ITV

Category: Sports

  • Triller powers Pro Panja League’s global muscle

    Triller powers Pro Panja League’s global muscle

    GWALIOR:  The Pro Panja League has clinched a heavyweight deal with Triller, the global sports streaming platform with more than 65 million users, to beam India’s premier arm-wrestling contest to audiences across the world.

    Co-founded by actor-director Parvinn Dabass and Preeti Jhangiani, the league is staging Season 2 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre for Disability Sports in Gwalior. Kiraak Hyderabad have seized an early lead, with Jaipur Veers, Mumbai Muscle, Rohtak Rowdies, MP Hathodas and Sher-E-Ludhiana in hot pursuit.

    Triller, best known for its combat sports coverage in boxing and MMA, is betting on the sport’s mix of brute force, technical skill and theatrical showdowns to hook global viewers. “This is just the beginning,” said Dabass, hailing the tie-up as a launchpad for arm-wrestling’s international breakthrough.

    The tournament’s commercial muscle is growing too. Nikon India, Red FM, Care Hospitals, Sharma Service Security Agency Gwalior, Sports India Show, Sports Room, Sony Sports Network, Doordarshan, Fancode, Swen, Mera Hoardings and SSEN are onboard as partners, while Royal Enfield Bullet rides in as mobility partner.

    With Triller’s reach and India’s top talent at the table, Pro Panja is aiming to lock grips with the world’s biggest sports spectacles.

  • Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League returns, set to kick off from 25 December

    Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League returns, set to kick off from 25 December

    MUMBAI — The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) is back after its electrifying debut, promising even more action, intensity, and local pride. Season 2 kicks off on Thursday, 25 December 2025, marking the return of one of the state’s most thrilling sporting platforms — a professional stage for Uttar Pradesh’s finest kabaddi talent.

    This milestone builds on the momentum of UPKL’s inaugural season, which reached over 30 million TV viewers according to BARC India and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Season 2 is set to elevate the excitement with new franchises on board, more matches, and even bigger fan engagement.

    The league will comprise approximately 64 matches spread over 17 days, with all matches taking place in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

    Season 2 will begin with a league phase followed by playoffs, with all players selected through an auction. Building on the excitement of Season 1, which featured exceptional star players like Arjun Deshwal, Vinay Tewatiya, Shubham Kumar, Sahul Kumar, Abhishek Thakur, Mohd Aman, Nitin Panwer, Abhijeet Malik, Arpit Sroha who captivated audiences across the state. This season promises to showcase top-tier talent and deliver even more thrilling kabaddi action and intense competition.

    SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Ltd director & founder, Sambhav Jain expressed, “The success of UPKL season one was a testament to the growing love for kabaddi in our state, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of our viewers, players, investors, sponsors, and every stakeholder involved. Building on the phenomenal success, as we move into the next chapter, we are thrilled for season two. We remain committed to our vision of building a strong platform for local talent and elevating kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh and beyond. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey so far and made season one possible. I look forward to everyone’s continued support in making season two even bigger, bolder, more inspiring, and more impactful.”
     

  • Test cricket’s digital triumph defies the doomsayers

    Test cricket’s digital triumph defies the doomsayers

    MUMBAI: Test cricket may be fighting for its future, but the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has delivered a resounding riposte to the sceptics. More than 170 million viewers logged onto JioHotstar during the five-match series between India and England—the highest-ever reach for a Test series on digital platforms.

    The numbers tell a compelling story. A staggering 65 billion minutes of watch time were clocked up as the series unfolded from 20 June  to 4 August. The climactic fifth day at The Oval alone drew a peak of 13 million concurrent viewers, setting a new record for online Test match streaming.

    All five matches went the distance, with nail-biting finishes and dramatic plot twists keeping audiences glued to their screens. Even when rain curtailed play on the Sunday at The Oval, with England needing just 35 runs and India four wickets, thousands returned on Monday morning for what many knew might be only an hour’s play.

