Category: Sports

Nitu Chandra named brand ambassador for ‘Patna Pirates’

Mumbai: In a significant development for both the world of sports and entertainment, the renowned actress Nitu Chandra has taken up the prestigious role of brand ambassador for the illustrious Pro Kabaddi team, the Patna Pirates. The Patna Pirates, with a remarkable track record of securing three Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) championships, is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated teams in the league.

Nitu Chandra, a versatile actress known for her contributions to cinema, brings her charisma and love for sports to this partnership. Her journey from the silver screen to the Kabaddi arena is poised to ignite a fresh wave of enthusiasm among fans and supporters alike.

Speaking on this exciting venture, Chandra said, “Sports has been an integral part of my life from a very young age, and Patna holds a special place in my heart as my hometown. Joining hands with the Patna Pirates is a dream come true. It couldn’t be a more fitting way to celebrate talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication. The Patna Pirates have consistently demonstrated prowess and resilience in the Pro Kabaddi League. I am thrilled to join this incredible journey as their brand ambassador.”

The Patna Pirates, through their remarkable journey in the Pro Kabaddi League, have carved a niche for themselves as a formidable force in the sport. With a stellar team of athletes and a passionate fan base, they have achieved remarkable success, clinching the PKL championship three times. Nitu Chandra’s association with the team adds a touch of stardom and an element of glamour to an already vibrant franchise.

The Pro Kabaddi League, known for its thrilling matches and competitive spirit, is set to commence its tenth season. With Nitu Chandra as the brand ambassador, the Patna Pirates are poised to embark on this journey with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. This season promises to be an exciting spectacle where skill, strategy, and sheer determination will once again take center stage.

As the countdown to the tenth season of PKL begins, fans and enthusiasts eagerly await the electrifying Kabaddi action that the league is known for. With Nitu Chandra’s association with the Patna Pirates, this season is expected to create history in the arena and the hearts of millions of fans who passionately follow the sport and its remarkable journey.

The collaboration between Hollywood actress Nitu Chandra and the Patna Pirates is a testament to the unifying power of sports and entertainment. It signifies the seamless blend of talent, glamour, and sportsmanship and is set to create a lasting impact in Pro Kabaddi.

August 30, 2023
LPL 2023 achieves record 650M TV reach, hailed by Akram & Jayasuriya

Mumbai: Cricket in Sri Lanka has found a new voice with Lanka Premier League 2023 as it posted the best-ever TV and digital reach in its fourth edition since its inception in 2020. Legendary cricketers Sanath Jayasuriya and Wasim Akram applauded the league rights holder IPG Group for ensuring a milestone TV reach of 650 million and also close to 400 million unique viewers on YouTube and other social media handles for the live matches.

In a significant landmark in the league’s history, the fourth season saw an impressive jump of more than 160 per cent in TV reach compared to the last edition and it also garnered 359 million digital reach to make the LPL 2023 a blockbuster.

“I think the Lanka Premier League was great this year. Everywhere in the world, people were very keen to watch this league. It’s all over the world and IPG Group has done a great job in ensuring that,” commented Dambulla Aura director of cricket SL great Jayasuriya.

While both the cricket legends praised the quality of cricket that was displayed, Samantha Dodanwela, tournament director, thanked LPL 2023 and all the sponsors for contributing to the growth of the Sri Lankan economy in terms of revenue and foreign investments.

LPL 2023 founder and CEO of IPG Group, the official rights holder Anil Mohan Sankhdhar said: “In the last four years we’ve worked hard and I am really happy that we are able to ensure a global footprint both on TV and digital. This edition was an amalgamation of an amazing experiential atmosphere, a packed crowd and high-quality cricket being played with exceptional professionalism by top cricketers from around the world. Season four also received a great response not only in Asia but also across the UK, USA, Canada, Middle East, North Africa and globally with rich dividends, making the LPL 2023 a super hit. We will only grow from here, there’s no stopping us now.”

