever winner of MotoGP Bharat.
Catch all the action of the MotoGP – Bharat – Main Race on 24 September 2023, Sunday, 3:30 PM onwards, LIVE & Exclusive on JioCinema and Sports18 Khel
