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Category: Sports

  • Liberty Shoes collaborates with Indian Olympic Association as ceremonial footwear partner for Indian contingent of Asian Games

    Liberty Shoes collaborates with Indian Olympic Association as ceremonial footwear partner for Indian contingent of Asian Games

    Mumbai: In a momentous announcement, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) unveiled the highly-anticipated official ceremonial attire and playing gear for the Indian contingent set to compete at the forthcoming 2023 Asian Games. The event is scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, China, from 23 September to 8 October.

    During this significant occasion, Liberty Shoes, a renowned Indian footwear brand, proudly declared its partnership with the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) as the official ceremonial footwear sponsor for the Indian contingent participating in the Asian Games 2023. With more than 600 Indian athletes poised to make their mark in China, the ambitious goal of securing 100 medals, the highest ever, looms large.

    On the occasion, Liberty officials said, “We are thrilled to be named the official footwear partner for this momentous event. The footwear, conceptualized and meticulously designed by Liberty Shoes, not only signifies our partnership but also embodies our pride in our athletes. The entire Liberty Shoes family is confident that the historic performances by Team India will result in the highest-ever medal tally at Hangzhou.”

    This exciting partnership between Liberty Shoes and the Indian Olympic Association not only marks a significant moment for the brand but also highlights the unwavering support and commitment towards India’s sporting excellence on the international stage. With the Asian Games 2023 just around the corner, the nation eagerly anticipates the stellar performances of its athletes, proudly adorned in Liberty Shoes’ specially crafted footwear.

  • Legends League Cricket ropes in Munish Rao as director of business operations

    Legends League Cricket ropes in Munish Rao as director of business operations

    Mumbai: Legends League Cricket (LLC) has expanded its team. Munish Rao has joined as the director of business operations. Legends League Cricket is focused on bringing top talent to the organization as part of its vision to create a world – class upcoming sports event. Legends League has announced its new season, which will be played in India from 18 November – 9 December.

    Rao is hands-on in sports management with over 18 years of experience, along with investment management with a strong focus on sports assets and athlete management. This experience has exposed him to developed and emerging market landscapes through his involvement in projects across India, Middle East & ASEAN. In recent years, Rao has worked with Institutions such as Bahrain Islamic Bank, CG Corp Global, Rhiti Sports, SportsKingdom, etc. He has also worked on several sports initiatives for MS Dhoni & Rohit Sharma contributing to the business development and operation of their sports ventures.

    Legends League Cricket co-founder and CEO, Raman Raheja said, “After setting a benchmark with the previous 3 seasons, we are now getting ready for the next level. Enhanced fan experience is the utmost priority and our team will work on it. Business Operation is the backbone of the smooth execution of the league. Munish brings immense experience from various aspects of operations and we are looking forward to his contribution in the business.”

    Rao said, “Legends League Cricket has created a niche for itself in the cricketing fraternity as well as the fans. I am up for a challenge to match and deliver on the promise. I am very excited to be part of Legends League Cricket, being a cricket fan myself; I look forward to this new journey and bringing new values to the whole equation”.

  • IOA unveils uniquely designed ceremonial dress and player kit for 19th Asian Games

    IOA unveils uniquely designed ceremonial dress and player kit for 19th Asian Games

    Mumbai: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), on Tuesday, unveiled the much-anticipated official ceremonial dress and playing kit for the Indian contingent that will compete at the forthcoming 2022 Asian Games scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China from 23 September 23 to 8 October.

    IOA also conducted a glittering send-off ceremony which was graced by the union minister for information & broadcasting and youth affairs & sports Anurag Singh Thakur, IOA president and legendary sprinter PT Usha along with other senior officials.

    The Indian contingent was represented by Indian hockey goalkeepers PR Sreejesh (men), Savita Punia (women), shooting sensation Manu Bhaker and 2018 Asian Games shot put gold medallist Tajinderpal Singh Toor among sportspersons from many other disciplines.

