Tag: Mirabai Chanu

  • Jhingan joins IOS in a new defensive strategy off the pitch

    Jhingan joins IOS in a new defensive strategy off the pitch

    MUMBAI: From boots to brand play, Sandesh Jhingan is lining up a new formation. Indian football’s defensive rock, Sandesh Jhingan, is now dribbling into new territory brand management. The 31-year-old centre-back has signed with IOS Sports and Entertainment, marking a strategic off-field move aimed at amplifying his brand presence and widening his impact beyond the beautiful game.

    Jhingan, currently with FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL), brings over a decade of international experience to the IOS stable. Since making his debut for India in 2013, the Chandigarh-born defender has racked up more than 50 caps for the national side, captained India in marquee tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and has become a household name in Indian football.

    Known for his no-nonsense defending, aerial dominance, and vocal leadership, Jhingan has turned out for ISL heavyweights such as Kerala Blasters, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Chennaiyin FC. His brief but landmark stint with Croatian club HNK Šibenik in 2021 made him one of the rare Indian players to play in Europe, adding an international edge to his résumé.

    He was named the AIFF Men’s Player of the Year for 2020–21, further cementing his status as one of Asia’s top defenders.

    On signing with IOS, Jhingan said, “I’m excited to join the IOS Sports and Entertainment family and work with a team that has such an impressive track record with India’s top athletes. Their expertise feels like the perfect assist as I look to amplify my story and connect with more people at a deeper level.”

    IOS, known for managing India’s sporting icons like Vijender Singh, Mirabai Chanu, Anju Bobby George, Lovlina Borgohain, and Manpreet Singh, sees Jhingan as a valuable addition to its football playbook.

    “Sandesh represents everything we look for in an athlete exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and the ability to inspire others,” said IOS COO Rahul Trehan. “His addition strengthens our commitment to supporting India’s sporting heroes across all disciplines.”

    The partnership aims to elevate Jhingan’s brand through holistic management from endorsement deals and media visibility to community initiatives and content-driven storytelling. With football gaining ground as a serious sport-business in India, Jhingan’s play with IOS could be just the pivot the sport needs.

    After all, he’s long been the last line of defence now, he’s ready to be the face of a new offensive.

  • Smashing debut for IOS as Tanvi Sharma joins athlete roster

    Smashing debut for IOS as Tanvi Sharma joins athlete roster

    MUMBAI: A new shuttle star is on the rise and IOS Sports and Entertainment is ready to back her all the way to the podium. The agency has signed 16-year-old badminton sensation Tanvi Sharma as an exclusive athlete, adding the Hoshiarpur-based prodigy to its elite roster that already includes names like Mirabai Chanu, Manika Batra, and Lovlina Borgohain.

    Fresh off her Super 300 US Open finals appearance, Tanvi brings more than just promise to the table. She’s already got a stack of medals: Silver at the Badminton Asia Youth Championships 2023, Gold at the 2024 Asia Team Championships, and an impressive Silver at the Senior Nationals last year where she held her own against India’s top adult talent.

    “Her work ethic and achievements at just 16 speak volumes,” said IOS Sports and Entertainment COO Rahul Trehan. “We see tremendous potential in her and are committed to supporting her rise in global badminton.”

    As part of the deal, Tanvi will receive comprehensive management and development support as she sharpens her game for bigger stages national and international.

    With a training base in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, and a dream to make it to the world’s biggest badminton arenas, Tanvi’s journey is only just beginning. But with IOS backing her, it’s clear she’s not just playing to participate, she’s in it to win.

    And if her medal count is anything to go by, it won’t be long before Tanvi Sharma becomes a household name in Indian sport.

  • From boxing rings to Hindi cinema, IOS Sports unveils bold new logo as it marks 20 years of sporting glory

    From boxing rings to Hindi cinema, IOS Sports unveils bold new logo as it marks 20 years of sporting glory

    MUMBAI: In a career-defining rally that started from the squash courts of India, IOS Sports and Entertainment has launched a vibrant new logo to mark its 20 anniversary—an era that has seen it shape the trajectory of Indian sports management.

    Founded in 2005 by former squash player Neerav Tomar and industrialist Sanjeev Khandelwal, IOS has grown from a modest operation into one of India’s leading sports management agencies. The firm has managed over 150 elite athletes and partnered with 500+ brands.

    The new logo, revealed on 27 May, features a striking ’20’ in gradient hues, symbolising the breadth of sports it represents. It sits alongside the bold ‘IOS’ typography and the dates ‘2005 – 2025’, underpinned by the tagline ‘SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT’.

    “This new logo represents not just our journey, but the evolution of sports management in India”, said MD & CEO Tomar. “The vibrant colours symbolise the diversity of talent we represent, while the modern design reflects our forward-thinking approach”.

