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Tag: FanCode

  • FanCode crowned India’s numero uno sports app, ranks ninth globally

    FanCode crowned India’s numero uno sports app, ranks ninth globally

    MUMBAI: FanCode has officially made history.

    Crowned India’s most-downloaded sports app and ranked ninth globally, it continues to redefine how fans experience sports, as per the Sensor Tower State of Mobile 2025 report.

    By the numbers:

    . Third among all sports apps in India for total downloads in 2024.

    .  Number one in Asia-Pacific for in-app purchase growth – premium sports content is booming!

    .  Eight in Asia-Pacific for monthly active users, proving FanCode keeps fans engaged.

    Built by fans, for fans, FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco shared on LinkedIn, “Five years ago, we set out to change the way Indian sports fans engage with their favourite games. Seeing FanCode become a daily habit for millions is amazing. And trust me, we’re just getting started!”

    Co-founder Prasana Krishnan added, “Being recognised as India’s top sports entertainment app and ranking among the top sports apps globally is a testament to the passion of our users and the dedication of our team. In just over five years, we’ve come a long way to deliver a world-class sports experience.  And there’s lots more to come.”

    FanCode ensures fans never miss a match. 

  • BSNL dials up entertainment with BiTV launch across India

    BSNL dials up entertainment with BiTV launch across India

    MUMBAI- BSNL isn’t just about dial tones and broadband anymore, it’s now in the business of binge-watching! The state-run telecom giant has teamed up with OTTplay to roll out BiTV, a next-gen internet TV service offering 450+ live channels, including premium content, alongside exclusive shows from Bhaktiflix, Kanccha Lannka, Stage, Shortfundly, Om TV, Playflix, Fancode, Hubhopper, Distro, and Runn TV.

    After a successful pilot in Pudicherry, BSNL – India’s public sector telco which has been making waves by snaring wireless (32.68 million) and wired line broadband (4.24 million)  subscribers to touch 36.92 million broadbad subscribers – has taken the plunge into pan-India streaming, betting big on its expansive telecom network to deliver seamless, high-quality entertainment straight to users’ smartphones.  The PSU also has close to 90 million wired and wireless telephony subscribers. 

    But in a market flooded with OTT services, can BSNL’s BiTV truly dial up a new era in digital entertainment, or will it be just another signal lost in the noise?

    For mobile users of BSNL, getting on BiTV is the simplest thing:
    * Visit fms.bsnl.in/iptvreg
    * Choose their state, input registered mobile number and get OTP authentication
    * Get the OTTplay app through SMS link or download directly from the App Store/Google Play Store
    * Login with the registered number and stream away!

    BSNL FTTH users aren’t  being left behind either. BiTV can be accessed through BSNL Wi-Fi hotspots and FTTH home connections so that users do not have data woes while high-speed streaming is ensured. Non-BSNL users can join the party as well by paying through UPI to access the high-speed Wi-Fi network of BSNL.

    BSNL, says  in reality, it  is trying to build through digital transformation, whereas private telecom giants and OTT disruptors create more competition. 

    BSNL, chairman & managing director Robert J Ravi at the BiTV launch called it a “game-changing moment, making the company not just a provider of telecom services but enabler of a digital lifestyle. The simplicity of our interface ensures that even the least tech-savvy users can navigate BiTV with ease. This is the first of many efforts to make premium entertainment accessible to our customers, even in areas with limited digital reach,” said Ravi.

    The enthusiasm was echoed by OTTPLAY CEO  & co-founder AvinashMudaliar who goes thus: “It was a lightning-fast execution of the partnership from discussion on 21 December 2024 to a full-scale national rollout on 30 January 2025. That is practically warp-speed launch in the world of public-sector projects!”

    BSNL aims to stream into the future without breaking the bank, BSNL’s secret weapon? Affordability.

    While others charge premium for their premium content, BSNL is gifting BiTV free of charge to its customers. It can be streamed in high definition with low data usage through intranet and the navigation is simple and user-friendly.

    And the best part? There’s more to come. Mudaliar hinted at an exciting IPL-related announcement in the pipeline, which might turn BiTV into a go-to platform for sports lovers.