Cricket icon Akram also rated the league as one of the world’s top cricket leagues and credited the fourth edition for ensuring a wholesome achievement on and off the field.

“I think it’s picked up massively. It’s one of the top leagues in world cricket now. You have IPL, PSL, Big Bash and now people are talking about the Lanka Premier League. Look at the packed stadiums here, people have actually got their own teams now,” the mentor of B-Love Kandy, Akram said.

The fourth edition of the League was broadcasted in 11 countries including Sri Lanka (Swarnavahini/SBC), India (Star Sports), Bangladesh (Cricket 4US), Pakistan (A Sports), UK (TNT Sports), Caribbean (Sportsmax), Afghanistan (RTA), Middle East and North Africa (Star Sports), America and Canada (Willow TV). The digital reach was ensured as the league was shown across Sri Lanka on their official YouTube channel and the digital audience was captured with tie-ups with Fancode and Tampad in India and Pakistan respectively.

Season four witnessed packed stadiums with a total attendance of more than two lakh, who witnessed top-notch thrilling cricket action live in the presence of popular international cricket starts such as Babar Azam, Shakib Al Hasan and David Miller along with popular Sri Lankan players including Thisara Parera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka among many others, who ensured quality contest on ground.

August 29, 2023
Spectatr & GRID Esports boost Asia’s largest Esports fantasy platform

Mumbai: Spectatr, provider of a plug-and-play Esports fantasy solution, and operator of the largest fantasy Esports platform in India (FanClash) has partnered with GRID Esports to power their fantasy offering with official, in-depth Esports data and boost its global expansion.

Spectatr is the B2B vertical of FanClash, an India-based Esports fantasy operator leading the Esports adoption in the country. Backed by renowned investors such as Alpha Wave Global, Peak XV and Info Edge with a funding of $40 million, the company aims to revolutionise fan engagement solutions worldwide to build a global fantasy Esports network.

This strategic partnership will leverage GRID’s official data to ensure the most entertaining live Esports fantasy experience for Indian fans and power Spectatr’s global expansion in the B2B fantasy space. The unique game-agnostic technology of GRID Data’s Platform will enable seamless integration of live data from games such as CS:GO, DOTA 2, PUBG, BGMI and Valorant while maintaining the same high quality, speed, and granularity of data across all titles.

Commenting on the association and its impact on the Indian Esports landscape, Spectatr co-founder Rishabh Bhansali said, “As the Esports audience in India continues to expand and mature, we at Spectatr are thrilled to collaborate with GRID to usher in an unparalleled era of engaging Esports fans. Together, we aim to craft immersive experiences beyond conventional limits, enabling viewers to participate actively. This partnership is set to elevate the excitement for esports enthusiasts, and we eagerly await its realization!”

GRID Esports is a leading game data platform specialized in sourcing, managing, and distributing live game data and is also the first Esports data company to receive the IBIA Data Standards accreditation. The company takes pride in offering data coming only from official sources through their direct partnerships with high-profile rights holders such as Riot Games, KRAFTON, WePlay, or PGL and powering over 350 commercial clients with official data feeds. These data-driven insights will provide fans with a deeper understanding of the game and its mechanics.

“Esports fantasy is one of the fastest-growing forms of esports fan engagement in the world. FanClash has developed an impressive live Esports fantasy offering over the last two years for which official Esports data is critical to ensure the best experience. We are thrilled to partner with Spectatr and power a global expansion of their state-of-the-art solution with our official live data,” said GRID Esports chief sales officer Mikael Westerling,

According to the ‘Global Fantasy E-Sports Market, Analysis, Size, Share, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecast 2022 To 2029’ report by Global Market Vision, the global Fantasy Esports Market is expected to grow from USD 6.45 billion in 2022 to USD 12.87 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 12 per cent.

