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Tag: Kapil Dev

  • Mumbai Falcons race into cricket with SoBo franchise and Rs 82 crore play for India’s sporting future

    Mumbai Falcons race into cricket with SoBo franchise and Rs 82 crore play for India’s sporting future

    MUMBAI: They’ve dominated global circuits at 300 km/h.

    Now they’re padding up for the pitch.

    Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, known for flying India’s flag high in international motorsport, has switched gears with the launch of SoBo Mumbai Falcons, their new T20 franchise under the Mumbai Cricket Association’s T20 Mumbai League.

    Announced in Mumbai on 3 June, the Rs 82 crore franchise unveiling wasn’t just about the new jersey or the team anthem. It marked a bold crossover between two of India’s biggest sporting passions—cricket and racing—with a shared focus on science, data, and talent development.

    The occasion also saw the debut of ‘Agla Star – One in a Billion Hunt’, a national athlete development programme targeting India’s next sporting icons—not just in cricket but across disciplines. Lending gravitas to the vision, Kapil Dev has joined the SoBo Mumbai Falcons in an advisory and ambassadorial capacity.

    “We’re not here to be just another cricket team. We’re here to build something deeper, something more future-focused. The same dedication that built champions in racing is now being brought into cricket”, said the Mumbai Falcons leadership.

    Founded in 2019, Mumbai Falcons became the first Indian team to win an FIA-accredited international racing championship. Their focus on performance science has shaped careers of motorsport prodigies like Kimi Antonelli, Arthur Leclerc, and Oliver Bearman. In 2024, they clinched the Formula Regional Middle East title and secured second place in Formula 4 middle east.

    Now, the Falcons are extending that high-performance blueprint to the cricketing crease. The SoBo Mumbai Falcons will blend the instincts of gully cricket with a precision-led, data-first culture usually reserved for pit lanes.

    The initiative signals a new chapter in Indian sports—where cricket isn’t just about sixes and sledges, but also systems and strategy. From anthem to academy, the SoBo Falcons promise to be more than a team; they aim to become an institution for sporting excellence.

  • Kapil Dev joins SOGF Grandmasters Series as north and east zone ambassador for mind sport glory

    Kapil Dev joins SOGF Grandmasters Series as north and east zone ambassador for mind sport glory

    MUMBAI: Kapil Dev is back—this time not swinging a bat but cheering on the country’s sharpest minds as they outwit, outplay and outmanoeuvre their way through the SOGF Grandmasters Series. Yes, the man who lifted India’s first World Cup in 1983 now lends his legendary presence to a very different kind of game—one with knights, queens, and a whole lot of calculation.

    On 15 April 2025, the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) officially announced the cricketing icon as the brand ambassador for the north and east zone finals of its mind sports extravaganza. The much-anticipated finals are scheduled for 29-30 April at Gurugram’s Hyatt Regency, promising checkmates, rummy runs and intellectual hustle like never before.

    “Mind sports are witnessing an incredible surge worldwide, propelled by high-speed internet, digital platforms, and growing accessibility. I’m delighted to join hands with SOGF to champion this movement in India. Strategic thinking, mental agility, discipline, and problem-solving—these are the qualities mind sports nurture, much like cricket. These skills are essential for shaping individuals who can compete on a global stage, and I’m proud to support an initiative that enhances India’s presence in this arena,” said Kapil.

    The Grandmasters Series has already galloped through south and west zone finales in Bengaluru and Mumbai, now heading to Gurugram for its penultimate regional clash. But this isn’t just chessboard showboating—the event covers three categories: Indian Chess Masters (ICM), Indian Chess Masters for the Blind (ICMB), and Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG). With over 1,50,000 online registrations in previous rounds, the tournament has proven that strategy isn’t just alive in India—it’s thriving.

    Kapil isn’t the only legend endorsing this mental marathon.

    Chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy, already the brand ambassador for the entire series, continues to wave the banner for brain-powered brilliance. “Being part of the SOGF series, including my presence at the Mumbai event, has been a rewarding experience. I truly believe in its potential to unearth and nurture India’s mind sports talent. I look forward to witnessing its growth and impact, confident that it will become a significant milestone on the Indian sports calendar, attracting top players from around the world,” she said.

    Her presence, paired with Kapil’s iconic credibility, gives SOGF a promotional double-whammy. According to president Shankar Aggarwal, “Having Kapil Dev as our brand ambassador for the north and east zone finals is a game-changer. His towering legacy in sports and his ability to inspire generations align perfectly with our vision.”

    Let’s talk numbers:

    . The IRG category saw 78,000 online warriors, 150 of whom made it to the finals.

