Category: Sports

Mumbai: The Lucknow Super Giants have produced standout performances in back-to-back IPL seasons on the field, however, the RPSG Group-owned team, led by Dr Sanjiv Goenka, also pulled off stunning accomplishments off the field during IPL 2023.

With the Indian Premier League going back to the home-and-away format this year, the Super Giants grabbed their opportunity of engaging with their home fans for the first time. The franchise’s 360-degree integrated marketing campaign highlights included outdoor advertising at over 100 sites across Uttar Pradesh, a partnership with Radio City, several on-ground activations to build LSG’s over 6000-strong fan club “LSG Brigade”, as well as extensive coverage across online and print media in multiple languages.  

The season was kicked off with a glitzy jersey launch event on 8 March in the presence of BCCI secretary Jay Shah, key players like KL Rahul and Krunal Pandya among others, and was streamed live in eight major cities across Uttar Pradesh.

In addition, the Lucknow Super Giants conducted Jashn-e-LSG – an open bus roadshow with the team from Rumi Darwaza to Ambedkar Park in Nawabs. The world’s first-ever cricket-themed drone show followed the roadshow, with spellbinding still and motion pictures captured and shared across social media.

The BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium hosted IPL matches for the first time, and the franchise worked closely with the UPCA and stadium authorities to make the necessary infrastructural upgrades to ensure that the venue met international standards.  

The Lucknow Super Giants’ initiatives resulted in around 3 lakh passionate fans thronging the stadium throughout the season, at an average of an almost full-capacity (50,000) crowd for Lucknow’s first-ever season at home. Furthermore, LSG and Lucknow Metro worked together to provide special late-night trains and feeder buses to make it easier for fans to head back home after matches. A fleet of E-Rickshaw shuttle rides was also organized at the stadium.

RPSG Sports Pvt Ltd MD & CEO  Col Vinod Bisht said, “Forming an emotional connection with the cricket fans in Uttar Pradesh was critical for us and therefore we were thrilled to see that our initiatives paid rich dividends. Attracting big crowds to a new IPL venue was always going to be a difficult task, but our team emerged victorious in challenging circumstances”.

In the digital world, LSG rocketed up the charts in 2022 and stole the show with unparalleled video content across channels.  The franchise engaged popular UP-based content creator Shubham Gaur, who created multiple viral short and long-form video IPs, helping the Super Giants cumulatively record over 500 million views during the season. The franchise registered the highest Engagement Rate, a metric which measures the quality of content, among all IPL teams on Twitter and Facebook. Moreover, they added about three million new fans to their social channels and reached close to two billion people worldwide online.

In the sponsorship space, LSG attracted over 20 commercial partners across industries like Fantasy Gaming, EVs, Industrial Steel, FMCGs, Digital Collectibles and NFTs, and more. The brands included My11Circle, Shyam Steel, Greenply, JIO, Vida by Hero Motocorp, Bondtite, Too Yum, Prayag, Spencer’s, Somany, Fan Craze, Royal Challenge, Kingfisher, Campa Cola, Dr Vaidya’s, Amul Organic, Radio City, Big Ant Studios and Souled Store.  

After a great start in IPL 2023, the Lucknow Super Giants are keen to take their off-field game to an even higher level and grow their fan base across India and the world, in the years to come.

Mumbai: Qlan, the exclusive social networking app designed for gamers and e-sports enthusiasts, has secured pre-seed funding to fuel its expansion and enhance gamer networking, discovery, and content creation capabilities.

Previously operating as a bootstrapped startup, Qlan which now has over 100,000 combined downloads, underwent an extensive six-month beta testing period, culminating in the platform’s full-version launch in January 2023. Bolstered by a committed team of over 20 professionals, the early-stage start-up achieved healthy organic growth, attracting a user base of over 50,000 gamers.

Qlan has effectively initiated itself as a thriving hub for gamers and e-sports enthusiasts with early adopters across the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, North & South America, South Africa, and the MENA regions, ultimately leading to a successful pre-seed funding round.

Qlan’s unparalleled approach to making a positive impact on the grassroots of the gaming industry attracted significant support from notable investors which included Marwah Sports, CIIE.CO, and Faad Network in the funding round. These investments will help Qlan in its vision of empowering gamers all over the world with an engaging and seamless networking opportunity.