This partnership between Spectatr and GRID Esports will pave the way for enhanced interactions and propel the growth of competitive gaming in India.

August 29, 2023
Celebrating the rise of Esports, India’s new-age sporting phenomenon

Mumbai: Esports, the newest addition to the sports ecosystem is disrupting traditional norms and making waves all across the country. Once considered a niche pastime, Esports has transformed into a global phenomenon that is reshaping the traditional sports landscape in numerous ways. As the nation gears up to celebrate National Sports Day, let’s dive into the meteoric rise of this new-age sporting phenomenon.

For any sport to gain recognition and credibility amongst the general population, it is essential to achieve significant success at major international tournaments and Esports fulfils that criterion. With remarkable bronze medals in the DOTA 2 title at the Commonwealth Games 2022, and also in the Hearthstone title at the 2018 Asian Games where Esports was a demonstration event under its belt, India has already marked its presence on the global Esports map.

Now, the country is all set to battle it out in four different titles – DOTA 2, FIFA, Street Fighter, and League of Legends at the upcoming Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou where Esports is making its debut as a full-fledged medal sport. Regarding this, the Sports Ministry has also given its official approval for the 15-member contingent to represent the nation at the prestigious tournament which is a monumental step towards marking the growing significance of considering Esports as a mainstream sport.

FIFA athlete of India a distinguished Charanjot Singh, recently secured top seeding in the South Asian region seeding event for the Asian Games 2022. Speaking ahead of the biggest competition of his life yet, the athlete said, “I never thought I would be representing India in Esports at such a major international tournament. Having started with local tournaments it gives me immense joy to witness this rapid rise of Esports in the country. I am happy that people have understood that Esports is just like any other sport as it requires physical reflexes, strong mental strength, dedication, practice, and strategy. Every young kid with a controller in his hand will now be encouraged instead of being scolded.”

While Esports gained the stature of a sport when the government officially recognized it as a multi-sport event, its legitimacy amongst the general public was enhanced when the government made amendments to the Information and Technology Act to establish a clear distinction between Esports and online gaming.

Talking about the inspiring journey of Esports from being considered a hobby to an official sport, the Asian Esports Federation (AESF) director of the esports federation of India and vice president Lokesh Suji stated, “Within a year, Esports has transcended the perception of entertainment to reach the level of competitive excellence. We are extremely thankful to the government for separating Esports from the umbrella of online gaming and is not considered to be a part of iGaming, rummy, gambling, etc. With our talented athletes striving for a medal in this year’s Asian Games and the official inclusion of Esports as a medal sport for Asian Games 2026 as well, it will help in educating the general public about its significance even more. Looking at the impressive growth trajectory of the ecosystem, we eagerly await its flourishment in the country.”

Along with major international tournaments, Esports has also made its way into mainstream media. The reach of competitive gaming has extended beyond Esports dedicated platforms, with established sports networks like Star Sports and streaming giants like JioCinema realizing the potential of the sector by broadcasting Esports events to a wider audience.

Sharing his thoughts on the mainstreaming of Esports, S8UL founder and CEO of 8Bit creatives and co-founder Animesh Agarwal expressed, “The transition from online streaming platforms to renowned sports networks signifies a noteworthy shift in the perception of Esports, positioning it on the same level as traditional sports. As Esports tournaments become a familiar sight in households across the country, there will be a surge in interest and participation, leading to a larger pool of potential talent that we can guide, support, and represent. Additionally, with Esports solidifying its mainstream status, the interest from non-endemic brands looking to establish a presence and be a part of the gaming community will also skyrocket which is beneficial for the overall growth of the sector.”

Esports getting the status of a mainstream sport has not only led to an upsurge in its popularity and cultural acceptance but has also created a solid foundation at the grassroots level for gamers to take it up as a viable career option.