    Over the years, IOS has transformed how Olympic sports are perceived and monetised in India. It began its innings with Olympic boxer Vijender Singh and went on to represent top names like Suresh Raina, Lovlina Borgohain, Mirabai Chanu, Saina Nehwal, Geeta Phogat, and Ishan Kishan.

    Singh reminisced, “My journey with IOS began when they were just starting out, and we’ve grown together over these 20 years. They believed in me when Olympic sports athletes had limited commercial opportunities in India”.

    IOS also provides services to sports bodies including the Indian Olympic Association, Athletics Federation of India, Paralympic Committee of India, and Weightlifting Federation. Beyond athletes, the firm has overseen franchise operations like the Gujarat Lions in the IPL.

    Its entertainment credentials are equally robust, having delivered brand integrations in films like Mary Kom, Toofaan, and Rock On, seamlessly blending sport and cinema.

    With a refreshed identity and a legacy to match, IOS is entering its third decade at full sprint. The new branding will roll out across platforms from 27 May, kicking off a year of celebrations.

  • India TV brings 24×7 news coverage stream of Paris Olympics 2024 on CTV

    India TV brings 24×7 news coverage stream of Paris Olympics 2024 on CTV

    Mumbai: India TV, a leading Indian news broadcaster, announces the launch of an exclusive 24×7 news stream for the Paris 2024 Olympics for the CTV audience. With this initiative, India TV once again proves its commitment to delivering CTV-first content. And with this India TV provides firsthand coverage of the Olympic Games, following its comprehensive coverage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 through its connected TV platforms.

    This dedicated Olympics 24×7 stream service will deliver nonstop coverage of the 2024 Olympics, from on-ground coverage from Paris, real-time updates, exclusive interviews with athletes and coaches, athlete’s life stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and highlighted moments.

    India TV managing director  Ritu Dhawan said, “With our vision of CTV growth, we understand the requirements of demanding audience. Along the same lines, we also understand the importance of the Olympics and its growing popularity among viewers. With this CTV first Olympics stream, we aim to bring the Olympics closer to viewers, allowing them to witness every triumph, every remarkable feat, and every moment of glory as it happens”.

    India’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics is eagerly anticipated, with hopes for strong performances from athletes like Neeraj Chopra in javelin, PV Sindhu in badminton, and Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting. India aims for its best-ever performance with 117 participants, showcasing its growing prowess on the global sporting stage. The launch of “India House” at the Paris 2024 Olympics will celebrate India’s talent and progress in the Olympic movement. It will serve as a platform to highlight India’s cultural and sporting achievements and support young athletes.

  • Goa to host 37 National Games with 43 sports, confirms CM and Sports Minister

    Goa to host 37 National Games with 43 sports, confirms CM and Sports Minister

    Mumbai: In a high-profile press conference today, Hon’ble CM Dr Pramod Sawant, alongside the State Sports Minister, the Sports Secretary of Goa and senior officials of the state, unveiled details about hosting the prestigious 37 edition of the National Games.

    For the first time in its history, Goa is poised to play host to the largest-ever National Games, featuring an impressive array of 43 sporting disciplines. This prestigious event promises to be a spectacular showcase of athletic excellence, camaraderie, and a platform for the debut of several exciting sports. The previous edition of the National Games, hosted in Gujarat, featured 36 disciplines, while Kerala’s 2015 edition included 33.

    CM Dr Pramod Sawant expressed his vision for Goa, stating, “We aim to create a thriving sports ecosystem in Goa. While tourists have long enjoyed our beautiful beaches, we now intend to attract sports enthusiasts from around the world. We’ve successfully hosted events like the Ironman, drawing athletes globally, and the World Table Tennis event with participants from 22 countries. With our state-of-the-art infrastructure developed for the National Games, we invite sports associations and national federations to utilize these facilities year-round for their events. Our goal is to take sports in Goa to new heights.”

    The Olympic-style multisport event, featuring participation from 28 states and 8 union territories, is scheduled to take place from 26 October to 9 November. The event will span across multiple venues throughout the state. Notably, cycling and golf are slated to be held in Delhi.

    Excitingly, the 37 National Games will mark the debut of several new sports disciplines on the medal stage, including beach football, roll ball, golf, sepaktakraw, sqay martial arts, kalliyarapattu, and pencak silat.

    Additionally, yachting and taekwondo are making a triumphant return to the Games after their exclusion during the last edition. Moreover, to celebrate tradition, the sports of lagori and gatka have been included as demonstration sports, adding a unique and cultural dimension to the event.

    Sports minister Shri Govind Gaude emphasising the significance of this historic event, noted, “The 37 National Games is not just an event; it’s a source of inspiration for sports enthusiasts and athletes across the length and breadth of our diverse nation. As we prepare to host this historic event in the heart of Goa, we are not only celebrating sports but also carrying forward the legacy of the Asian Games.