    .  The ICM whittled down 3,500 registered players to just 32 finalists—16 men, 16 women.

    .  And in the most inclusive move of the series, the ICMB partnered with the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) to handpick 16 talented minds across the country.

    If you thought this was just another low-stakes game night, think again. Past zonal winners walked away with the Major Dhyan Chand Scholarship and a slice of the Rs 60 lakh prize pie. And yes, the final zone event is “phygital”—a snazzy blend of physical gameplay and digital platforms, ensuring both scale and spectacle.

    Finalists in Gurugram will compete not just for regional bragging rights but for a golden ticket to the SOGF Grandmasters National Finals in New Delhi. That’s where the ultimate chess titans and card sharks will battle for national titles and global visibility—backed by alliances with the International Esports Federation (IESF), International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), and the Global Esports Federation (GEF).

    Brains, strategy, glory—and now, Kapil Dev. Your move.

  • HSBC Golf League swings into Pune, Kapil Dev tees off a luxury finale

    HSBC Golf League swings into Pune, Kapil Dev tees off a luxury finale

    MUMBAI: HSBC India, in a collaboration with Thriwe, teed off the grand finale of its third golf league at Pune’s exclusive Oxford Golf Course, turning the greens into a playground for India’s high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) swingers.

    The event, a veritable who’s who of industry titans, was graced by none other than cricket legend Kapil Dev, who, in between ceremonial tee-offs, probably pondered the similarities between a well-timed cover drive and a perfect swing.

    Following regional rounds in Greater Noida, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, the Pune finale saw the crème de la crème of amateur golfers battling it out for a coveted prize: an all-expenses-paid jaunt to Singapore’s Tanjong Course, where they’ll rub shoulders with the pros at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Think opulent Hexagon Suites and enough golfing action to make even the most seasoned player giddy.

    HSBC India head international wealth and personal banking Sandeep Batra waxed lyrical about the event, stating, “HSBC’s global ambition is to bring golf to more people across the world. We’re focused on helping to expand the game to the next generation of players and build the sport across markets. This prestigious event, a testament to our commitment to excellence and sportsmanship, has not only brought together the finest amateur golfers across India but has also provided a platform for our esteemed clients to engage in the sport they love. At HSBC India, we are honored to facilitate such a grand celebration of talent and look forward to continuing to foster the growth of golf in India.”

    Thriwe  founder & CEO Dhruv Verma added, “With each year passing we see more and more participation and this year was no different. We will continue to build this golf league, with HSBC India, as a property/IP to further encompass more features and member privileges. At Thriwe, we are also excited on using AI and building the entire model ahead.”

    The event, powered by Thriwe’s tech prowess, wasn’t just about swinging clubs; it was a tech-infused golfing extravaganza. The HSBC golf league mobile app allowed participants to track scores, network, and snag exclusive perks, from free golf cart bookings to discounts on accessories.

    In essence, HSBC and Thriwe have turned golfing into a luxury experience, blending sport with tech and a dash of celebrity sparkle. It’s a hole-in-one for networking and a par-fect day out for India’s elite.

  • Golden Eagles Golf Championship returns for 8th edition in Gurgaon

    Golden Eagles Golf Championship returns for 8th edition in Gurgaon

    Mumbai: On 17 November 2024, the prestigious ‘Vishwa Samudra Golden Eagles Golf Championship’ will return for its 8th edition at the esteemed Classic Golf & Country Club in Gurgaon. This highly anticipated event, organized by the Vishwa Samudra Group, will bring together elite athletes, celebrities, and business leaders for a spectacular blend of sport, luxury, and entertainment.

    Participants will compete for top prizes, including a ‘BMW XM’ for a Hole-in-One and a ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’ for the overall champion. Other exciting rewards, such as iPhones, PXG irons, and exclusive gift vouchers, add to the event’s allure.

    Expressing his enthusiasm, Vishwa Samudra Group chairman, Chinta Sasidhar stated, “The Vishwa Samudra Golden Eagles Championship is not just a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of excellence and a gathering of visionaries. We are thrilled to see it grow year after year, bringing together sports icons, industry leaders, and enthusiasts who share a passion for the game. This year’s edition will undoubtedly be our most spectacular yet, and we look forward to creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.”

    The event’s theme—’Golf, Glamour, Glory’—is set to elevate the championship with professional and celebrity golfers, including Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, and golf pros Neha Tripathi and Ridhima Dhilawari. Adding an international flair, Swedish pro Camila Lennarth will join, enhancing the competitive spirit of this premier event.

