Tag: Mahesh Bhupathi

Guru Samruddhi serves up GS Delhi Aces with Leander Paes as ambassador

MUMBAI: Guru Samruddhi House of Investments has stepped onto the sporting court with the acquisition of the GS Delhi Aces franchise in the Tennis Premier League (TPL). The announcement comes ahead of the league’s seventh edition, with tennis icon Leander Paes joining as brand ambassador.

The launch, held in Dubai on 10 September, was a historic first for TPL as the team unveiled itself on an international stage. The evening drew over 500 attendees, with Paes receiving a rousing welcome alongside blessings from Sadguru Shri Guruji. [sic]

18-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic medallist, Paes said, “I have been a part of TPL since its inception. This year is a special one for the league as it will become India’s fourth sporting league to complete seven successful seasons, and I am delighted to be associated with GS Delhi Aces.”

With this acquisition, Guru Samruddhi, a diversified group spanning co-operative societies, insurance, tourism, and real estate, has added professional sport to its portfolio. CMD Vijay Pusdekar said, “We are immensely proud to represent the confidence of putting on a good show for tennis fans in Delhi and across the country.”

The Tennis Premier League, featuring eight franchises, continues to expand its star-studded roster. Alongside Paes, the league boasts ambassadors and owners such as Sania Mirza (Gurgaon Grand Slammers), Mahesh Bhupathi (SG Sports), Rakul Preet Singh (Hyderabad Strikers), and Sonali Bendre (Chennai Smashers).

Welcoming the new team, TPL co-founder Kunal Thakkur said, “This year, for the very first time, the league will feature ATP top-ranked players within 30–50.” Fellow co-founder Mrunal Jain added, “With visionary partners like Guru Samruddhi, we are confident this season will be historic, competitive, and truly memorable.

September 11, 2025
TPL serves up Season 7 in Ahmedabad with global stars and local passion

MUMBAI: Game, set, Ahmedabad, India’s only professional tennis league is ready to smash new ground. The Tennis Premier League (TPL), under the aegis of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), will stage its 7th season from 9–14 December at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium, marking its first-ever move outside Maharashtra.

In hitting this milestone, TPL becomes only the fourth Indian sporting league to enter a 7th season, joining the ranks of IPL, Pro Kabaddi, and ISL. The eight-franchise tournament has heavyweight backers, from Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, and Mahesh Bhupathi to Rakul Preet Singh and Sonali Bendre. On court, fans can expect fireworks as international players ranked between 30 and 50 in the ATP rub shoulders with India’s finest, including two-time Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna.

What sets TPL apart is its trademark 25-point format quick, high-octane matches designed to keep crowds hooked. Over 400 tournaments across 20 plus cities in a single year and its Race to Gold Scholarships have made TPL a genuine grassroots-to-glory pipeline. Gujarat has already felt its impact, with age-group tournaments and scholarships energising the local tennis scene.

“This will be a real shot in the arm for tennis in Gujarat,” said Gujarat state Tennis Association secretary Shrimal Bhatt highlighting the historic arrival of top-ranked ATP stars. For co-founders Kunal Thakkur and Mrunal Jain, the shift to Ahmedabad is about scale and spirit bringing world-class tennis to a city fast emerging as a sporting capital.

With 250 plus matches played across seasons, international stars, and the promise of electrifying rallies, Season 7 is primed to be TPL’s most exciting chapter yet. Ahmedabad, brace yourself, tennis fever is about to hit full throttle.

September 1, 2025
SG Sports appoints Digvijay Singh Deo as VP of sports & media

Mumbai: SG Sports, media & entertainment (SGSE), part of the APL Apollo Group, announced that it has appointed senior sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo as vice president of sports and media.

Digvijay is an accomplished name in sports journalism and has over two decades of experience under his belt. An award-winning journalist and producer, Digvijay was previously with WION as the sports editor for seven years where he set up the sports team and designed the flagship sports show for the network. Prior to WION, he spent 11 years at CNN IBN where he joined as principal correspondent and was appointed sports editor in 2014. Previously, he has also worked with Doordarshan and Star News.

SG Sports, media and entertainment, a subsidiary of APL Apollo Group, has interests in a variety of sports, including chess, cricket, table tennis and football. Most recently, the company announced the launch of its franchise, Delhi SG Pipers, for the upcoming Hockey India League which is making a high-profile comeback after 7 years.

Delhi SG Pipers will have both men’s as well as women’s teams playing in the league and has already roped in a star-studded lineup of management and coaches, including legendary Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, former India men’s national team coach Graham Reid and the analytical coach of the national women’s team, Dave Smolenaars.

In his new role at SGSE, Digvijay be utilising his experience to provide strategy and direction across the various interests of the company in sports. He will also be responsible for creating content-based IPs and partnerships and will report directly to Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SG Sports, Media & Entertainment.