    He added, “We aim to do more than encourage participation; we aspire to ignite a passion for sports in every individual, from every corner of India. This is an opportunity for athletes to not only compete but also to tell their stories, inspire the next generation, and showcase their remarkable talent to the nation. Together, we will make the 37th National Games an event to remember, a symbol of unity, and a stepping stone for the future of sports in India.”

    Expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming sports event, Secretary of Sports & CEO, NGOC Smt. Swetika Sachan said, “As we tirelessly strive to establish new standards in organization, hospitality, and sportsmanship, we eagerly await the arrival of athletes from every corner of our diverse nation. Our vision for the National Games 2023 in Goa is not just about sporting excellence but also about fostering lasting friendships and embracing the true essence of sportsmanship. We invite the media to partner with us in amplifying Goa’s exceptional sporting spirit and prowess. Together, let’s script a historic chapter in the annals of Indian sports.”

    In the past, the National Games have witnessed the participation of numerous prominent Indian athletes, including Neeraj Chopra, Sania Mirza, Mirabai Chanu, Sajan Prakash, Manu Bhaker, and many others.

    During the conference, the National Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) for the Indian Olympics Association chairman Shri Amitabh Sharma said, “Get ready for the biggest sporting extravaganza as the National Games Goa unveils 43 sports, featuring a dynamic mix of Olympic, Asian, and indigenous events. Rooted deep in Indian culture, this event represents the grandest amalgamation of talent, with over 10,000 athletes converging for excellence. Notably, we make history with the inaugural coastal rowing event in India. We invite the nation to witness this extraordinary spectacle of sportsmanship and diversity.”

    As preparations continue to gain momentum, Goa extends an open invitation to the nation and the world to witness this extraordinary celebration of athleticism and the spirit of sports.

  • adidas reaffirms its commitment to women in sport in latest campaign

    adidas reaffirms its commitment to women in sport in latest campaign

    Mumbai: Driven by the belief that sport has the power to change lives, sportswear company adidas announced support for those women athletes who are breaking down barriers and driving gender equity, on and off the field of play, with the announcement of ‘its biggest ever commitment to women.’

    This sports season will see the brand launch major new women-focused innovations, alongside enhanced support for established and emerging athletes, and new grassroots programs, the sportswear manufacturer said in a statement. It has accelerated its mission to create ‘real, lasting change for women in sport, powered by the attitude of – Impossible Is Nothing,’ the brand said.

    While this campaign will globally be launched with a film series featuring a diverse portfolio of eminent women from sport, fitness, and lifestyle, the Indian campaign will see the likes of Deepika Padukone, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain and a host of other inspiring women. Joining forces with them, the brand will continue to push for real, lasting change by making the sport more accessible and inclusive for all women in India, according to adidas.

    “Impossible Is Nothing isn’t just a campaign – it’s our brand attitude; the essence of who we are and what we stand for,” said brand adidas India senior director Sunil Gupta, speaking on the launch. “In 2022 we reaffirm our commitment to women. And as part of this commitment, this season’s Impossible Is Nothing campaign is led by the stories of women who have made their impossible possible, with the aim of inspiring others to do the same under the “I’m Possible” message. adidas will continue to be their ally, committed to serving them through innovation in our products and partnerships.”

    The commitment, launched alongside the latest chapter in the brand’s ‘Impossible Is Nothing’ campaign, sees key focus areas such as major investment in women-focused product innovation to recognise and meet the specific needs of women in sport. For instance, in December, the brand introduced Ultraboost 22, built to address differences between male and female instep height, heel anatomy and gait cycle trends.

    The brand said it will continue to support women by encouraging them to create new possibilities through powerful messaging from their women athlete partnerships which include – Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain and Hima Das, who will use the voice of their experiences to inspire women everywhere to build a future in sports.

     

  • adidas announces Mirabai Chanu as face of ‘Stay In Play’ campaign

    adidas announces Mirabai Chanu as face of ‘Stay In Play’ campaign

    Mumbai: Sportswear major adidas has announced Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu as the face of its ‘Stay In Play’ campaign as it unveiled its latest product innovation designed to keep more menstruators in sport in a bid to tackle one of the greatest taboos faced by women in sports.   

    The brand’s new TechFit Period-Proof tights feature an absorbent layer to help protect against leaks when worn with a tampon or pad, giving women athletes the confidence to stay in play throughout their menstrual cycle, said adidas.

    The sports brand found that teenage girls are dropping out of sport at an alarming rate, with one of the key reasons being fear of period leakage. Using these insights, adidas set out to create a product that helps athletes stay in sport throughout their cycle by giving them an added layer of protection.

    Talking about the new campaign launch, adidas – India senior director, Sunil Gupta said, “It is our commitment to revolutionise our product offering and services to better support the needs of our diverse women community. Our ambition with this product is to keep women in sport by giving them the confidence to train during their period.”