ScoutOP also known as Tanmay Singh who is one of the leading gamers in the country said, “As an Esports athlete, I feel more validated and motivated to grind than ever before. The recognition on different platforms like TV and major streaming services makes me realize that we’re part of a rapidly evolving industry that is capturing the hearts of people across the nation. There has never been a better time to be an Esports athlete, and I am genuinely thrilled to contribute to the ongoing gaming revolution in India.”

According to the “Windows of Opportunity” report on India’s media and entertainment industry by FICCI-EY, the number of Esports players across all competitive level games in India increased from 600,000 in 2021 to 1 million in 2022, and it is expected to reach 2.5 million in 2023.

As Esports continues to flourish, its landscape is evolving as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and Web3 gaming are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Esports tournaments are being conducted in stadiums, degrees, and courses for Esports in educational institutes are becoming common, and even states are building their own Esports academies. So, it is safe to say that the future of video gaming in India is exciting.

August 29, 2023
Gods Reign crowned champions of India’s first franchised Esports tournament

Mumbai: Skyesports Masters, India’s biggest Esports tournament with an Rs two Crore Prize Pool, reached its exhilarating conclusion as Gods Reign took the crown at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium, Bangalore. The team took down Revenant Esports in the thrilling two-day Grand Finale to become the inaugural champions of India’s first-ever franchised Esports tournament on Sunday.

The Skyesports Masters Grand Finale at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium was the country’s first post-pandemic Esports event that took place in a stadium. With more than 7,100 people registering to attend the event live, the on-ground matchup unfolded in front of a huge crowd who were gathered to cheer for their favourite CS:GO team.

The finals contested by revenant Esports and Gods Reign turned out to be an electrifying affair between the two titans of India’s CS:GO landscape. The star-studded team led by Hrishikesh “Crazy_Gamer” Shenoy and comprising Anshul “KiiLSwitCh” Adarkar, Piyush “Clouda” Kalwania, Akash “Ph1NN” Bose, and Parijaat “Rev3nn” Banerjee performed to the best of their abilities to close the series 2-0 against a formidable Revenant Esports.

Gods Reign CS:GO team captain Hrishikesh “Crazy_Gamer” Shenoy said, “We came into the grand finale to win it all and I am glad that my team was able to pull it off. It truly feels amazing to win the inaugural season of the Skyesports Masters after the countless hours of practice and dedication we have put in. We are grateful to all our fans who came to the venue to support us and the others watching from home. This victory goes to them.”

The finals kicked off with both teams exchanging rounds initially to set up nail-biting action in the first map. However, Gods Reign was able to snowball a late-game round win towards the victory. The second map, though, was comparatively one-sided as Gods Reign took the command initially and prevented Revenant from making a comeback, similar to the semifinals.

The event also witnessed the presence of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) member of the Karnataka legislative assembly and vice-president N.A. Harris, who felicitated the players of Gods Reign. “I wish all the best to Esports and our government is in support of you and anything we can do. We are always here for you,” he stated.

The Skyesports Masters was one of India’s biggest gaming tournaments. The event kicked off with the League Stage from 8 July to 17 August as the eight franchised teams competed for the four spots in the grand finale. With more than 50 matches played, the tournament was a testament to the competitiveness of Counter-Strike Esports.

“Congratulations to Gods Reign for their triumph in the biggest CS:GO tournament in the country. The Skyesports Masters served as a platform that showcased the talent and competitive spirit that runs through the veins of the country’s Esports community. We are also grateful to N.A. Haris for gracing the event with his presence and reaffirming the government’s commitment to developing the Esports ecosystem of India. Skyesports will continue to nurture the growth of Esports by organizing high-profile tournaments that enable competitive players along with their teams to thrive and create a name for themselves,” said Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy.

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.

Being the biggest gaming event in the country, Skyesports Masters was a testament to this as the tournament roped in industry giants including AMD, Windows 11, Flipkart, and Zebronics as the sponsors along with Loco, who were the broadcasting partners for the event and played host to the livestream.