SGSE vice president of sports and media Digvijay Singh Deo said, “It has been a long journey of over 21 years covering sports and I feel this was a great opportunity and a natural progression for me to move onto the other side of the business. It is an interesting as well as challenging role because sport in India is growing and this was the right time to get involved. I am thankful to SGSE for this opportunity.”

SGSE CEO Mahesh Bhupathi said, “I am excited to have Diggy on board. He has a lot of experience and a large network in the sports world and I believe he will add a lot of value to what we are trying to build at SGSE.

October 15, 2024
Ultimate Table Tennis welcomes SG Sports and Entertainment Pvt Ltd as owner of eighth franchise from Ahmedabad

Mumbai: Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) has added an eighth franchise to the league’s roster with the announcement of the SG Sports and Entertainment (SGSE) Pvt. Ltd. -owned unit that will represent the vibrant city of Ahmedabad.

The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), continues to grow as SGSE– a strategic arm of the APL Apollo Group, comes on board after a successful fourth edition in July last year. The team will be known as Ahmedabad SG Pipers.

“We are delighted to welcome SGSE and the APL Apollo Group to the UTT family. The success of Indian table tennis stars on the international circuit and the popularity of UTT among players and fans has only made the league stronger over the years. UTT is committed to promoting the game of table tennis and this expansion marks an exciting chapter in the league’s growth as it will help us spread the game to a new region,” UTT co-promoters Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani said in a joint comment.

With multiple Grand Slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi as their CEO, SG Sports and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, focuses on supporting and nurturing sporting talent in the country. The company has already been part of the chess and tennis league, and will now look to contribute to the growth of Indian table tennis with their association with UTT.

“Ultimate Table Tennis is the premier table tennis competition in the nation and they are able to showcase both homegrown and international talent at the elite level. We at SGSE are excited that we have the opportunity to participate in the growth of the sport. I am sure the presence of our team – Ahmedabad will make the upcoming edition of the league more competitive and entertaining,” said Bhupathi.

Ahmedabad SG Pipers will join Jaipur Patriots, who entered the UTT fray in August 2023. The two franchises will make their debuts when the league gets underway for its fifth season later this year. Bengaluru Smashers, Chennai Lions, Dabang Delhi TTC, Goa Challengers, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis and U Mumba TT are the other six teams in the league.

March 15, 2024
U.S. Polo Assn. brings “Legends Forever, to Play Together” in their latest campaign

Mumbai: U.S. Polo Assn, the iconic fashion brand known for its style and classic appeal, announces its latest fashion campaign. Conceptualised by WYP, a Wondrlab company, “Legends Forever, Play Together” weaves together threads of nostalgia, and partnership and brings back two sets of legendary duos.

The duos? Legendary tennis duo, Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes. And the original supermodel duo, Arjun Rampal and Milind Soman.

Mahesh and Leander, the Indian Express, relive their unforgettable moments on and around the tennis court. A testament to their incredible achievements, the camaraderie, and the unbreakable bond that made them true legends.

From the court to the ramp, Arjun and Milind take us back to their glamorous world of fashion. They stride confidently down the ramp, and we even get to see them work their magic backstage, their partnership exemplifies the elegance and sophistication that U.S. Polo Assn. has embodied for years. Their dynamic presence on and off the runway perfectly mirrors the brand’s commitment to timeless style and enduring grace.

Speaking about the campaign, India brand CEO Amitabh Suri said, “Legends Forever, Play Together’ could have only happened with the most iconic duos. That’s why we decided to bring legendary partnerships of Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes, and Arjun Rampal and Milind Soman back! The campaign harmoniously blends the nostalgia of the past with the excitement of the present, resonating with those who value the essence of unity and elegance. This campaign also seamlessly blends with our previous campaign, #TwinningForever, with Arjun Rampal.”

Wondrlab co-founder Amit Akali said, “We were thrilled to work on this legendary campaign. And both sets of legends were even more thrilled! They were really excited at the chance to rekindle their partnership! We wanted to capture these moments in a very editorial manner that does justice to them as well as their clothes as well as their relationship. This magic of which comes alive beautifully in the campaign.”

U.S. Polo Assn India VP marketing Deepansh Bhargava said, “We recognize the importance of creating an aura for the brand. And our campaign achieves just that. This concept infuses a fresh energy that resonates with our audience, recapturing the essence of what makes us iconic. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the next stage, where together with WYP, we’ll elevate our brand to even greater heights.”