    Excited about the launch campaign, Mirabai said, “I am thrilled to see the products which will help girls break barriers and be in action. The desire to stay in play no matter what the situation has always been my priority. Seeing these product innovations from adidas, I feel confident that we will help girls all over the world to stay in sport.”

    After over two years of development and rigorous testing carried out at each stage of the journey, the TechFit Period-Proof tights were developed using new adidas Flow Shield technology, with the aim to give athletes added confidence whilst training through their period. A wicking layer, absorbing layer and leakproof layer work together to provide protection, whilst a bonding frame holds each layer together and keeps the tights in place, the brand said in a statement.

    The collection is made available in India from 15 August on adidas website and select brand stores. 

  • 75th I-Day: T-Series, Dalmia Bharat Group come together to launch a song

    75th I-Day: T-Series, Dalmia Bharat Group come together to launch a song

    Mumbai: As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day, Dalmia Bharat Group & Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series bring audiences a special song dedicated to the unwavering spirit of 136 crore Indians.

    Titled “Mauka Hai“, the music video features some of the most inspiring icons from different age groups and walks of life who have put India on the map including athletes like Mirabai Chanu, PV Sindhu, Hima Das, along with the world’s youngest painter Advait Kolarkar, Guinness Book of World Record holder- Tiluck Keisam , gymnast Deepa Karmarkar, the world’s fastest piano player – Lydian Nadhaswaram, young paleontologist – Aswatha Biju, IPS officer – Chhaya Sharma, the youngest writer – Abhijeeta Gupta, gold medalist and world record holder – Pooja Bishnoi, Yatharth Murthy who sang the national anthem of 112 countries, Indian mathematician wizard – Anand Kumar, child shooting sensation – Abhinav Shaw and several others.

    The song is sung by B Praak, composed by Rochak Kohli and penned by Manoj Muntashir and celebrates the achievement of unsung heroes of today from different fields, thereby motivating others to aspire, perspire and achieve their dreams and build India of their dreams by 2047. 

    Speaking on the launch, Dalmia Bharat Group managing director, Puneet Dalmia said, “The ‘Mauka Hai‘ music video is a testament to the youth of our country that salutes their achievements in diverse fields and seeks to inspire every Indian to rise to the occasion with unity and pride. As a ‘young’ nation, our resilience and undying fighting spirit in the face of adversity, clearly shows that we have what it takes to become a global superpower. We are delighted to associate with T-Series for this music video as a tribute to our youth’s unwavering dedication. The song also reflects the unflinching commitment and hard work of Dalmia Bharat Group over the decades towards nation-building.”

    T-Series head honcho Bhushan Kumar said, “Everyone will feel an immense sense of pride after watching ‘Mauka Hai’. It’s an out-and-out tribute to not only those icons that have inspired us and made us proud but to every Indian who perseveres to do better.”

    Lyricist Manoj Muntashir shared, “Mauka Hai is something every Indian will relate to and be inspired by. It’s about pushing the limits and having a never-say-never attitude which defines the spirit of this country.”

    Composer Rochak Kohli added, “It’s wonderful to collaborate with Bhushan ji and B Praak on this track. We’ve tried to do justice to Manoj Muntashir’s hard-hitting lyrics and make ‘Mauka Hai’ an Independence Day track which is loved and remembered.”

  • adidas, Mirabai Chanu inspire more women to join weightlifting

    adidas, Mirabai Chanu inspire more women to join weightlifting

    Mumbai: With her latest win at Tokyo Olympics 2020, India’s star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has emerged as an inspiration for countless women who shy away from sports such as weightlifting that are perceived as being male-dominated. Breaking the norm, Chanu chose to go with her strength and passion and took it as a challenge to overcome this bias.

    The sports superstar recently visited the adidas store at Vasant Kunj Promenade mall in Delhi, where she met four aspiring women weightlifters to share with them her narrative of ‘Impossible Is Nothing’. During the interaction, Chanu spent time hearing out their aspirations, the challenges they face and what inspired them to take up weightlifting as a sport.

    Sharing her journey and experiences to motivate them, the Olympics medalist said, “My journey from a remote village to representing our country at an international sporting event clearly showcases that sport doesn’t care about gender or stereotypes. In our society, weightlifting has always been perceived as a male-dominated sport. It took a lot of courage and hard work to break such stereotypes. I want women to dream and believe in themselves to be able to see possibilities.”

    Commenting on Chanu’s victory at the Games, adidas India – senior director, Sunil Gupta added, “We are extremely proud of Mirabai’s success, and it gives us immense pleasure to be a part of her incredible journey. Our aim is to enable all athletes including our partners to achieve their ‘impossible’ by providing them with the best products in training and competition. I hope her success inspires young girls to believe in their dreams and see possibilities of fulfilling them.”