    Evening festivities will feature live performances, highlighted by a show-stopping act from India’s rap sensation Badshah during the award ceremony. Signature entertainment and world-class acts will ensure an unforgettable night for attendees.

    Event Details:

    – Date: November 17, 2024

    – Venue: Classic Golf & Country Club, Gurgaon

    – Entertainment and Awards Ceremony: 7:30 PM Onwards

  • Salesforce’s first edition of the Great India Sales & Marketing Summit

    Salesforce’s first edition of the Great India Sales & Marketing Summit

    Mumbai: Salesforce India organized the first edition of the Great India Sales & Marketing Summit on 24 May 2024. This virtual gathering empowered attendees with invaluable insights into cutting-edge technologies such as AI and their profound impact on sales and marketing functions. Event saw over 10,000 participants.

    The event highlighted the importance of digital transformation and the role of AI in achieving organizational success and customer-centricity.

    Salesforce India chairperson & CEO Arundhati Bhattacharya kicked off the session by expressing gratitude to the salesblazers and highlighted how sales and marketing drive organizational growth by engaging customers more meaningfully. Emphasizing the need for vibrant sales and marketing teams to foster innovation, she stressed that digital transformation is the key driver towards India becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world. She also discussed how technology, coupled with the AI revolution, is a significant enabler for sales and marketing teams in achieving success.

    At the Summit, several sessions explored the power of AI in sales, marketing, and customer service. Salesforce experts showcased how Salesforce uses its own AI products to achieve success.

    Kapil Dev: Setting goals and achieving them together

    Kapil Dev, former cricketer and captain of the World Cup-winning Indian team, shared leadership insights.

    He emphasized the importance of leading from the front, focusing on the process of winning, and recognizing the unique roles of each team member.

    He discussed how business leaders can apply these principles to align their teams with business goals.

    Ankur Warikoo: Marketing on a mission: maximize your impact, minimize your spend

    Ankur Warikoo, a teacher, content creator, and author, shared his expertise on cost-effective marketing strategies.

    He offered practical tips for frugal marketing, drawing parallels from successful brands and presenting a five-step approach.

    Warikoo highlighted the importance of maximizing impact while minimizing marketing expenditure.

    Srikanth Bolla: From hurdles to high performance: scaling your business with a winning mindset

    Bollant Industries CEO Srikanth Bolla, shared his inspirational journey from being a differently-abled student in a remote village to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

    He discussed how staying focused and true to his roots contributed to his professional achievements.

    Srikanth emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

    Session highlights:

    How Salesforce uses Salesforce

    Speaker: Salesforce India Sr director & head of marketing Nipun Sharma

    Nipun Sharma offered insights into how Salesforce uses AI tools like Data Cloud and Einstein 1 to drive growth and align sales and marketing.

    Start with data, move forward with Tableau

    Speaker: Tableau India country head & regional VP Romil Agarwal

    Romil Agarwal discussed data-backed decision-making and the potential of generative AI with Tableau.

    Mulesoft: Connect, automate & scale AI-powered experiences

    Speaker: Mulesoft India head of sales Nehal Mehta

    Nehal Mehta explained how Mulesoft integrates data, systems, and AI models for seamless automation.

    AI masterclass

    Speaker: Dr. Dakshinamurthy V Kolluru

    Dr. Kolluru provided a deep dive into AI implementation, showcasing specific use cases and offering an upGrad certification in AI.

    LinkedIn + Salesforce: A winning combination

    Speakers: LinkedIn group head, B2B product marketing Alyce Erikson; LinkedIn senior director, product management Ajay Datta

    They showcased how Salesforce integrates with LinkedIn’s B2B solutions to engage audiences and generate leads.

    Accelerate growth with trusted AI

    Speaker: Salesforce head of solution engineering, SMB business Tanmaiy Chandanshive.

    Tanmaiy Chandanshive discussed how generative AI can drive productivity and customer-centricity.

    Fireside chat with Suraj Dodeja

    Speakers: Vashi Integrated Solutions CEO Suraj Dodeja

    Suraj Dodeja shared how Salesforce’s solutions enhanced their omnichannel efficiency and customer visibility.

    Drive customer experience and loyalty with data and AI

    Speaker: Salesforce director, solutions engineering Ritesh Chauhan

    Ritesh Chauhan discussed building customer experience and loyalty using AI and Data Cloud.

    Slack: The AI-powered platform for work

    Speaker: AVP & head of slack, service cloud, & platform Rahul Sharma

    Rahul Sharma demonstrated how Slack enhances team productivity through AI and workflow automation.