August 31, 2023

Watch India’s finest athletes recognized at Indian Sports Honours 2019 on Star Sports network

Mumbai: Over the last several years, Indian athletes have been showcasing their potential and talent on the global front by leading the way in many different sporting genres. Indian Sports Honours recognized and applauded for India’s finest athletes for their contribution and commitment to driving Indian sport to where it is today. The awards will be broadcasted on the Star Sports Network on October 4th& October 5th, 2019, giving fans an opportunity to witness a gala awards evening celebrating India’s finest athletes.

As a nation, we need to come together to recognize the efforts of these athletes and the finest sportsmen & sportswomen our country has to offer and support #bluerising. Indian sportspersonshave been leaving their mark across the world stage by winning prestigious tournaments and bringing home a significant amount of hardware. Not only has this opened the eyes of the world to the inherent sporting potential in the country, it has also garnered a newfound respect and admiration for Indian athletes from across the globe. The winners of 11 categories were decided by ISH jury members comprising of sporting legends like Pullela Gopichand, Abhinav Bindra, Sardar Singh, Mahesh Bhupathi, PT Usha and Anjali Bhagwat.

The grand awards gala was hosted and graced by the presence of living legends and stalwarts from the Indian entertainment and sports industry. Indian captain Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Sania Mirza, Satnam Singh, Sardar Singh and DipaKarmarkar represented the crème-de-la-crème of Indian sports while superstar Amitabh Bachchan, Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra, Rahul Bose, Arjun Kapoor and others were present from the entertainment industry. The gala event saw the celebrities appreciating and motivating young athletes to be more confident and work towards better performances. The Indian Sports Honours represents and recognizes Indian sportsmen and women who have braved through hardship and challenges to make their dreams come true and their country proud. These illustrious athletes have found ways to beat the odds and battle the world’s best time and again, proving their mettle by becoming world champions.

Fans can support the #bluerisingby tuning into Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2 and Hotstar to watch Indian Sports Honours 2019 on October 4-5, 2019.

Indian Sports Honours 2019 (promo link)

Sr. No	Date	Day	Event	Channel	Timing
1	5-10-2019	Saturday	Red Carpet	Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2 & Hotstar	5PM & 10 PM
2	6-10-2019	Sunday	The Honours	Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2 & Hotstar	5PM & 10 PM

October 4, 2019

Kia Motors India invites young Tennis enthusiasts to join the Australian Open

Kia Motors, the world’s 8th largest automaker, has announced the commencement of its Australian Open Ballkids Program for the first time in India. Bringing the global Kia Ballkids’ AO experience to India, Kia has opened up entries for the program starting today. To celebrate its long-term commitment to the game of tennis and provide a platform for young tennis enthusiasts, the company has joined hands with Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi for the selection and training process. This initiative by Kia is aimed to play a significant role in the growth of tennis in India especially amongst the younger generation.

Kia has been a custodian of sports through various sporting partnerships. It has had a long-standing partnership with this iconic Tennis Grand Slam Championship that began in the year 2002. As a proud partner of the Australian Open, Kia is all set to play a key role in supporting the players and promoting the growth of tennis worldwide. The Australian Open Ballkids Program is meant to be instrumental in fostering young talent in India by providing them a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape their future. 10 shortlisted Indian Kia Ballkids will get to experience the excitement, thrill and sporting spirit of the Tennis tournament through a fully sponsored trip by Kia Motors India.

The Ballkids play an important role in smooth functioning and execution of tennis tournaments. Each Ballkid at the Australian Open series is a critical part of the game where they get to actively contribute on-ground and receive a huge boost of confidence at the same time.

Since its entry in India, Kia has followed its global philosophy of being an enabler of sports. India’s first ever FIFA OMBC (Official Match Ball Carrier) program by Kia encouraged millions of sports enthusiasts. Taking the OMBC legacy forward, Kia has initiated the Kia Ballkids’ AO experience to identify young tennis enthusiasts and give them a platform to nurture their passion and create real Kia Brand experiences. Staying true to its motto of Power to Surprise, Kia plans to infuse exciting experiences for fans that go beyond their expectations.

“Kia has been a firm believer in the power of sports to build communities and enhance consumer lifestyles beyond automobiles. We have been a proud partner of one of the most thrilling tennis Grand Slams in the world. Our association with Australian Open has helped us support players and promote the growth of tennis worldwide and it gives me immense pleasure to bring this partnership to India. The Australian Open Ballkids Program will help us create real KIA Brand experiences and provide a global platform to young sports enthusiasts and further promote tennis in the country”, said Mr. Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director & CEO, Kia Motors India.

As part of the entry process, parents/ guardians could log on to the Kia Motors India microsite www.Kia-motors.in/ao2019 for registration. Basis the digital entries, Kia Motors India will conduct regional auditions in 4 cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru) followed by final selections in Delhi. Mentored by Mahesh Bhupathi, 100 shortlisted kids (age group 12-15 years) will be assessed by Australian Open officials to identify the final 10 Kia Ballkids for Australian Open 2019.