    Competition is tough with JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar, and Netflix, and  BSNL has its work cut out. But it isn’t just relying on content—it’s leveraging its nationwide network, low-cost model, and accessibility-first approach to break into India’s OTT space.

    The big question is:  can BSNL sustain the momentum, or will this be another case of a promising public-sector project losing steam? 

    For now, the company is holding its ground, streaming strong, and promising more surprises ahead. BSNL is no longer just connecting calls; it is now connecting entertainment too. 

    Wait and watch; the next quarter’s user adoption numbers will show whether BiTV is a blockbuster hit or background noise in India’s OTT revolution!

  • FanCode serves an ace with exclusive World Pickleball League streaming rights

    FanCode serves an ace with exclusive World Pickleball League streaming rights

    MUMBAI: In a world where sports like pickleball—once considered a backyard pastime for paddle-wielding dreamers—are now commanding global attention, India’s FanCode has picked up the ball and sprinted to the net.

    The country’s digital sports platform is set to exclusively stream the inaugural season of the World Pickleball League (WPL), giving pickleball enthusiasts a courtside view like never before.

    With pickleball fever gripping India faster than a smash serve, FanCode’s bold move proves one thing: unique sports deserve their time in the spotlight, and they’ve got just the platform to deliver the action. Game on!

    The debut league will unfold from 24 January to 2 February at the iconic CCI Mumbai, showcasing top-tier players from around the globe.

    For those unfamiliar, pickleball is an addictive mashup of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s fast-paced, dynamic, and perfect for those who’ve ever wondered, “why choose one sport when you can have them all?”

    Let’s face it—pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a vibe. With its global popularity soaring, India is catching on to the fever, and WPL is here to fuel that growth. The league promises thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and an unforgettable viewing experience.

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco shared his enthusiasm, “Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, with an increasing number of enthusiasts embracing the sport. The World Pickleball League is set to captivate fans, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them to bring the excitement of pickleball to sports fans nationwide.”

    Hold on to your paddles, because WPL is not just about gameplay—it’s got a healthy dose of celebrity glamour:

    ●   Chennai Super Champs: Owned by none other than actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu

    ●   Bengaluru Jawans: Co-owned by director Atlee and his wife Priya Atlee

    ●   Pune United: A power duo with Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, backed by corporate moguls

    ●   Team Mumbai: Owned by Swiggy, because why not mix sports with snacks?

    With this star-studded lineup, WPL is setting the stage for pickleball to become not just a sport but an entertainment extravaganza.

    As the exclusive streaming partner, FanCode will deliver live coverage and on-demand highlights of every match on its app and website. Expect a seamless, device-friendly experience that lets you catch the action whether you’re on the couch or sneaking a peek during work.

    WPL co-founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar remarked, “FanCode’s rapid rise as one of the favourite sporting destinations for fans across the country provides us with an excellent platform to live stream all the games from the World Pickleball League. We aim to make the sport a household name and are proud to collaborate with a team that shares our passion for the sport.”

    So, are you ready to rally for pickleball? Don’t miss the action-packed debut season on FanCode!

  • FanCode secures exclusive multiyear deal to stream PGA Tour events in India

    FanCode secures exclusive multiyear deal to stream PGA Tour events in India

    MUMBAI: Golf fans can swing their clubs in glees.  Sports streamer FanCode  has signed a deal with the  PGA Tour to broadcast a plethora of golf events in on its streaming service. This multi-year agreement solidifies FanCode’s position as the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts in India.

    Said FanCode co-founder  Yannick Colaco “We are thrilled to partner with the PGA Tour  to bring Indian fans closer to the world of golf. This deal reinforces FanCode’s commitment to offering a diverse range of sports content to our audience. Golf fans in India can now enjoy premium access to the sport’s most iconic tournaments and top players, all at their fingertips.”

    PGA Tour  senior vice-president international media Thierry Pascal added: “We have found a perfect partner in FanCode with India being an important market for golf that features a growing community of passionate fans. Through this collaboration, we are excited to showcase PGA Tout  players and events to Indian fans, offering them high-quality golfing action year-round. We look forward to working closely with FanCode to further grow the sport’s popularity across the country.”