    Fireside chat with Satya Machiraju

    Speakers: Rahul Sharma; Whatfix VP, IT & information security Satya Machiraju

    Satya Machiraju shared how Whatfix leverages Slack for product analytics and process reengineering.

    Elevating customer experiences with AI-driven service

    Speaker: Salesforce director, product management, service cloud Abhisek Dash

    Abhisek Dash showcased how AI revolutionizes customer service through predictive analytics and intelligent case routing.

    DPDP Act 2023: Stay ahead and secure your data with Salesforce

    Speaker: Salesforce principal specialist SE, Amin Rehman

    Amin Rehman provided an overview of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and how Salesforce supports data security and privacy management.

  • Golf Foundation’s 15th fundraiser tournament concludes in Delhi

    Golf Foundation’s 15th fundraiser tournament concludes in Delhi

    Mumbai: The Golf Foundation (TGF) concluded its highly anticipated 15th Invitational Fundraiser Tournament at the Delhi Golf Club today, marking yet another successful event in its commitment to nurturing young golf talent from underprivileged backgrounds.

    The tournaments, held in support of TGF’s noble cause, witnessed an enthusiastic participation of golf enthusiasts who came together to contribute towards fostering promising golf talent across India.

    Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including the esteemed presence of  Kapil Dev, iconic former  1983 World Cup-winning Captain cricketer, Nandini Gupta, Miss India World 2023, Brijinder Singh, IGU president, and other noteworthy guests.

    Reflecting on the success of the event, Amit Luthra, Multiple-time National Golf Champion, Asian Games Gold Medallist, and Arjuna Awardee Golfer said, “I am truly thrilled to see the overwhelming support for our cause at this year’s Invitational Fundraiser Tournament. It’s heartening to witness the passion and commitment of everyone involved in supporting young golf talent from underprivileged backgrounds. With the help of sponsors, we managed to collect a whopping2.60 Cr”

    Talking about the event, Kapil Dev, Supporter, The Golf Foundation said, “Events like these showcase the power of sports in transforming lives and creating opportunities for the youth. The Golf Foundation’s dedication to supporting young golfers from underprivileged backgrounds is commendable, and I’m honoured to be a part of this noble initiative.”

  • The Golf Foundation concludes its fourteenth Invitational Fundraiser Tournament in Mumbai

    The Golf Foundation concludes its fourteenth Invitational Fundraiser Tournament in Mumbai

    Mumbai: The Golf Foundation (TGF) concluded its highly anticipated fourteenth Invitational Fundraiser Tournament at the prestigious Willingdon Sports Club in Mumbai marking yet another successful event in its commitment to nurturing young golf talent from underprivileged backgrounds.

    The tournaments, held in support of TGF’s noble cause, witnessed an enthusiastic participation of golf enthusiasts who came together to contribute towards fostering promising golf talent across India.

    Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including the esteemed presence of iconic former cricketer Kapil Dev, Miss Supranational India 2024 Sonal Kukreja and more noteworthy guests.

    Reflecting on the success of the event, multiple-time national golf champion, Asian Games gold medallist, and Arjuna awardee Golfer Amit Luthra reiterated TGF’s unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals through golf. “The Golf Foundation strongly believes in the transformative power of golf in the lives of young individuals. Reflecting on the success of the event, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all participants and supporters for their invaluable contribution to our cause. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for young golfers from underprivileged backgrounds.”,

    Talking about the event, The Golf Foundation supporter Kapil Dev said, “The commitment shown by The Golf Foundation towards nurturing golf talent is commendable. By providing opportunities and support to young golfers, they are not just shaping athletes but also inspiring future champions. I am proud to be associated with such a noble cause.”

  • BCCI reveals India vs Australia World Cup final details in Ahmedabad!

    BCCI reveals India vs Australia World Cup final details in Ahmedabad!

    Mumbai: BCCI has released a full list of events and celebrities that will grace the final between India and Australia in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 19 November. Prime minister Narendra Modi’s presence during the final, a grand air show by the Indian Air Force, two former World Cup-winning captains Kapil Dev and Mahendra Singh Dhoni watching from the stands with a bevy of who’s who from the world of entertainment and politics in attendance, the grandeur will be unmatched.

    The Suryakiran Indian Air Force airshow will take place after the toss at 1:30 pm IST. It is likely to be a 15-20 minute show. The preparations for the same were done with a successful demo on Thursday. During the first innings drinks break Coke Studio’s Gujarati singing sensation Aditya Gadhavi of ‘Gotilo’ fame will perform.