Besides the high-octane Esports action, fans were treated to brand booths by Zebronics, AMD, Windows 11, and Flipkart. The event featured a fusion between Esports and music as rap sensation Karma teamed up with prominent content creator Mortal for a music performance.

August 28, 2023
Esports athletes receive official approval from ministry of youth affairs and sports for the Asian Games 2022

Mumbai: In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian Esports, the ministry of youth affairs and sports (MYAS) has officially approved the 15-member Esports contingent that will be participating in the Asian Games 2022 alongside other sports (letter attached).

Esports is going to make its debut at the Asian Games 2022 as a proper medal event, earlier in 2018 it was there as a demonstration title. Initially scheduled for September last year, the tournament will now be held from 23 September to 8 October 2023. This multi-nation event will cement the industry mark into a mainstream sports scene.

Commenting on the Esports getting the official stamp of approval from the MYAS, please find below the quote on behalf of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF) director, Esports Federation of India & vice president of Lokesh Suji,

“Witnessing our Esports team receive the official endorsement from the ministry of

youth affairs and sports is a moment that fulfils the dreams of everyone involved in the Esports movement in India. This recognition goes beyond just the 15 team members participating in the Asian Games 2022; it encompasses the entire Esports community in the country. Our community has relentlessly worked towards gaining acknowledgement for their dedication and the sport itself.

The ESFI has consistently emphasised treating Esports players as athletes, and seeing our efforts yield results brings us immeasurable joy. The boundary that once separated Esports athletes from traditional sports athletes has now disappeared, ensuring they are treated equally in terms of support and recognition.

We want to express our deep gratitude to the ministry of youth affairs and sports and the Indian Olympic Association for their dedication and their open embrace of the growth of Esports as a legitimate sport. With our sights set on the Asian Games 2022, we hold unwavering confidence that our immensely talented athletes will raise the profile of Indian Esports on the international stage, filling our nation with pride.”

India will be participating in four of the seven total titles at the Asian Games 2022: DOTA Two, FIFA Online Four, League of Legends, and Street Fighter V: Champion edition.

The 15-member Indian contingent is as follows:

FIFA Online four – Charanjot Singh and Karman Singh

Street Fighter V: Champion edition – Mayank Prajapati and Ayan Biswas

League of Legends – Akshaj Shenoy (captain), Samarth Arvind Trivedi, Mihir Ranjan, Aditya Selvaraj, Aakash Shandilya, and Sanindhya Malik

DOTA Two – Darshan Bata (captain), Krish Gupta, Abhishek Yadav, Ketan Goyal, and Shubham Goli

In the recently concluded seeding event for Asian Games 2022, FIFA star Charanjot Singh showcased his domination to secure the top spot in South Asia whereas Karman Singh clinched fifth place.

India’s League of Legends team also secured favourable seeding by going unbeaten against Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan at their LAN seeding event in Macau, while the nation’s DOTA Two team came second in their seeding group, finishing in the top eight in the overall event that was conducted online.

The country’s ace Street Fighter V athletes Ayan Biswas and Mayank Prajapati secured fifth and sixth place respectively in their seeding event.

August 26, 2023
Sony Sports Network returns with Extraaa Serve, the broadcasters’ flagship studio show for the US Open

Mumbai: Sony Sports Network, is the official broadcaster and Sony LIV is the official streaming partner of the upcoming US Open in India, set to commence on 28 August 2023.

Current ATP World Rank No.1 and reigning US Open champion, Carlos Alcaraz will look to re-ignite his rivalry with former top seed Novak Djokovic, who will be aiming to add to his record 23 grand slam titles at the US Open. In conjunction, Tennis stars from the Men’s Singles category such as Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas will be looking to pose a challenge to the dominance of Alcaraz and Djokovic during the tournament.

Iga Swiatek, current WTA Rank No.1 will look to defend her US Open title this time around as Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula will look to challenge her at the US Open.