    Conceived and uniquely designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, the ceremonial dress includes a khaki textured saree for women and khaki kurta for the male players.

    The bandhgala jacket of male athletes and the high neck blouse for the women seamlessly blends Indian motifs and prints with quintessential Indian silhouettes that represents the rich cultural tapestry of India on the global stage. The attire embraces nature with recycled fabrics that promotes sustainability.

    Speaking on the occasion Anurag Singh Thakur commented, “It’s not just a uniform; it’s a symbol of pride and identity for our athletes. The uniform proudly represents India’s self-reliance and showcases the country’s diverse heritage and design leadership. I am confident that as much as the team will represent the young and new India; we will ensure historic performances and return with the best medal count. I urge the country to stand behind our athletes and cheer for them.”

    The playing kit, crafted by JSW Inspire, official sport apparel partner of the contingent, is designed by the talented Kashmiri designer Aaquib Wani who has also designed the Indian cricket team jersey. It is inspired by the country’s varied art forms that serves as a visual ode to the incredible diversity and unity that defines India, ensuring that every athlete carries a piece of their home state with them onto the field.

    IOA President Dr. PT Usha said she expects every member of the contingent to make the best effort to make India proud. “We have waited long for the 2022 Asian Games and are delighted that India is sending its largest contingent of 634 athletes. We believe that this squad has the potential to get India its best medal haul as well,” she said.

    “In the IOA, we have made every effort to place the athlete in the centre of our universe and ensure that they are well looked after.”

    With 33 members, rowing has the largest unit after athletics going to Hangzhou to stake claim at the medal. Meanwhile, a 15-member Esports team will also be at the Asian Games as the event makes its official debut.  

    The Indian contingent clinched 70 medals, including 16 gold, in the last edition of the Asian Games held in 2018.

    JSW Inspire, Reliance Foundation, Adani Sportsline and Samsonite are the principal sponsors to Team India for the 2022 Asian Games while Borosil, Skechers, Amul, SFA, Inox Group and The Leela palace hotels and resorts have joined hands as the associate sponsors and partners.

  • Mahindra to sponsor ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Disney Star for Auto and Farm business

    Mahindra to sponsor ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Disney Star for Auto and Farm business

    Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., leaders in farm and auto sectors, today announced the expansion of its cricketing association as the associate sponsor with Star Sports for the much-anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and ‘co-powered by’ sponsor on the digital platform, Disney+ Hotstar. This represents one of Mahindra’s most significant forays into sports sponsorships. In addition to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, this collaboration ensures visibility for Mahindra’s Automotive and Tractor brands during the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.

    With its strong presence during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Mahindra aims to foster a deeper connection with customers, fortifying the trust and bond they share with the brand. Additionally, Mahindra dealerships will host a series of engagement activities during the cricket season for customers.

    The ‘Click to Book Test Drive’ feature, set to be prominently showcased during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 broadcasts on Disney+ Hotstar, highlights the brand’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation. This enhanced feature will offer cricket enthusiasts a smooth bridge from the excitement of the match to the allure of experiencing Mahindra’s cutting-edge products first-hand.

    Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd executive director & CEO – Auto & Farm sectors Rajesh Jejurikar said, “We are excited to be a sponsor for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar. This sponsorship is a key milestone in our mission to connect deeply with the passion of millions of Indians. We see a strong synergistic resonance between our SUVs and Tractor brands and the vibrant spirit of Indian cricket. Through this sponsorship and our upcoming engagement activities, we aim to create cherished memories and strong bonds with our customers.”

    The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, coinciding with India’s festive spirit, presents a golden opportunity for Mahindra to connect with a vast audience. As India proudly hosts the entire tournament, cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for 48 thrilling matches, notably the India vs Pakistan showdown on 14 October. These matches, broadcast on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar in various languages, offer Mahindra a prime platform to engage with potential customers. Hotstar’s initiative to provide free access to mobile users further amplifies this reach. With viewership spanning across India, Mahindra is poised to deepen its connection with a diverse and expansive audience during this cricketing spectacle.