    “The extraordinary response reinforced Test cricket’s ability to forge compelling narratives in almost every session,” said JioStar head of content for sports Siddharth Sharma. The platform served coverage in five languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.

    Yet this triumph highlights cricket’s central paradox. Whilst series between the sport’s “Big Three”—England, India and Australia—continue to thrive, concerns persist about Test cricket’s inclusivity for lower-ranked nations. The format’s commercial success remains concentrated among a privileged few.

    These worries have prompted the ICC to form an eight-member working group, led by chief executive Sanjog Gupta, to assess a proposed two-tier World Test Championship. England’s cricket board opposes the plan, fearing relegation could cost them lucrative clashes with Australia or India.

    The series marked India’s opening gambit in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, ending in a 2-2 draw after the final session. Fans also devoured Follow the Blues, a behind-the-scenes series, and When India Challenged the Crown, which revisited India’s Test legacy in England.

    JioStar now turns its attention to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, beginning 30 September.

  • Meteora Developers World Padel League Season 3 to be broadcast live In over 150 countries

    Meteora Developers World Padel League Season 3 to be broadcast live In over 150 countries

    MUMBAI: Iconik Sports & Events presents Meteora Developers World Padel League, powered by Maisour, is set to reach fans in over 150 countries with live broadcast coverage for its third season, which will take place from August 12-16 at Mumbai’s Nesco Centre. In India, fans can catch all the action on Zee Café, & Flix, and Zee Zest (SD & HD) through linear television coverage, with digital streaming available exclusively on FanCode, WPL’s official digital streaming partner.

    Now in its third season, WPL continues to build on its reputation as a premier sporting and entertainment property. This season, the league has expanded from four to six franchises, bringing together 36 of the world’s top international players across the franchises: Vedanta Leopards, Khan Tigers, Hubtown Panorama Panthers, Game Changers Lions, SG Pipers Cheetahs, and Vernost Jaguars.

    Commenting on the broadcast roster, World Padel League co-founder Hemali Sharma said, “We are excited to welcome all our broadcast partners for this season. The fact that people in over 150 countries will be able to experience the action from the comfort of their homes, shows how far the sport has come in such a short time here. In India especially, the change has been incredible. What began as a niche game has now captured attention the world over, and we are proud to have been a part of that global movement. Season 3 will take that energy to the next level, giving fans everywhere a front-row seat to the speed and intensity of ‘The Greatest Show on Court!’”

    Welcoming the WPL to the Zee network, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief growth officer, Ashish Sehgal said, “We are incredibly excited to bring the World Padel League Season 3 to Indian homes and beyond. With coverage on Zee Café, & Flix, and Zee Zest (SD+HD), we’re opening the sport to an audience that’s hungry for high‑energy, emerging athletic action. At ZEE, our mission is to champion sports with growing but dedicated fan communities – delivering them into the mainstream and helping them become truly mass‑appeal events.”

    “We’re excited to partner with the World Padel League for the second year running. Padel is growing rapidly in India, with urban centres leading the way in both participation and viewership. More people are playing the sport, and naturally, they now want to watch the best players in action. Through our exclusive digital coverage, we’re committed to giving Indian padel enthusiasts front-row access to the world’s best action, anytime and anywhere,” said FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco.

    In Sri Lanka, matches will air exclusively on Peo TV by Sri Lanka Telecom, while DishHome holds exclusive streaming rights in Nepal. In the MENA region, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and beyond, coverage will be available on Saudi Sports Channel and Shahid OTT and Dubai Media. Across Europe and APAC, audiences can view matches on Dazn and Sport TV in Portugal and SPO TV. Fans in the USA and Canada will be able to catch all the action on Willow TV and across Africa on AfricaXP. With an extensive broadcast network spanning all continents, the World Padel League Season 3 will bring the excitement and energy of padel to fans around the globe, truly making it a worldwide sporting event.