Expressing his thoughts on the funding round, Qlan co-founder and CEO Sagar Nair commented, “The pre-seed funding round signifies an exciting new phase for Qlan, and we are delighted to have Marwah Sports, CIIE.CO, and Faad Network as backers. This demonstrates the remarkable potential of Qlan and the burgeoning global gaming and e-sports industry. While we are grateful for the worldwide validation of Qlan by gamers, our primary objective now is to scale our platform, optimize user experience, and gain deeper insights into our community’s needs. With the invaluable support of our investors, we are poised to elevate Qlan to new horizons and empower the ever-expanding global community of gamers”

The investors backing Qlan have a distinguished portfolio of having supported and nurtured successful ventures in the past. Marwah Sports, the sports arm of the more than 60-year-old enterprise Marwah Group, has backed several marquee ventures including sports hardware manufacturing companies Square Off and Elevar, and sports tech companies Uactiv and Sporjo.

“Meaningful and engaged communities will form the bedrock of the fledgling Indian and global gaming ecosystem. With Qlan, individuals and organisations can focus on what is most important – retention and engagement. We are encouraged and excited by the progress made by the team – this is only just the beginning,” said Marwah Sports CEO & Marwah Group director Pranav Marwah.

CIIE.CO is the Innovation Continuum spreading from incubation, acceleration, seed, and growth funding to research. CIIE.CO has accelerated over 1000 entrepreneurs/startups, funded in over 300 startups, mentored, and coached over 5000 startups.

”Esports in India is witnessing “green shoots” of tailwinds. With the government priming up with recognition, regulatory frameworks should follow suit. Parallelly there is a sharp rise in esports athletes, teams, events, sponsors turning to franchises etc. There will be a need to bridge these facets with a community-driven solution and enable growth. This is where Qlan fits in and would be ripe to tap into what we feel is a sunrise sector in India today,” said CIIE.CO VP seed investing Chintan Antani.

Faad Network Limited, a well-renowned investor network, has a substantial portfolio in the Esports domain that includes India’s first cloud gaming service, the Gaming Project, and Esports XO which is one of the country’s fastest-growing organizations.

“India has over 400 million online gamers, with a total market size of over 4 billion dollars. Not only do 90% of these gamers transact, but they also maintain an active social profile to connect with other gamers. This is where we found a fit in Qlan, which is building a comprehensive solution to join gamers and esports enthusiasts. The stellar team understands these gamers’ space and pulse and will drive home a scalable business,” said Faad Network Limited CEO Aditya Arora. 

According to the latest research by SkyQuest Technology, the Global Esports Market was valued at $1.08 Billion in 2021, and it is expected to reach a value of $2.8 Billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 14.50 per cent over the forecast period (2022-2028). Esports is becoming increasingly popular as a result of global digitization and the low cost of advanced gaming technologies.

Emphasizing the importance of establishing strong fundamentals, driving growth, and attaining product-market fit, Qlan plans to utilize the funds raised in the Pre-Seed round to not only expand its platform to a wider community but also to bolster its team and leverage its technologically advanced product, which is meticulously crafted with a focus on user-centric principles.

Mumbai: The International Cricket Council (ICC), has announced the schedule for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at a ‘Countdown to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023’ event in Mumbai.

Ten teams feature in what will be the biggest Cricket World Cup ever, to be played across 10 venues from 5 October to 19 November, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the tournament opener and the final.

The other nine venues are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune. Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram will join Hyderabad in hosting the practice games.

Defending champions England will take on New Zealand in a much-awaited clash between the 2019 World Cup finalists that opens the tournament in Ahmedabad, while hosts India will face-off against five-time winners Australia in Chennai on 8 October.

Ahmedabad will also host matches between traditional rivals India and Pakistan (15 October) and Australia and England (4 November).

Eight teams have qualified for the 46-day event through the Cricket World Cup Super League while the final two spots will be taken by the finalists of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier taking place in Zimbabwe.

The tournament retains the round-robin format of last time with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches. There are six day matches which will start at 10h30 Indian Standard Time (IST) while all other matches, including the knockouts, will be day-night fixtures starting at 14h00 IST.

The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals, to be played in Mumbai on 15 November and in Kolkata on 16 November. The semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said, “We are delighted to release the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 schedule which is always a huge occasion ahead of any global event.”

“Hundreds of millions of fans around the world will be part of what we hope will be the greatest ever Men’s Cricket World Cup and we know in India the teams will enjoy a unique electric atmosphere concluding with the winners lifting the trophy in the biggest cricket stadium in the world in Ahmedabad.”

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said: “It’s a matter of great honour and pride to be hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in different cities across India, showcasing the rich diversity of our country.”