    Key Highlights:
    *   Over 40 events will be streamed annually, providing fans with unparalleled access to the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments.
    *   FanCode has already streamed three marquee events from the PGA Tour: the Hero World Challenge, the Grant Thornton Invitational, and the PNC Championship.
    *   The PGA Tour features an impressive lineup of golfers, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and rising star Akshay Bhatia.
    *   The partnership aims to bring Indian fans closer to the world of golf and showcase high-quality golfing action year-round.

    Availability:
    *   Fans can catch all the live action on FanCode’s mobile app (Android and iOS), TV app (available on Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Jio STB, Samsung TV, OTT Play, and Airtel XStream), Amazon Prime Video Channels, and on the web at www.fancode.com. In addition to the PGA Tour,  FanCode offers fans the DP World Tour;

  • Vi Movies & TV adds Lionsgate Play

    Vi Movies & TV adds Lionsgate Play

    MUMBAI: There was a gap in the entertainment offerings that mobile telco Vi was giving to its subscribers under its Movies & TV section: that of certain Hollywood titles.

    Now that gap has been filled with its partnership with Lionsgate Play to make its slate of films like John Wick, The Hunger Games, and Saw, alongside standout titles such as Past Lives, Tokyo Vice, Paris Has Fallen, Normal People, Operation Fortune, Plane, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, The Iron Claw, The Beekeeper, Arcadian, and more available to subscribers, apart from award shows like the Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, and BAFTA Awards,.

    The Vi movies and TV section  has a wide selection of content, ranging from Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLiv, Zee5 to Fancode for sports as well as regional content from Sun Nxt ManoramaMax, Nammaflix, Klikk and Chaupal. It also offers 300+ Live TV Channels including 30+ live news channels.

  • FanCode launches FIFA+ Zone and FAST channel to delight Indian fans

    FanCode launches FIFA+ Zone and FAST channel to delight Indian fans

    MUMBAI: No more frantic googling or last-minute scrambles for the remote—FanCode is here to kick off your football dreams.

    Whether it’s the roar of the crowd, the magic of iconic FIFA goals, or behind-the-scenes stories of champions, India’s premier sports streaming platform is putting the world’s most beautiful game at your fingertips. With the launch of the FIFA+ Zone and a new FAST channel, FanCode promises to transform living rooms into stadiums, bringing fans exclusive interviews, jaw-dropping documentaries, and timeless match moments from FIFA tournaments, including the electrifying FIFA World Cups.

    It’s game time, and the only decision left for fans is which beer to crack open as their favorite team smashes victory home.

    With the football fanbase in India surpassing 305 million, this launch aims to bridge the gap between growing fandom and premium football content. FanCode’s 24/7 FIFA+ Zone will immerse fans in engaging non-live football programming, making it accessible for free on the FanCode app (iOS and Android).

    The FIFA+ Zone will showcase content tailored for Indian fans, including:

    . FIFA+ Originals: Exclusive documentaries, behind-the-scenes stories, and interviews featuring the biggest names in global football.

    . Archival Matches: Classic encounters from FIFA World Cups, significant tournaments, and top women’s matches.

    . New Content: Fresh programming will continue to roll out through 2025 and beyond.

    FanCode co-founder, Prasana Krishnan expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, “This collaboration with FIFA+ will give Indian fans access to best-in-class non-live football programming. The passion for the game has grown substantially in the last few years with more than 305 million football fans in the country, but the content served to them hasn’t kept pace with the fandom. With some of the top leagues and players already on FanCode, this addition will further strengthen our football offerings.”

    FIFA+ Zone will complement FanCode’s robust football lineup, which already features Real Madrid TV – the 24/7 channel of European champions Real Madrid – alongside key events such as the Carabao Cup, Copa del Rey, AFCON, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    This partnership underscores FanCode’s commitment to delivering a world-class football experience, blending historic matches, exclusive storytelling, and contemporary content for fans across the country.