Sony Sports Network will play a pivotal role in bringing dynamic tennis action live from the prestigious USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York City. The acrylic hard courts at the venue have been the home of the US Open since 1978 and have hosted countless classics that have enthralled tennis fans over the years.

In addition to the LIVE Coverage of the US Open, Sony Sports Network’s flagship studio show, Extraaa Serve will be telecast before and after each match day, which will be hosted by Suhail Chandok. Extraaa Serve will feature expert insights from fan favourites, Somdev Devvarman, former India No. 1; Purav Raja, who represents India in the Davis Cup and Indian Tennis Legend and multiple Grand Slam winner, Sania Mirza. Hindi commentary of the matches will begin on 6 September, with Saarthak Lal, Manish Batavia, and Atish Thukral joining the commentary team as panellists Quarter-Finals onwards.

Sony Sports Network continues to be the premier destination for Tennis in India as the official broadcaster for the upcoming editions of the French Open at Roland Garros, Cincinnati Masters, Australian Open, and Canada Open. Additionally, Sony Sports Network will also be the official broadcaster for the upcoming editions of the Davis Cup.

August 24, 2023
Valencia CF and PUMA transform the city’s bus shelters into replicas of Mestalla

Mumbai: Thanks to one of the most innovative marketing campaigns of the summer, residents of the city of Valencia have become very aware of the launch of the new Valencia CF home and away kits for the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season. The club collaborated with the city and with Puma, its official kit supplier, to transform a number of bus stops and to make them Mestalla-themed.

The walls and roofs of the selected bus shelters were decorated to make these bus stops look and feel like the stands of Mestalla, complete with seats like the ones in the stadium’s stands. The 2023/24 Valencia CF kits were also displayed at these bus stops, with lights even highlighting the new designs at nighttime.

The initiative came about thanks to PUMA’s close collaboration with the club. As the kit manufacturer explained: “Each season’s launch of the new Valencia CF kits is planned with several objectives in mind: to present the new kits to Valencia CF fans in an original, different and eye-catching way, connecting sentimentally and emotionally; to maximise the visibility of these kits with actions that have great repercussion and impact at a local level, trying to integrate the fans in some way into that experience so that they become part of it; and to get involved with the club, the city, its people and its traditions and customs. We believe that the sum of all these points helps to improve the perception of the new kits and increase the willingness to acquire them.”

The fans of the club were definitely made to feel involved, while men’s team player Thierry Rendall and women’s team player Marta Carro also visited one of the Valencia CF-themed bus shelters to enjoy the unique experience. Discussing the initiative, Thierry Rendall said: “I think it’s a very good idea, as the fans can feel like they’re at Mestalla, even inside the dressing room as if they were players.”

In the words of the club: “Bringing Valencia CF out of the stadium with this marketing campaign and into moments in our fans’ daily lives, such as waiting for the bus or taking a walk through the city centre and finding a representation of Mestalla, is something that reinforces our emotional connection with the fans. It’s a shot of identification.”

The club continued: “The same reaction that we saw in Thierry Rendall and Marta Carro when they saw the themed bus stops is what we’ve noticed in our fans and also in the tourists who visit Valencia at this time of year. They can enjoy an exciting and different experience while discovering all the secrets of our jerseys, which are on display at the bus stops. The action has been very well received in the media, giving great exposure to the club and PUMA, as well as among our fans.”

Valencia CF and PUMA: A partnership based on constant collaboration

This is simply the latest example of Valencia CF and PUMA working together to ensure fans of Los Che know about and are excited about the arrival of the new kit. In previous years, they’ve organised other street marketing campaigns, such as placing giant replica shirts around the city or organising photo machines with QR codes to allow fans to download an image of themselves wearing the new shirt. Last season, they even worked together on a New York streetstyle photo shoot in front of some of the most iconic landmarks of the Big Apple, making an impact in that international market.