    From the goalposts of the FIFA World Cup to the association with multiple teams of the electrifying Indian T20 league to the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, Mahindra’s presence has been a testament to its dedication to excellence, both in the automotive & farm sectors and the sporting arena.

  • Indian Olympic Association signs up Samsonite as Asian Games partner

    Indian Olympic Association signs up Samsonite as Asian Games partner

    Mumbai: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced the coming on board of Samsonite, the world’s largest travel luggage company, as a partner for the Hangzhou-bound Asian Games contingent. The members of the Indian contingent will travel to the Games with premium suitcases.

    IOA president Dr PT Usha has said the collaboration marks the partnership of leaders committed to excellence. “The provision of a premium suitcase, designed for the official kit for the Asian Games 2022, to each member of the Indian team is a symbol of the support and belief that the entire nation, and brands of global repute like Samsonite, bestow upon our champions,” she said.

    India’s seasoned Table Tennis star A Sharath Kamal, who won two bronze medals in the last Asian Games in Jakarta, welcomed the partnership. “I cannot stress enough the importance of the whole team travelling with such premium suitcases with our playing kits and ceremonial dresses in them. The feeling of pride and confidence among our athletes can only grow with such action,” he said.

    Samsonite India CEO Jai Krishnan said it was an honour for the luggage giant to be part of the Indian athlete’s journey. “Samsonite has always been about journeys. And there’s none more heart-stirring than that the one our athletes are embarking on. We are honoured to be a small but significant part of their journey,” he said.

    The deal serves as a testament to the growing stature of Indian sports. It underscores the value that leading brands perceive in associating themselves with the Indian contingent as it embarks on a mission to make the country proud with its performances in the Asian Games in China. This partnership with a brand that is an embodiment of quality and durability mirrors our athletes.

    Samsonite is the world’s largest travel luggage company, with a heritage dating back over 100 years and its products are sold in over 100 countries. Samsonite South Asia Pvt Ltd (“Samsonite India”) is engaged in selling products through wholesale and distribution channels as well as retail through franchisee stores in India. 

  • ENN Sports LLP acquires Hyderabad Strikers ahead of TPL season 5

    ENN Sports LLP acquires Hyderabad Strikers ahead of TPL season 5

    Mumbai: Ahead of the highly anticipated season 5 of the Tennis Premier League (TPL), visionary founders and owners of ENN Sports LLP, Nikunj Shah, Navin Dalmia, and Rajdeep Dalmia have acquired the Hyderabad Strikers. The highly enterprising trio will be co-owners of the two-time and current champions of the league alongside celebrity co-owner Rakul Preet Singh.

    Co-owner of Hyderabad Strikers, Rakul Preet Singh spoke with delight about the new development, “The TPL is a great place for the talented tennis players in the country to show off their skills and improve their game further while working with the biggest names in the sport. Hyderabad has always been well-known for their contribution to Indian tennis, and with the Hyderabad Strikers, we want to further enhance that reputation.”

    ENN Sports LLP is a premier sports-promoting company that is dedicated to enhancing sports culture in India and around the world. The company provides a wide range of services that include sports team management, event organisation, and sports marketing.

    Nikunj Shah’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his deep-rooted love for sports, has positioned him as a prominent figure in both communities. With his ongoing efforts, Shah continues to leave a lasting impact on the sports landscape.

    Talking about his love for the sport of Tennis, co-owner Nikunj Shah said, “Tennis holds a special place in my heart. I actively participate in and support the sport. We are always looking for opportunities to help athletes grow at the highest levels, and the TPL aims to do exactly that. So, I want to actively contribute to the growth of Tennis in India, which I am certain would be possible through the Hyderabad Strikers.”