    Tickets for Meteora Developers World Padel League, powered by Maisour are now available for fans eager to witness the thrilling live action at Hall No. 5, Nesco Centre exclusively on the District. Padel fans are encouraged to book their tickets to be part of the action at India’s biggest padel event.

     

  • Prasar Bharati and AEx Sport partner to launch India’s first pro-wrestling league

    Prasar Bharati and AEx Sport partner to launch India’s first pro-wrestling league

    NEW DELHI:   Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has inked a strategic memorandum of understanding with AEx Sport the sports innovation arm of UK-based AdiGroupe, to launch  the Global League Wrestling (GLW) — the first professional wrestling league of its kind in India and the Asia-Pacific.

    The collaboration combines Prasar Bharati’s national reach across DD Sports, All India Radio and digital platform Waves, with AEx Sport’s global firepower in production, IP, and marketing. GLW is set to be unveiled on 17 September and will hit the screens from 4 October 2025, airing weekly over a 40-week season of high-octane, family-friendly programming.

    “This marks a new era for Indian pro-wrestling,” said Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal. “GLW reinforces our vision of taking Indian sport to global heights and giving our youth a credible platform to shine.”

    Positioned as a cultural milestone in Indian sport, GLW will blend traditional Indian storytelling with world-class wrestling theatrics, introducing original characters, cinematic plots, and a production style aimed at mass appeal. It is also seen as part of the government’s broader push to promote youth engagement through sport.

    “GLW brings a new genre of content that’s rooted in our culture but built for the world,” said Prasar Bharati CEO  Gaurav Dwivedi. “We’re creating something truly unique for Indian audiences.”

    Backing the league’s ambitions is AdiGroupe and AEx Sport chairman Sanjay Viswanathan, who described GLW as “an immersive, youth-led cultural experience that puts Indian talent centre stage”. He added: “We’re dedicating GLW to India to inspire pride, competitiveness and global ambition among Indian youth.”

    Wrestling icon The Great Khali joins as GLW’s brand ambassador and talent commissioner, bringing star power and mentorship to the ring. “GLW offers a serious and structured path for Indian athletes to shine — on our terms,” said Khali.

    With the inaugural season already generating buzz, the tie-up between India’s national broadcaster and a global sports IP developer signals a watershed moment for homegrown sports entertainment.

  • Dreamsetgo nets FIFA deal as India agent for World Cup 26 hospitality

    Dreamsetgo nets FIFA deal as India agent for World Cup 26 hospitality

    MUMBAI: Game on, India! Fans eyeing the FIFA World Cup 26 can now book their dream matchday in style without risking an offside foul on fake tickets. On Location, the official hospitality provider of FIFA World Cup 26, has appointed Dreamsetgo as its non-exclusive sales agent for India. This move marks a significant play in bringing the thrill of the tournament to Indian fans with VIP treatment, travel perks, and premium access all through legitimate channels.

    With this partnership, Dreamsetgo becomes the official point of contact in India for those looking to score premium hospitality packages to the world’s biggest football spectacle, which is set to kick off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.

    FIFA World Cup 26 business general manager of on location Alicia Falken said, “We are thrilled to partner with our new international sales agent, Dreamsetgo, on the FIFA World Cup 26. Their expertise in hospitality sales in India and deep understanding of their market will be instrumental in ensuring that our clients receive unparalleled service.”

    FIFA has cautioned fans against purchasing tickets or packages from unauthorised sellers, reminding everyone that only On Location and its officially appointed agents are authorised to provide hospitality experiences. Any tickets bought through unofficial platforms risk cancellation without refund.

    In addition to its India play with Dreamsetgo, On Location is also teaming up with Major League Soccer and various clubs across the U.S. and Canada to ensure seamless access for global fans. The full list of authorised global agents will be published on FIFAWorldCup.com/hospitality.

    As the countdown to 2026 begins, Indian football enthusiasts can now plan their FIFA World Cup experience without fear of scams and with all the glamour of an unforgettable global sporting event.
     