On the partnership, the club said: “Every year, together with PUMA, we carry out actions that usually involve the DNA and life of the city to present our shirts. This season they have very strong narratives: a tribute to the Mediterranean lifestyle (Home Kit); a concept of design, creativity and the future projection of our city (Away Kit); and a nod to the streets of the city of Valencia with a representation of the neighbourhood that surrounds Mestalla (Third Kit). We feel that the street marketing campaign of Valencia CF and PUMA is more and more appreciated each year, achieving greater identification from our fans.”

It’s not just in summer at the time of the kit launch that the marketing departments of Valencia CF and PUMA work together. “The connection and work with PUMA is daily, so that the garments made for the club, the stores and all the merchandising breathe the VCF identity,” the club’s marketing and commercial director Jorge García pointed out.

The club added: “Our way of working is based on fortnightly meetings, and thanks to a consolidated dynamic between both teams. Working with technical brands on a long-term basis – we’ve been with PUMA for five seasons and are building a great relationship – allows clubs to share with them the club values and culture, which leads to fans perceiving the stores as spaces where the shopping experience is very emotional.”

By converting daily spaces such as bus stops into another source of pride for Valencia CF supporters, the club has certainly made an emotional impact with its fanbase with this year’s kit launch.

August 22, 2023
Sony Sports Network bags two-season broadcast rights for ROSHN Saudi Pro League

Mumbai: Football fans can celebrate as a leading sports broadcaster, Sony Sports Network, is the official broadcaster and Sony LIV is the official streaming partner of ROSHN Saudi Pro League in India.

For the next two seasons of the league, the broadcaster will live telecast the best matches featuring some of the best football players from across the world. ROSHN Saudi Pro League onboarded Cristiano Ronaldo last season, and now joining the football legend are Neymar, Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and more, who will now be seen exclusively on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV. In addition to the league, the Kings Cup and Saudi Super Cup will be telecast starting from the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively for both seasons.

Sony Sports Network continues to be the premier destination for football as the official broadcaster for the upcoming two editions of the UEFA EUROs, UEFA Nations League 2024 & 2026, as well as the UEFA Nations League Finals in 2025 & 2027. The broadcaster is also home to prestigious football tournaments like UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, Durand Cup and more.

Watch the LIVE coverage of Saudi Pro League 2023-24 on Sony Sports Network from 18 August onwards.

August 21, 2023
Inaugural ‘India Cements Pro Championship’ tees-off in Chennai from 16 August

Mumbai: India Cements, the title sponsor and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the official sanctioning body of professional golf in India, has jointly announced the India Cements Pro Championship 2023 which will be held at the Tamil Nadu Golf Federation (TNGF) Cosmo Golf Course from 16 and 19 August 2023. The event offers a prize purse of Rs 50 lakh. The Pro-Am event was held on 15 August.

The tournament marks the beginning of the action-packed second half of the 2023 TATA Steel PGTI season. The India Cements Pro Championship 2023 offers the highest-ever prize purse for a men’s professional event in Chennai.

India Cements vice chairman & managing director N Srinivasan said, “Golf remains as one of the most celebrated sports across the world. India Cements has significantly contributed to the development of golf course in Chennai and organising golf tournaments.

As an avid golfer myself, I am very proud of the major role played by Tamil Nadu Golf Federation, formed in 1996 in transforming the golf course at Nandanam in Chennai, to modern standards. Over the years its membership has more than doubled and we see a large number of golf loving expatriates and Indians playing at the Golf Course.”

Further he said, “TNGF has spent lot of money in the last two decades and has transformed it into a lush green course equipped with modern facilities, better infrastructure, green keeping, trained manpower along with a golf academy for training budding golfers. More recently, TNGF has established a new Club House.”

India Cements CMO and an avid golfer Parthasarathy Ramanujam said, “India Cements has a rich sporting tradition and as a title sponsor, we are proud of the long awaited Pro Championship returning to Chennai.