October 25, 2018
Coca-Cola IPTL names FedEx as the official logistics partner

MUMBAI: One of the world’s largest express transportation company FedEx, has announced its association with the Coca Cola International Premier Tennis League. The league will be held at Manila, Singapore, New Delhi and Dubai from 28 November to 13 December 2014.

FedEx services executive vice president marketing and communications Raj Subramaniam commented, “In the past, FedEx has successfully leveraged sports marketing to connect with customers. IPTL provides an additional platform to communicate with customers in addition to sharing the FedEx brand characteristics of speed and precision.”

The Coca-Cola IPTL presented by Qatar Airways is a professional team tennis competition founded by India’s Mahesh Bhupathi, featuring some of the best current and past champions and played across four countries in Asia.

FedEx Express vice president EMEA customer service, MEIA marketing and communications Nathalie Amiel-Ferrault said, “FedEx is pleased to share the passion and excitement of the team based professional tennis league and of having the best of the best in tennis playing in front of the public in the four key cities. We share many attributes with tennis as a sport and that’s what makes this association such a great fit.”

The Coca-Cola IPTL will showcase iconic tennis players like Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic in these countries. The league is expected to reach over 125 countries and 300 million households internationally and will be broadcasted in the US, Brazil, Europe, South-East Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. FedEx has a history of tennis sponsorships and currently sponsors Roland-Garros in France and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) across 13 countries.

November 27, 2014
Coca Cola IPTL gets Qatar Airways onboard as presenting sponsor

MUMBAI: The national carrier of the state of Qatar, Qatar Airways, has teamed up with Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) as the presenting sponsor for the inaugural edition of the event. In its capacity as the presenting sponsor, it will be undertaking a series of on-ground activations to engage with tennis fans across the globe.

Founder of IPTL Mahesh Bhupathi said, “Qatar Airways’ legacy as a committed sponsor of global sports events is well known. We’re glad to partner with an award winning airline like them as presenting sponsor and look forward to enjoying a long and fruitful association during and after the IPTL season.”

The tennis league is the first of its kind initiative in tennis to encourage a competitive franchise based competition. The league will travel to the cities of Manila, Singapore, New Delhi and Dubai featuring current and former ATP and WTA players in its inaugural season from 28 November until 13 December 2014.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “We are extremely excited about our partnership with the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League. At Qatar Airways, we have a long-standing history of associations with large-scale sporting events which allows us to connect with sporting fans and legendary sportsmen across the globe through our widespread global route network. Qatar Airways’ associations with this event will further promote the game among the increasing fan base of tennis enthusiasts across the world.”

Starting from the Philippines, the league will travel to Singapore and India before culminating in Dubai. In its inaugural season, the championship will feature players such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and others playing for four tournament franchises – Manila Mavericks, DBS Singapore Slammers, Micromax Indian Aces and the UAE Royals, that have been sponsored by corporates and leading sports legends.

November 26, 2014
Coca-Cola teams up with IPTL as title sponsor

MUMBAI: The upcoming International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) has got a title sponsor in Coca-Cola.

The brand which is associated with large sporting events ranging from the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, NASCAR, NBA etc is now making a foray into tennis through the tennis league.

In its capacity as title sponsor, the cola company will undertake a series of initiatives to engage with tennis fans across the globe. These include a special promotion to select three lucky fans to be the ‘Coin Toss’ boys/girls for three matches.

It will be adopting IPTL’s special competition feature called the Happiness PowerPoint, which will allow each team to call for a Happiness PowerPoint once in each single-set match. Upon winning the point, a player trailing 15-0 will directly get to 15-30 by winning the ‘Happiness PowerPoint’ and lose a point upon losing the Happiness PowerPoint. In case the score is tied at the end of five single-set matches, a seven point men’s singles shoot-out will be played and the result will count as a game point won.

Coca-Cola India vice president marketing and commercial Debabrata Mukherjee said, “Our purpose of associating with the IPTL is twofold. On one hand, it will allow millions of passionate tennis fans to enjoy their favorite sport and also witness some of the world’s most iconic tennis stars display their skills. On the other hand this initiative will serve as a perfect platform to launch a ‘Culture of Tennis’ in India. The initiative will provide great impetus to the youngsters of today who will get inspired by some of the world’s most accomplished and inspirational tennis stars to take up the sport”.

IPTL founder Mahesh Bhupathi commented, “I welcome Coca-Cola to the IPTL family today. We’re excited to present the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League to the growing base of tennis enthusiasts across the world and look forward to providing to them superior recognition and visibility among fans internationally.”

In its inaugural season, the multi-million dollar tennis league will feature top stars such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and others playing for four franchises in India, Singapore, Philippines and the UAE.

November 3, 2014