“The fervour and passion for cricket in India is unique. I am sure fans both here and abroad would be looking forward to the tournament’s return to India for the first time since 2011, when our team became the first to lift the trophy on home soil.”

“I wish all the teams the very best in their preparations and look forward to hosting what promises to be another exciting tournament.”

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Schedule by Venues:

Ahmedabad

5 October – England vs New Zealand

15 October – India vs Pakistan

4 November – England vs Australia

10 November – South Africa vs Afghanistan

19 November – Final

Hyderabad

6 October – Pakistan vs Qualifier 1

9 October – New Zealand vs Qualifier 1

12 October – Pakistan vs Qualifier 2

Dharamsala

7 October – Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (Day Game)

10 October – England vs Bangladesh

16 October – South Africa vs Qualifier 1

22 October – India vs New Zealand

29 October – Australia vs New Zealand (Day Game)

Delhi

7 October – South Africa vs Qualifier 2

11 October – India vs Afghanistan

15 October – England vs Afghanistan

25 October – Australia vs Qualifier 1

6 November – Bangladesh vs Qualifier 2

Chennai

8 October – India vs Australia

14 October – New Zealand vs Bangladesh (Day Game)

18 October – New Zealand vs Afghanistan

23 October – Pakistan vs Afghanistan

27 October – Pakistan vs South Africa

Lucknow

13 October – Australia vs South Africa

17 October – Australia vs Qualifier 2

21 October – Qualifier 1 vs Qualifier 2 (Day Game)

29 October – India vs England

3 November – Qualifier 1 vs Afghanistan

Pune

19 October – India vs Bangladesh

30 October – Afghanistan vs Qualifier 2

1 November – New Zealand vs South Africa

8 November – England vs Qualifier 1

12 November – Australia vs Bangladesh (Day Game)

Bengaluru

20 October – Australia vs Pakistan

26 October – England vs Qualifier 2

4 November – New Zealand vs Pakistan (Day Game)

9 November – New Zealand vs Qualifier 2

11 November – India vs Qualifier 1

Mumbai

21 October – England vs South Africa

24 October – South Africa vs Bangladesh

2 November – India vs Qualifier 2

7 November – Australia vs Afghanistan

15 November – Semifinal 1

Kolkata

28 October – Qualifier 1 vs Bangladesh

31 October – Pakistan vs Bangladesh

5 November – India vs South Africa

12 November – England vs Pakistan

16 November – Semifinal 2

Please note:

•    If the West Indies qualify, they will be Q1 irrespective of where they finish in the Qualifiers

•    If Sri Lanka qualify, they will be Q2 irrespective of where they finish in the Qualifiers

•    If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Kolkata

•    If India qualify for the semifinals, they will play in Mumbai unless playing against Pakistan, in which case they will play in Kolkata

Mumbai: The educational department of LaLiga, LaLiga Business School is an institute created & run by professionals from the sports & entertainment industry with a vision of nurturing talent within the sports business ecosystem. Learning from renowned sports executives, and former Spanish national players, the institute seeks to provide holistic development of its students through a series of industry engagements. Recently, Indian national, Bijit Sarkar, an MBA candidate from the sports and entertainment management program was placed by the institute at the renowned sports competition ‘The Ocean Race’.

Learning through practical knowledge, students have the opportunity of interacting with a distinguished line-up of guest speakers. Sharing valuable insights on the sports industry, esteemed personalities such as Oscar Mayo Pardo (Executive Director at LaLiga),yJavier Latorre Tudela (Director of Communications at Valencia CF), Javier Sobrino (Ex-Chief strategy & innovation officer at FC Barcelona), Maheta Molango(Former CEO of RCD Mallorca), Patricia Rodriguez, (Ex-Ceo of SD Éibar), Antonio Bolaños (Former MD of The Ocean Race) and Esteban Granero (former Real Madrid player), are some of the names and profiles that interact with candidates daily.

Catering to the theoretical knowledge as well as the holistic development of the students, Industry exposure forms a critical part of the development pathway and is significant in forming notable connections. During the tenure at the LaLiga Business School, each student participates in a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses modules in general management, marketing, technology, human resources, innovation, and more. These courses provide individuals with a well-rounded understanding of the intricacies of the sports and entertainment industry. Moreover, exchange programs that facilitate personal and professional growth also supplement the experience at the LaLiga Business School.

Bijit said, “My time at the LaLiga Business School provided me with invaluable experience and a solid foundation in the sports and entertainment industry. The combination of practical knowledge, theoretical expertise, and exposure to diverse industry perspectives was key to my development and becoming industry ready. I am thrilled to continue my journey as an alumnus of the institute and am grateful for the opportunity with The Ocean Race”.