  • FanCode to stream inter-school sports from Mumbai

    FanCode to stream inter-school sports from Mumbai

    MUMBAI:  This has been some time in the works.  College and high school sports are massive  money spinners for all in the US.  Indian platforms too are getting in on this future growth opportunity. 

    Take streamer  FanCode; it has  obtained  the media rights to broadcast some of the marquee events organised by the Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) across multiple sports.

    Earlier,  the Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) and MSSA had inked a partnership which aims to improve young sports by developing grassroots talent.

    The coverage begins with the under-16 cricket championship for the  Harris Shield which is being streamed on FanCode for the second year in succession. Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English School and Modern English School ,Chembur are facing  off in this year’s final between December 16-18 at Brabourne Stadium. The Harris Shield has seen the emergence of greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, Yashasvi Jaishwal, among many others. It is being  accompanied by the coverage of the championship battle for the under-14 Giles shield .

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco said that the decision to telecast the Harris Shield last year was a landmark one for amateur sports. “We are delighted to continue providing a platform to the next generation of superstars and extending this to sports beyond cricket, with athletics, hockey, football and other events that MSSA will organise. This is also in line with our larger goal of nurturing a sporting culture, by offering a platform for families and friends to come together and show their support for the athletes,” he added.

    Among the other events that are to be streamed include: the inter-school athletic meet, Inter-school Hockey Tournament finals  for The Aga Khan Hockey Cup, and Inter-school Football Tournament.  

    Sports lovers can  watch the tournament via FanCode’s mobile app, TV app for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Jio STB, Samsung TV, Airtel XStream, OTT Play, Prime Video, WatchO, and the FanCode website.

  • Hong Kong Cricket Sixes returns after seven years

    Hong Kong Cricket Sixes returns after seven years

    Mumbai: The highly anticipated Hong Kong Cricket Sixes returns from 1 to 3 November, promising thrilling matches at the Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground with 12 teams competing in six-a-side games.

    Spectators will enjoy a unique experience with exciting performances, great music, and delicious food. The teams are divided into four pools of three, with India, led by Robin Uthappa, in Pool C alongside Pakistan and the UAE. Hosts Hong Kong face South Africa and New Zealand in Pool A, while Pool B includes Australia, England, and Nepal. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Oman compete in Pool D.

    The tournament will kick off with the first match between South Africa and Hong Kong, and the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash will also occur on the opening day. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarter-finals, with the winners moving to the semi-finals. Losing quarter-finalists will compete in the Plate semi-finals, and the bottom team in each pool will participate in the Bowl Competition. A total of 29 matches will take place over three days.

    A Women’s Exhibition Match is scheduled for the final day to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

    Tune in to Star Sports and Fancode to catch all the matches of the Hong Kong Sixes 2024, starting at 8:15 am (Hong Kong Time) and 5:45 am (IST).

  • FanCode secures rights to revamped Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes

    FanCode secures rights to revamped Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes

    Mumbai: FanCode, a sports destination, will be the streaming the upcoming Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes. Cricket’s most exciting format is set to return after a seven-year hiatus and will see top teams battle it out in Hong Kong from 1 November to 3 November at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.

    The Super Sixes has been a marquee event in the global cricket calendar from 1992 to 2017, with likes of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Shane Warne, Sanath Jayasuriya, Glen Maxwell amongst those who have featured in it in the past.

    This year will see 12 teams competing and they have been divided in four groups of 3 each. India and Pakistan have been placed in Group C, with the UAE. South Africa, New Zealand and Hong Kong make up Group A; Australia, England and Nepal will be in Group B while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Oman will be in Group D. The top two teams from each group will compete in the quarterfinals. A total of 29 matches will take place over three days.

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco said, “Hong Kong Super Sixes has always been a fan favorite, showcasing some of cricket’s biggest names. After seven years, its return is highly anticipated, and with FanCode’s broad reach across mobile, web, and TV, we’re thrilled to bring this exciting format to millions of fans in India.”

    Cricket Hong Kong chairperson Burji Shroff, said “We are thrilled to have FanCode as the exclusive streaming partner for the Hong Kong Sixes. Partnering with like-minded brands is key to achieving our vision of making the Hong Kong Sixes a global sporting property, and FanCode’s expertise in delivering exceptional streaming and fan experiences sets them apart.”