  • Kanpur Warriors joins Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League as newest franchise

    Kanpur Warriors joins Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League as newest franchise

    MUMBAI – Building on the resounding success of the debut season, Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), SJ Uplift Kabaddi has announced the induction of a new franchise, Kanpur Warriors, for UPKL Season 2. The team owned and operated by BA Sports Club LLP, and led by entrepreneur Bhumika Vora, marks a major push to bring kabaddi into the cultural spotlight of one of Uttar Pradesh’s most passionate cities.

    Conceptualized, owned, and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi, UPKL continues to expand into kabaddi-strong belts across the state. With Kanpur’s long-standing kabaddi heritage, vibrant youth circuits, and growing appetite for competitive sport, Kanpur Warriors’ addition marks a strategic milestone in the league’s mission to deepen inclusivity and unearth local heroes.

    Talking about the announcement, Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi, said, “UPKL was always envisioned as a launchpad for grassroots athletes, transforming kabaddi from a gully sport into a structured professional ecosystem. Following the extraordinary success of  Season 1, welcoming new cities like Kanpur is not just growth; it is our evolution. Kanpur’s inclusion strengthens our vision to build a tiered ladder for athletes: from local leagues to UPKL and eventually national and global stages.”

    This milestone builds on the momentum of UPKL’s standout inaugural season, which reached over 30 million TV viewers as per BARC India and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    Kanpur Warriors owner Bhumika Vora said, “Kanpur is a city full of fire, heritage, and underrepresented talent, and with Kanpur Warriors, we now have a platform to showcase, build, and grow. Through UPKL, we aim to break stereotypes, back our youth, and place kabaddi at the center of Kanpur’s sporting identity. The name ‘Warriors’ reflects not just athletic grit, but the spirit of our people. We are building a platform where kabaddi is a sport of choice, not just an alternative.”

  • Konami eFootball announces star-studded India campaign featuring KL Rahul and Sunil Chhetri

    Konami eFootball announces star-studded India campaign featuring KL Rahul and Sunil Chhetri

    MUMBAI – Konami Digital Entertainment, B.V (KONAMI) announced a new eFootball campaign for its Indian audience, running from August to October 2025 and culminating in a special Meet & Greet event in Mumbai this December. The high-energy initiative celebrates India’s Independence Day and Diwali, featuring tournaments, exclusive content drops, and rewards, alongside appearances from top Indian sports and cultural icons.

    The campaign will include two major tournaments – The Independence Day Cup and The Diwali Cup – offering fans the chance to engage with a stellar lineup including cricket star KL Rahul, football icon Sunil Chhetri, content creator Focused Indian, rising cricket talent Nitish Kumar Reddy, and actor Ahan Shetty.

    In a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration, Konami has also partnered with renowned visual artist and illustrator Santanu Hazarika for an Independence Day surprise for all the eFootball fans.

    Speaking on the development, Konami’s eFootball general producer Junichi Taya said, “India continues to be one of the most exciting gaming communities for us globally, and this campaign is our way of celebrating and voicing that energy — through festivals, football, and fandom. Our commitment to our Indian community is paramount to us. Through a host of partnerships, we are leveraging some of the biggest names in Indian sport and culture with activations aimed at celebrating “INDIA’’. As the industry continues to grow in India, we are seeking to lead the way forward through eFootball.”

  • JioStar acquires exclusive broadcast and streaming rights for US Open for the next five years

    JioStar acquires exclusive broadcast and streaming rights for US Open for the next five years

    MUMBAI: JioStar announced that it has acquired the exclusive broadcast and streaming rights for the US Open Tennis Championships for the next five years. Secured by the USTA’s media rights agency, IMG, this landmark partnership will see every match from the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center broadcasted on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar, delivering every ace, rally, and match point directly to millions of Indian screens.

    This year’s edition promises edge-of-the-seat drama, rising stars, and battles between a growing generation of legends as the men’s and women’s singles Main Draw will be played across 15 competition days. Indian fans will be treated to breathtaking tennis action with Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Świątek, Novak Djokovic, and Coco Gauff taking the court and Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka looking to defend their men’s and women’s singles titles respectively.