Adding to the experience provided by the guest faculty & the program architecture, Bijit also studied alongside renowned athletes in the football industry, Including, former Spanish International, Juan Mata and Roberto Jiménez Gago, the former Atlético de Madrid shot-stopper.

Mumbai: Asserting their supremacy, the Indian League of Legends team produced dazzling displays in the Central and South Asia seeding event and recorded statement victories against Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to secure favourable seeding at the 19 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

All three games witnessed a stellar display of skill and teamwork from Team India captained by Akshaj Shenoy (Kai), and comprising Samarth Arvind Trivedi (CrankO), Mihir Ranjan (Lotus), Sanindhya Malik (Deadcorp), Aakash Shandilya (Infi), and Aditya Selvaraj (Crow). The team started their campaign by convincingly defeating Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan by 2-0 on the opening day before triumphing over Kyrgyzstan with an identical scoreline in the Best of three fixtures.

Team India League of Legends captain Akshaj Shenoy, stated, “It feels amazing to have secured a favourable seeding for the Asian Games 2022 in such a dominating fashion. Each of the victories is a testament to the countless hours of practice and strategy planning it has taken for our team to reach this point. Our journey till now has been remarkable and we are fully prepared to face any challenge that comes our way. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to ESFI for providing us with this wonderful opportunity and we will make sure to leave no stone unturned in our quest to secure a podium finish at the Asian Games”.

Having made their way to the Asian Games by prevailing in the National Esports Championships (NESC) organised by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI), Team India has proved their mettle by consistently performing to the best of their abilities. With their resounding victories in the seeding fixtures against top teams from Asia, they have firmly established themselves as the team to watch out for in the highly anticipated tournament.

“Team India’s scintillating performances in the League of Legends seeding event is a sign of what is to come in Hangzhou. We are not only proud to witness their achievements but are also confident that they will make India proud on the international stage against the leading teams from Asia. Everyone at ESFI extends its complete support to the team as they gear up to bring laurels to the country at the Asian Games,” said Esports Federation of India & vice [resident of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF) director Lokesh Suji.

The Asian Games will feature 19 notable League of Legends teams from the continent that will battle it for glory at what will be Esports’ debut as an official medal event at the tournament. All matches till the final will be played in the best of three formats while the gold medal and bronze medal matches will be contested in the best-of-five formats.

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.

The seeding fixtures for the DOTA two team comprising skipper Darshan, Krish, Abhishek, Ketan, and Shubham will be conducted online on July 13 while Street Fighter V athletes Mayank Prajapati and Ayan Biswas will be travelling to Hangzhou, China for their respective seeding fixtures from 22-23 July.

The dates for the seeding matches of FIFA Online four athletes Charanjot Singh and Karman Singh Tikka will be announced soon by the AESF.

Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of ICC events, has again delivered historic viewership numbers for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final ‘23. As per BARC, 124 million viewers tuned in to watch the live broadcast of ICC WTC Final ‘23, the highest ever reach garnered for any test match and 32 per cent higher than the previous ICC WTC Final ’21 between India and New Zealand. The broadcaster has also clocked an impressive 14.4 billion minutes of watch time for live broadcast, surpassing the billion minutes garnered for the previous edition of ICC WTC Final and any other test match in history.

Star Sports spokesperson said, “We are proud to achieve yet another milestone for Cricket viewership with the ICC World Test Championship Final ’23. The overwhelming response from fans is a testament to our relentless efforts to enhance accessibility to Cricket and foster a deeper passion for the game. Star Sports’ exceptional marketing campaigns, unparalleled coverage standards, and ground-breaking programming exemplify our unwavering mission to serve sports fans across the country. This record reaffirms our conviction in the growth potential of sports and marquee sporting properties on TV.”

The historic viewership numbers for ICC WTC Final ’23 follow an astounding year of live broadcasts for Star Sports Network, which have broken viewership records across formats and tournaments. Over the past year, the broadcaster has consistently delivered record-breaking viewership in cricket with Asia Cup 2022 viewership increasing by 16 per cent from the previous edition and registering the most watched India v Pakistan match outside World Cups, India’s bilateral ODIs versus Australia and South Africa rating 30-40 per cent higher and the Border-Gavaskar trophy between India and Australia also turning in impressive viewing figures. Additionally, the broadcaster also etched its name in history by delivering the biggest IPL ever on television, making it the first edition of the premier T20 tournament to register over half a billion viewers.