    Squads announced so far

    India: Robin Uthappa, Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Stuart Binny, Shreevats Goswami, Bharat Chipli, Shahbaz Nadeem.

    Pakistan: Faheem Ashraf (c), Muhammad Akhlaq, Asif Ali, Danish Aziz, Hussain Talat, Aamer Yamin, Shahab Khan

    South Africa: JJ Smuts (c), Matthew Boast, Evan Jones, Luthando Midiri, Don Radebe, Jacques Snyman, Aubrey Swanepoel

    Hong Kong: Nizakat Khan (c), Zeeshan Ali, Imran Arif, Ehsan Khan, Jason Lui, Sahal Malvernkar, Benny Singh Paras
    Australia: Dan Christian (c), Alex Ross, Andrew Fekete, Fawad Ahmed, Jack Wood, James Pattinson, Sam Heazlett
    New Zealand: Todd Astle, Harmeet Singh, Henry Mcintyre, Raunaq Kapur, Sam Cassidy, Siddesh Dixit, Xavier Bell

    Select playing conditions and format

    Team consists of seven players with six to be nominated to take the field.
    Each innings will consist of six overs, and one bowler can bowl a maximum of 2 overs but not consecutively. Four members can bowl one over each. The wicketkeeper will not be bowling.

    A batter must retire ‘not out’ on reaching a personal score of 50 runs but may not retire before reaching 50 runs. The batter may complete all runs possible off the stroke that takes him to 50 and the full score shall count. If one of the last pair of batter is out, any retired ‘not out’ batter may resume his innings.

    If more than one batter retires then they must return in the order in which they retired. Any batter having not returned in order will be automatically ‘retired out’.
    A penalty of 4 runs shall be awarded by the umpire if an incoming batter does not cross with the outgoing batter on the field of play.

    If five wickets fall (not including batter retiring not out under Rule 6) before 6 overs are completed, the last remaining batter shall bat on with the 5th out batter acting only as a runner. The last remaining batter must always take strike. He shall be declared out if his partner is declared out (run out or obstructing the field). The innings shall be completed at the fall of the sixth wicket.

  • DD Sports, Fancode to broadcast two-match bilateral series between India and Germany

    DD Sports, Fancode to broadcast two-match bilateral series between India and Germany

    Mumbai: DD Sports, the key public sports broadcaster in the country, along with FanCode will broadcast the highly anticipated two-match bilateral hockey series between the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and the Germany Men’s Hockey Team, scheduled to take place on 23 and 24 October 2024 at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

    FanCode and DD Sports’ combined reach will mean that hockey action will be accessible to fans in every corner of the country, with interest around the game at an all-time high after India’s successful Olympic campaign where the men’s team finished with a bronze medal. Germany ended their campaign with a silver medal.

    Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey enthusiastically said, “We have had a fruitful partnership with FanCode through the Hockey India National Championships. They have played a vital role in making hockey more accessible to sports fans nationwide. With India vs. Germany Test Series set to be streamed on their platform alongside telecast on DD Sports, one of the largest sports channels in India, this partnership will provide a significant boost to our mission of reaching a wider audience.”

    Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added, “We are thrilled to associate with FanCode and DD Sports for the two-match bilateral series. We are confident that this will enhance the viewing experience for passionate hockey fans in India and contribute significantly to our larger vision of making the sport accessible and visible across India.”

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco said, “We are proud to extend our partnership with Hockey India with the bilateral series between India and Germany. The series showcases the best of international hockey, and we’re excited to bring the action to hockey enthusiasts in India.”

    As part of Hockey India’s vision to promote the sport across the country, this series marks the return of men’s international hockey to the national capital after a decade, with the last match played in January 2014 during the Hero Hockey World League Final – Men’s Round 4.

    Having successfully hosted the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier in Ranchi, Hockey India has expanded its efforts beyond Odisha to grow hockey’s presence in India. The organization is also gearing up to host the upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, Bihar, in November 2024.