    The tournament also announced a reimagination of its US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, which this year will feature 16 star-studded pairs all vying for US$ 1 million in prize money going to the winning team. The blockbuster field will include many of the men and women ranked in the Top 10, nine Grand Slam singles champions and veritable legends of the game. Alcaraz will be pairing up with Emma Raducanu, Sinner is entered with Emma Navarro, Świątek will double up with Casper Ruud, Djokovic will come together with fellow Serbian Olga Danilovic and Venus Williams will compete with Reilly Opelka. On top of that, Ben Shelton will pair with world doubles No. 1 Taylor Townsend and the defending US Open Mixed Doubles Champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori will compete to defend their title.

    As part of its coverage, JioStar will continue bringing its host of tech-driven and fan-first innovations that will redefine how one of the largest-attended annual sporting events in the world is experienced. From multi-language commentary to exclusive behind-the-scenes access on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar, viewers will enjoy immersive storytelling and interactivity around the tournament like never before.

    “We are thrilled to add the US Open to our expanding portfolio of world-class sporting events. This association with the USTA deepens the range of premier global sports content available to fans on our platforms,” said JioStar head of international acquisitions & syndication, Harry Griffith. “With the US Open, JioStar is now the home of two of the four prestigious Grand Slams, offering year-round tennis coverage and reaffirming our commitment to delivering top-tier live action to every corner of the country.”

    “We are delighted to partner with JioStar to bring the US Open to our fans across India,” said USTA chief commercial officer, Kirsten Corio. “JioStar’s forward-thinking, digital-first approach and their vast scale make them the ideal partner to carry the tournament into a new era. We look forward to connecting with tennis fans on the platforms they use most, delivering a world-class viewing experience that is innovative and engaging.”

    This strategic addition further reinforces JioStar’s reputation as India’s ultimate sporting destination, with rights to ICC events, India Men’s and Women’s Cricket teams, TATA IPL, TATA WPL, Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi League, and a lot more. With a calendar packed with premium sporting content, JioStar continues to lead the way in providing fans with seamless access to the most anticipated sporting moments from India and around the world.

  • TKR ropes in Stake as title sponsor in multi-year global partnership

    TKR ropes in Stake as title sponsor in multi-year global partnership

    MUMBAI: The Trinbago Knight Riders just hit a sponsorship sixer. Caribbean Premier League’s most decorated franchise has inked a multi-year title partnership with Stake, the world’s leading online casino and sportsbook adding some serious global firepower to its off-field playbook. With four CPL titles under its belt (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020), TKR’s winning legacy now aligns with a brand that’s betting big on cricket. Stake already has marquee partnerships across the sporting spectrum, including UFC, Everton FC, and the Stake F1 Team. Its latest Caribbean swing follows recent forays into cricket with the Paarl Royals, European Cricket Championships, and Major League Cricket.

    “This partnership marks a significant milestone for us,” said Knight Riders Sports Group CMO Binda Dey. “Bringing together two globally recognised brands, we aim to elevate fan engagement through innovation and technology.”

    And innovation is already in motion. The announcement was hyped with a teaser campaign starring Knight Riders legends Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Dwayne Bravo alongside Stake-backed athletes from across the world. The result? A viral buzz building up to the big reveal, with cross-sport fandom fuelling the fire.

    “TKR’s success and passionate fanbase make them the perfect addition to our cricket portfolio,” said Stake’s CMO Akhil Sarin. “Our aim is to build immersive, tech-driven fan experiences that channel the thrill of T20 cricket.”

    This partnership is more than a logo swap, it’s a play for deeper, digital-first engagement. Expect gamified fan zones, interactive content drops, and a Stake-powered edge to TKR’s growing global fanbase.

    In the high-stakes world of franchise cricket, this Knight–casino combo could be a jackpot move.