With an action-packed India cricket calendar, including Asia Cup 2023, ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 and India tour of South Africa, Star Sports is looking forward to galvanising Cricket fans and delivering historic audience aggregation on Television.

Source:

*ALL BARC DATA FOR LIVE BROADCAST (2+U+R)

**ALL BARC DATA FOR M15+ AB U

Mumbai: upGrad Mumba Masters, owned by a leading sports business group U Mumba, has named Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development company upGrad as its title partner for the inaugural Global Chess League (GCL), presented by Tech Mahindra and FIDE.  

Having established its prominence as a premier Pro Kabaddi and Ultimate Table Tennis team in India, U Mumba has further expanded its footprint in the sporting canvas on the global stage by fielding a world-class unit of chess grandmasters in the first edition of the GCL. In a strategic move, the sports company has joined hands with the India-HQ skilling giant upGrad to further scale its expansion.

“We are thrilled to have upGrad onboard as our title partner of our Mumba Masters. This partnership marks an important milestone for U Mumba as we venture into the international chess arena and upGrad’s vision of empowering individuals aligns perfectly with our vision of nurturing talent and promoting sport at the highest level. This association will allow us to engage with the youth and create opportunities for talented individuals to shine in the world of chess. The team is looking forward to a long, dynamic partnership and taking the GCL by storm,” said U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok.

As part of the first-year franchisee deal, the team logo will be carried on the tournament jersey and shall be worn by the six powerful players including Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli (Superstar Women), Alexander Grischuk and Vidit Gujrathi (Superstar Men), Javokhir Sindarov (Prodigy) and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Icon).

Known for previously partnering with Star Sports for a high-impact cricketing tournament WTC 2021, the latest partnership strengthens upGrad’s foray into the sports segment to further expand and scale the brand’s presence across the global strata. Commenting on the development, upGrad co-founder and MD Mayank Kumar said, “Chess is more than just a game; it embodies discipline, resilience, and perseverance; something that upGrad continues to foster amongst its every single learner. It is because of our seriousness, that we have continued to outlast with an outcome-oriented pedagogy and robust business model. And as this partnership progresses, we will continue to inspire individuals to remain committed to their passion that drives them to do better every day. We have built a very strong brand name in upGrad that resonates with the learning needs of the global workforce, and therefore, took a conscious call to represent a sport that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving while also driving innovative mindsets amongst millions.”

Riding high on its YoY success and growth, upGrad, as a part of this association aims to further elevate India’s stature as a responsible nation on the world stage. “We take this as our calling to transcend from a trusted Lifelong Learning partner to a trusted household name,” he added.

GCL tournaments are scheduled to take place through the next ten days starting today in Dubai (UAE) with upGrad Mumba Masters taking on as an opener against Triveni Continental Kings.

Mumbai: Part of the journey of the fastest format in cricket, T10’s next destination is Zimbabwe, at the Zim Afro T10, which will get underway on 20 July, with a grand final scheduled for 29 July, with all the games being played in Harare.  

Joining this special journey is one of India’s most loved Bollywood actors, Sanjay Dutt, in the capacity of co-owner of the Harare Hurricanes. Dutt will co-own the franchise with Aries Group of Companies founder, chairman, and CEO Sohan Roy. This will be the partnership’s first activity in the sport of cricket.  

The Zim Afro T10 represents franchise cricket’s first foray in Zimbabwe and the tournament will have five privately owned teams battling it out for the top prize. The other four teams will be Durban Qalandars, CapeTown Samp Army, Bulawayo Braves and the Joburg Lions.  

The players’ draft is slated to take place on 2 July at a grand ceremony in Harare.   

Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni said, “To see some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry throw their weight behind the Zim Afro T10 gives me immense pleasure, and tells me that the tournament is being well received. Now, all that is left is that the Harare Hurricanes put in a brilliant showing in the tournament next month.”  

“Cricket is like a religion in India, and as one of the biggest nations in the sport, I feel it is our duty to take the game to every corner of the world. Zimbabwe has a rich history in the sport and to associate with that and help fans have a great time is something that truly gives me joy. I am looking forward to the Harare Hurricanes doing really well at the Zim Afro T10,” Harare Hurricanes co-owner Sanjay Dutt said.  

“I am delighted to work with Sanjay Dutt as we make our team the Harare Hurricanes at the Zim Afro T10. It is the most entertaining and enterprising format in the sport and this association is a chance to realise a childhood dream. May the best team win at the Zim Afro T10,” Roy said.  