    The event would get grander during the innings break. Bollywood music composer Pritam, singers Jonita Gandhi, Nakash Aziz, Akasa Joshi, Tushar Joshi and Amit Mishra will entertain a 1.3 lakh crowd. 500 dancers from Mumbai are expected to gyrate to popular Bollywood numbers.

    Possibly for the visiting Australian team and also for the greater TV audience across the globe, it would be a taste of India’s soft power with cricket being a tool.

  • Cyrus Broacha’s apology to Kapil Dev and the launch of ‘Bluntly Streaming’ podcast with Sumedha

    Cyrus Broacha’s apology to Kapil Dev and the launch of ‘Bluntly Streaming’ podcast with Sumedha

    Mumbai: Cyrus Broacha, the iconic talkative personality who has entertained audiences since the ’90s, was on top of his witty and sarcastic best in the debut episode of the brand-new podcast, “Bluntly Streaming.” Inside the cracking 21-minute of the episode hosted by Sumedha Malhotra, the original “Bakra Boy of India” offered an unexpected apology that set off a series of thumbs up for him on social media.

    Broacha’s humor has always been known for its sharp wit and satirical edge. In the same spirit, his recent comparison of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, to an Indian politician left the twitter world rolling in laughter. This unusual pairing can only be Broacha’s brainchild 🙂 As candid as he can be, he also is compassionate and recounted how he once felt compelled to apologize to Kapil Dev, acknowledging that his words could be misinterpreted.

    The incident belongs to a time when Cyrus’ Dad, the renowned lawyer Mr. Broacha, who he recently lost, had reprimanded him. He’d apparently warned Cyrus to stay away from insulting and demeaning a legend like Kapil Dev in any way whatsoever. The joke was supposed to be humorous and satirical, but Cyrus understood that it may have been misinterpreted by many people who saw it. “Mr. Kapil Dev’s contributions to cricket and his country are immense and they deserve nothing but respect from me and everyone else on this planet. I deeply regret any offence my comments may have caused.” He approached Kapil Dev.

    The aftermath of the apology left fans and the media in suspense, appreciating his down to earth demeanour. Amidst all this, Broacha continued to do what he does best – making people laugh and scratch their heads. His most recent suggestion to shut down the internet for six months is just one of his many absurd propositions. And while some laughed, others seriously pondered its implications on modern life as a poignant point.

    “Bluntly Streaming” is not digging out a controversy; it offers relief as a hilarious and insightful journey into the life and experiences of a true entertainment icon. In the debut episode, Broacha candidly discusses a range of topics, from his thoughts on Bigg Boss and how it wasn’t the bickerings but the foodie’s nightmare meals that made him lose weight

    The conversation covers Broacha’s erstwhile weekly show, “The Week That Wasn’t,” that drew ire from politicians, his early days at MTV, his acting experiences, and humorous anecdotes from his career. He even touches upon topics like reality shows, Elon Musk’s influence on the world, and the addictive nature of smartphones. In summary, “Bluntly Streaming” promises to provide laughter and entertainment in every episode.

    For those interested in a good dose of laughter and entertainment, “Bluntly Streaming” is a must-listen podcast. It’s hosted by Sumedha, who brings a fresh and candid perspective to the show with a new guest every time, pun at a time.

  • Sourav Ganguly opens up on Sachin’s superiority on the “Champions Sports-Cast” hosted by DreamSetGo

    Sourav Ganguly opens up on Sachin’s superiority on the “Champions Sports-Cast” hosted by DreamSetGo

    Mumbai: With the ICC WorldCup & Football fever picking up once again, DreamSetGo hosted an interview starring former Indian Cricketer Sourav Ganguly at the “Champions Sports-Cast” hosted by DreamSetGo founder Monish Shah.

    He spoke on leadership, Sachin Tendulkar, His love for the game, His inspirations – Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev & Allan border & a certain football icon, the legendary Maradona.

    Speaking at the Champions Sports-Cast podcast hosted by DreamSetGo, Ganguly spoke about his friendship with Tendulkar, “I first met Sachin when he was 14 years old at the MRF pace academy & over time we would go on to spend 6-7 months in a year together and developed a close friendship and trust over time. As a cricketer, he was a far superior cricketer than me, and that is something I strongly believe in. , To raise your game, you must partner with those better than you and we continue to be very close friends.”

    As a lifelong fan of legendary footballer, Maradona, Ganguly shared, “I remember I first met him at an interview he was doing with the media and I’m not exaggerating one word when I say it was a 20-minute interview and through it all, he was juggling a ball with his left leg and didn’t drop it once.  I’ve seen Messi, Ronaldo & even Pele play but Maradona was special, he was blessed by the Almighty.”