    Rajdeep Dalmia has a passion for technology that is infectious and has the ability to inspire and motivate those around him. He believes in the power of collaboration and fosters an environment of innovation and creativity within his organisations.

    Dalmia, who used to play tennis in school said, “The TPL is a great way to experience the excitement of a live tennis match, especially as the matches are played in a fast-paced environment due to the format. The Hyderabad Strikers is a phenomenal franchise with a storied history in the league. With our expertise from ENN Sports LLP, I am sure we will be able to expand the dedicated fanbase of the Hyderabad Strikers that will spur us on in our title defence in season 5.”

    Co-founder of the TPL, Kunal Thakkur spoke about how the new ownership will help the Hyderabad Strikers come season 5. He said, “ENN Sports LLP is an innovative enterprise much like the TPL. Their expertise in sports will allow them to become league leaders in terms of strategy, planning, and promotion. This will surely help the Hyderabad Strikers to continue succeeding on and off the court.”

    Co-founder of the TPL Mrunal Jain mirrored his fellow co-founder’s sentiment as he said, “The Hyderabad Strikers is the most outstanding franchisees in the league, and will surely prosper even more under the guidance of visionaries such as Nikunj Shah, Navin Dalmia, and Rajdeep Dalmia.”

  • Integral support role at Riot Games’ worldwide remote broadcast centres

    Integral support role at Riot Games’ worldwide remote broadcast centres

    Mumbai: Appear, the global leader in media processing and delivery technology, announced today that their technology will support Riot Games and its live global esports remote broadcasts. Riot’s award-winning esports broadcast productions across League of Legends esports (LoL Esports) and the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) are consumed by millions each year both physically and virtually, bringing joy and next-level engagement to esports fans around the world.

    As a world-leading game developer, publisher, and esports organisation dedicated to being the most player-focused company in the world, Riot’s commitment to levelling up its esports productions led to the development of its first Remote Broadcast Center, Powered by AWS in 2022. Launched under the codename “Project Stryker,” this state-of-the-art facility located in Dublin, Ireland will utilise Appear’s X Platform to support the production, broadcast, and translation of both LoL Esports and VCT broadcasts at a global and regional scale.

    Riot first deployed the X Platform to support the 2023 League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), the first international competition of the annual LoL Esports calendar. Taking place at the Copper Box Arena in London in May 2023, fans were treated to a real spectacle as the Chinese team JD Gaming came out on top in the final match, beating fellow Chinese team Bilibili Gaming to take home the trophy. The event proved to be one of LoL Esports’s most popular and watched editions, with a peak viewership of just under 2.3 million.

    Appear’s X Platform is a key component to live AVC/HEVC feed contribution and delivery from Riot’s next-generation remote broadcast centre due to its high-quality, low-latency capabilities. Appear’s SMPTE 2110 native connectivity for AVC/HEVC encoders and decoders, with SMPTE 2022-7 and NMOS support, enabled Riot to seamlessly migrate from its previous SDI-only solution, bringing greater density, lower power consumption, and simplified management. The first Appear platforms were configured to perform high-density HEVC encoding and decoding, resulting in robust and secure high-quality video streaming with reduced latency, providing more stable video streaming at scale. Riot Games will continue its global deployment of Appear’s X Platform to support high-capacity remote productions utilising transport stream over IP with FEC (TSoIP), and SRT gateways where needed to support different network types.

    “Appear was the ideal solution on the market that met our demanding requirements for high-density encoding and delivery of AVC/HEVC signals to and from our new, cutting-edge broadcast facilities,” said Riot Games principal infrastructure engineer James Wyld. “More specifically, the native ability to exchange these feeds directly with our 2110 IP networks has allowed us to greatly simplify a workflow that previously required an additional layer of IP gateway devices.”