T Ten Global Sports founder and chairman Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk said, “Sohan Roy and Sanjay Dutt coming together is a dream partnership for me, and I am extremely happy that they have chosen the Zim Afro T10 to begin their cricketing journey. Both, Sohan and Sanjay, are very dynamic and great leaders, and I am sure that their team, Harare Hurricanes, will display those characteristics at the Zim Afro T10.”

Mumbai: Loco, the world’s leading independent esports and live streaming platform, today announced its partnership with Upthrust Esports for the ‘Challengers Showdown’. This collaboration aims to empower gamers of all backgrounds and promote inclusivity within the Indian esports community.

Set to captivate gaming enthusiasts from 20 June to 2 July, the Upthrust Esports Challengers Showdown, powered by Loco, will feature a prize pool of Rs 10,00,000. The teams participating in the 1000 open slots, will battle it out to occupy the four spots for qualifying teams in the semi-finals. Additionally, featuring 20 invited teams in the semi-finals, the ‘Challengers Showdown’ guarantees an awe-inspiring display of talent, strategy, and passion. This 10-day tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of the finest gaming talent, offering an unparalleled experience for participants and viewers alike.

What truly sets this event apart is Loco’s unwavering commitment to equal opportunities for players of all skill levels. With a remarkable 1000 open slots available, this tournament is a testament to Loco’s mission of empowering gamers everywhere. Whether you’re an aspiring newcomer or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to shine on the grand stage.

Loco users will be immersed in a truly unrivaled entertainment experience, enabling them to stream the event in real-time without any lag. Every heart-pounding moment of the ‘Challengers Showdown’ will be brought to life.

“We are excited to host the Challengers Showdown on Loco,” said Loco founder Ashwin Suresh. “Our platform is dedicated to leveling the playing field and giving gamers, regardless of their background, an opportunity to showcase their skills. With Loco, the exhilaration of esports becomes an immersive and inclusive experience.”

Commenting on the partnership, Upthrust Esports founder Kartik Sabherwal said, “We are thrilled to announce Loco as our powered by and streaming partner for this event. Upthrust and Loco have had a long-standing association over the years. This time our collaboration aims to bring unparalleled esports action not just for BGMI but for the whole gaming community, combining the expertise of both Upthrust and Loco to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience. We both will be working for the growth of esports in India together, collectively.”

Which underdog team will rise to the occasion? To catch all the action unfold at the Esports Challengers Showdown, visit Upthrust’s live channel on Loco.

Mumbai: LaLiga has launched its first ever official online shop with Fanatics, a digital sports platform and global leader in licensed sports merchandise, as part of a wide-ranging omnichannel retail and manufacturing partnership.

The Official LaLigaStore will be launched globally this summer, ahead of the start of the new season. Fans will be able to find a wide selection of officially licensed shirts, training gear and accessories from LaLiga, as well as from many of the league’s leading teams. The offer will be expanded over time to include clubs from both LaLiga divisions, marking the largest assortment of LaLiga fan merchandise ever assembled.

In addition, Fanatics will become a master licensee for LaLiga consumer products, leveraging its global infrastructure and in-house manufacturing capabilities to create and distribute a range of premium, fashion-forward clothing range for the store’s launch.

The long-term deal marks Fanatics’ first league-wide partnership in European football, bringing the model used to great success by the major US Sports Leagues to fans of Spanish football across the world. The wide-ranging partnership encompasses e-commerce, licensing, product manufacturing and event retail, as well as the opportunity to open an official La Liga high street retail store.

The Official LaLigaStore has been built using Fanatics’ industry-leading Cloud Commerce Platform (CCP), which is used and trusted by more than 900 of the most recognised and successful sporting organisations in the world, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, The FA, UEFA, French Football Federation (FFF), NFL, NBA, NHL and Formula One.

LaLiga executive director Óscar Mayo said, “This partnership with Fanatics will bring us even closer to the millions of fans that LaLiga has around the world and allows us to continue to expand our business ecosystem, taking the fan experience to the next level.”

Fanatics senior VP – international business affairs and development Matthew Primack said, “This launch marks a major milestone for Fanatics with LaLiga becoming our first European football league partnership. We are confident that what we will be offering fans, alongside LaLiga, will break new ground by bringing existing fans to the home of the league and global fans to an official collective destination.

“Our extensive experience as the official retail and merchandising partner to the major US sports leagues, and many of the world’s leading club and international football teams, made this the natural next step in our continued journey to better serve sport and build a leading global digital sports platform.”