India Cements has 75 years of legacy and it is one of the largest producers of cement in South India. The Company’s name is synonymous with strength and durability as well as sports. The Company has made a rich contribution to the development of sports and sports persons including golfers and golf through TNGF.”

The event will witness participation by 126 golfers including 123 professionals and three amateurs. The leading Indian professionals in the field include Om Prakash Chouhan (TATA Steel PGTI Rankings leader), Aman Raj, Karan Pratap Singh, Sachin Baisoya and Gaurav Pratap Singh, to name a few.

This week the PGTI also welcomes on board Bisleri Vedica Himalayan Spring Water as Tour Partner. Born of a clear spring that gushes from its Himalayan labyrinth, Vedica is the finest life taken to another altitude. Vedica Himalayan Spring water is a single source of natural mountain water that is bottled at the source. Vedica Himalayan Spring Water has a fine balance of naturally occurring calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulphates and bicarbonates. It is naturally alkaline, thus making it a natural antacid, acting as a calming antidote to our stressful urban lives.

Bisleri International Pvt Ltd head of marketing Tushar Malhotra commented, “Bisleri Vedica Himalayan Spring Water stands as the preferred option for the sophisticated, epicurean and health-conscious consumer. Our collaboration with Professional Golf Tour of India is the perfect association to celebrate a life #FullOfAltitude.”

PGTI CEO Uttam Singh Mundy said, “We thank India Cements for partnering with us in launching the India Cements Pro Championship. With the support of India Cements, a great patron for sports in India, the growth story of Indian professional golf receives yet another major boost. I would personally like to thank Mr. N Srinivasan for sharing PGTI’s vision. It was Mr. N Srinivasan’s encouragement and support that helped PGTI make its long-awaited return to Chennai last season with the staging of its event at TNGF Cosmo Golf Course.”

He further stated, “We are delighted to partner with Bisleri Vedica Himalayan Spring Water as the Tour Partner. It is a perfect synergy as, like the game Bisleri Vedica also strives for excellence. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship. Here’s wishing the players all the best as an exciting second half of the season lies in prospect.”

Tamil Nadu Golf Federation (TNGF) honorary secretary R K Jhaver said, “We are delighted to host a PGTI tournament at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course for the second year in succession. We look forward to a highly-competitive week of golf as the challenging layout and conditions at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course will test the skills of India’s leading professionals. We have worked towards providing the best playing conditions and are confident that the players will relish the experience.”

The prominent foreign names in the field include Bangladeshis Jamal Hossain and Badal Hossain, Sri Lankans N Thangaraja and Mithun Perera, Japan’s Makoto Iwasaki and Nepal’s Sukra Bahadur Rai, to name a few.

The local challenge will be led by Chennai-based professionals C Arul, Sandeep Syal and S Prasanth.

“I would like to thank India Cements and PGTI for organizing this amazing tournament and really look forward to being in contention. I’ve just had a look at the golf course, the greens are in great condition and I would like to thank TNGF Cosmo Golf Course for putting this together. I would also like to thank Bisleri Vedica Himalayan Spring Water for their kind support as the new Tour Partner of the PGTI and welcome them on board,” signed off Raj.

TNGF Cosmo Golf Course is the Venue Partner, Crowne Plaza Chennai is the hospitality partner and Ballantine’s is the associate partner for the event.

Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park general manager Anand Nair said, “We are honoured to once again partner with PGTI for the India Cements Pro Championship 2023. Our repeated collaborations are a testament to our shared vision and commitment. We wholeheartedly champion the burgeoning golf tournaments in India and eagerly anticipate our participation in this prestigious tournament.”

The event is also supported by PGTI’s tour partners TATA Steel, Rolex, Amrutanjan Fruitnik Electro+, Golf Plus Monthly and Athletic Drive.

August 21, 2023