    “In addition to this, being able to encode, package, and deliver over multiple network paths simultaneously adds a layer of resilience that our broadcasts require. We run a mix of different delivery strategies to support our productions across the globe, and having a flexible platform allows us to support multiple scenarios in the field. While our facilities are entirely IP based, we need to support a mix of technologies to acquire our feeds in-venue, so relying on the same tools for both SDI and IP workflows makes our complex workflows easier to manage for our operators.”

    This is just the first deployment of a global implementation that will see Riot Games utilise Appear’s X Platform for high-capacity remote productions. Appear’s solutions will also be on hand as part of the second Remote Broadcast Center, powered by AWS that is scheduled to come online later this year in the Greater Seattle, Washington, USA area. Strategically placed in time zones eight hours apart, these two RBCs will align to provide more seamless production support for Riot’s future esports productions happening at various locations and times around the world.

    Appear’s general manager of North America, Ed McGivern, when discussing the scale and excitement of the project, said: “We had previously shadowed the production operations of major League of Legends tournaments over multiple types of networks and had received nothing but positive results and feedback. We’re excited to be the trusted partner to deliver this content at scale and support Riot Games’ global network of remote productions – helping set the quality and value benchmarks for esports.”

    The scale and excitement around Riot Games’ esports competitions is a key indicator of the global momentum the esports industry is enjoying today. By leveraging Appear’s dense, robust, and efficient solutions, Riot’s Games is secure in the knowledge that its high-value content will reach its destination and can focus on what it does best – putting on world-renowned premium esports events watched by millions.

  • Globe Soccer Awards enters landmark agreement with LaLiga

    Globe Soccer Awards enters landmark agreement with LaLiga

    Mumbai: Globe Soccer, the organisation behind Dubai’s prestigious Globe Soccer Awards, has signed a landmark five-year agreement with Spain’s LaLiga. The partnership represents Globe Soccer’s first collaboration in the European market and will see a LaLiga Awards ceremony held alongside the inaugural Globe Soccer Europe Awards 2024.

    A glittering gala evening featuring the two in-person awards ceremonies will take place at the end of the 2023/24 season in a European city to be announced in the near future.

    The Globe Soccer Europe Awards 2024 are part of Globe Soccer’s new Intercontinental series and will recognise Europe’s top performers – from players, coaches, and clubs to agents, directors, and other stakeholders. With voting conducted by fans, the winners of best men’s player, best women’s player, best club, best coach, and best president in the Globe Soccer Europe Awards 2024, will automatically be nominated for the end-of-year Dubai Globe Soccer Awards 2024, in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, in an initiative called “Road to Dubai”.

    LaLiga Awards, ‘The pride of our fútbol’

    The LaLiga Awards: ‘The Pride of our Fútbol’ meanwhile will recognise the best from Spanish football’s top-flight during the 2023/24 season, with five different categories: the LaLiga EA Sports best player, best coach, best goal, best play, and best U23 player. Votes can be cast on a dedicated website that will combine the selection process for both monthly and annual awards. The website: Feel the power of our Fútbol | LaLiga has launched today and already started the first monthly votes. The awards represent both sporting and social recognition for LaLiga clubs.

    Globe Soccer founder and CEO Tommaso Bendoni said: “Next year will mark a turning point in the evolution of the Globe Soccer brand. Partnering with LaLiga to launch our new European awards, in conjunction with LaLiga’s first international ceremony, is a very proud and exciting moment for us. The European edition of the Globe Soccer Awards will undoubtedly benefit from the participation of LaLiga, one of the most important leagues in the world, and the presence of some of its biggest names. Holding the official LaLiga Awards on the same stage also offers Spanish football a unique platform to reward its best players and showcase its brand on an international level, so everyone is a winner.”

    LaLiga president Javier Tebas said: “LaLiga is undergoing a major transformation and our objective is to continue developing as a collective. One of our goals this season is to create content in more languages and to reach a wider audience. The five-year strategic partnership with Globe Soccer is definitely a move in this direction and to be the first league in Europe to partner with Globe Soccer is an honour”.

    Tebas added: “Partnering with a company that has more than a decade of experience in organising the world’s most reputable football awards ceremonies brings international prestige and visibility to the LaLiga brand and its clubs. This partnership will help to promote our players, our clubs, and our fans, and underlines our shared confidence and commitment in celebrating football’s best talent”.

    First held in 2010, the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai have been attended by many of football’s biggest names.

  • Reality or digital world? LALIGA comes to life in EA SPORTS FC and bridges the gap between the real and the virtual

    Reality or digital world? LALIGA comes to life in EA SPORTS FC and bridges the gap between the real and the virtual

    Mumbai: In a step towards convergence between the real and digital worlds, LALIGA has embarked on an exciting new era in response to the evolution the company has undergone in recent years and a changing landscape. With the aim of offering football fans a more authentic experience, and having announced EA SPORTS as the main sponsor of LALIGA, the company has joined the EA SPORTS FC universe to break down barriers between the real and the virtual.

    The intersection between both these ecosystems is taking on a new dimension thanks to the collaboration between the two businesses. Volumetric data extracted from professional men’s and women’s matches has been used to help reflect the true movements of the game better than ever before. Fans will notice meticulous attention to detail, from the true-to-life colours of the team badges to the atmosphere of the stadiums, all in order to achieve an unprecedented level of immersion in the digital football universe.

    Moreover, the Francisco de Laguna pitch in Madrid will be available in the future within the VOLTA game mode of the video game. This will allow players to experience the magic of football in an exceptionally realistic virtual environment. The inclusion of this pitch in EA SPORTS FC 24 takes on added significance as it was renovated through the FC FUTURES programme and Boa Mistura art collective, with the purpose of investing in community football and making the beautiful game accessible to all.

    LALIGA is taking great strides into the future thanks to collaboration with partners like EA SPORTS, redesigning the way football is experienced at all levels. This initiative intends to reach out to wider audiences and captivate younger generations, bringing a new perspective to the world of football and to the world of video games, as well as continually delivering better experiences for fans.

    With the exciting crossover between the tangible and the digital, LALIGA and EA SPORTS FC continue to prove that the line between reality and simulation is only getting thinner.

  • Disney Star onboards 18 sponsors for the Asia Cup 2023

    Disney Star onboards 18 sponsors for the Asia Cup 2023

    Mumbai: The stage is set for an exhilarating cricketing spectacle as the Asia Cup 2023 approaches, and Disney Star, the official broadcaster, has onboarded a total of 18 sponsors for the upcoming tournament across Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar. The sponsors include renowned brands such as Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Glow & Lovely from HUL, Surf Excel, Jindal Panther, BPCL, My11Circle, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Amul, Maruti, Berger, McEnroe, Thums Up, Amazon Pay, MRF, Policy Bazaar, Tira from Reliance Retail and ICICI PRU MF.

    “Cricket fever is at an all-time high as sports fans across India wait in anticipation to watch the ‘Men In Blue’ in action at the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Brands across categories are equally excited and have come forward to collaborate with Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar to further their business objectives and get closer to millions of fans. We are thrilled with the positive response received for the Asia Cup and are looking forward to delivering an unmatched cricketing experience across both TV and Digital,” said Disney Star head of network – ad sales Ajit Varghese.

    As excitement for the Asia Cup reaches its peak, Disney Star’s resolute dedication to delivering exceptional content and memorable experiences remains unwavering.  The collaboration with these prestigious sponsors underscores the network’s dedication to delivering an exciting and immersive tournament for cricket fans.

    Both Star Sports and Disney+ Hostar recently unveiled their campaigns for the tournament, which have further notched up the buzz for the marquee cricket event. Additionally, the country is waiting in anticipation to watch the ‘greatest rivalry’ unfurl between India vs Pakistan, which will present a golden opportunity for brands to reach an unparalleled audience across the country.

    The Asia Cup 2023 is set to take place from 30 August to 17 September and the tournament will be broadcasted live on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.