ITV

Tag: Nikhat Zareen

  • Apex and Baseline strike deal to boost sports investment in India

    Apex and Baseline strike deal to boost sports investment in India

    BENGALURU: Apex, a Europe-born sports investment firm backed by world-class athletes, has inked a strategic partnership with Baseline Ventures, one of India’s most prominent sports and entertainment outfits. The tie-up aims to unlock new investment opportunities in India’s booming sports ecosystem while giving Indian capital direct access to premium deals across Europe and the US.

    Baseline Ventures, founded in 2014, has carved a formidable position in Indian sport, with businesses spanning athlete management, league creation, licensing, and brand partnerships. The firm represents some of the country’s top names including Smriti Mandhana, Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, and Nikhat Zareen, and co-founded the Prime Volleyball League.

    Apex brings deep experience in venture capital, growth, and private equity across the global sports and media sectors. Its athlete-led model has drawn in investors such as Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, and footballers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marcelo Vieira. Earlier this year, Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian athlete to invest in Apex — a symbolic milestone in its growing Indian play.

    Apex partner & chief commercial officer Pedro Felix da Costa said the move was a “natural step” for the firm: “India is one of the most dynamic sports markets in the world. Partnering locally helps us navigate it with intent, while also offering Indian capital high-quality exposure to Europe and US deals.”

    Baseline Ventures Co-Founder & Director Vishal Jaison called the tie-up a win-win: “Sports is now one of the most lucrative asset classes, delivering strong value appreciation. With Apex, Indian investors get a gateway to some of the biggest global sporting entities.”

    The deal marks a significant moment in the convergence of global capital and India’s sports industry — one where returns and fandom are racing side by side.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Rishabh Pant strides back to adidas as campaign face

    Rishabh Pant strides back to adidas as campaign face

    MUMBAI: From boundary-smashing innings to fearless comebacks, Rishabh Pant has always been a cricketer who plays on the front foot. Now, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman is back with adidas, as the sportswear giant signs a multi-year partnership with the Indian cricket star. This collaboration sees Pant rejoin adidas’ elite athlete roster, which already boasts names like Jude Bellingham, Noah Lyles, Kuldeep Yadav, and Nikhat Zareen.

    Pant, who previously partnered with adidas from 2016 to 2019, returns to the fold, further strengthening the brand’s deep-rooted legacy in Indian cricket—one that has seen collaborations with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma. With his never-give-up attitude and unwavering self-belief, Pant perfectly embodies the adidas ethos of resilience and excellence.

    Adidas India general manager Neelendra Singh said, “At adidas, we stand by athletes through every high and low, supporting their journey to greatness. Rishabh’s fearless spirit and dedication to the game make him a perfect fit for our brand. We are thrilled to have him back in the adidas family.”

    Pant said, “adidas is a brand I have always admired. We share a vision of inspiring athletes and pushing boundaries. I look forward to this journey, empowering the next generation and making a lasting impact in the world of sports.”

    With a history of championing top athletes across cricket, football, athletics, and tennis, adidas continues to be at the forefront of sporting excellence. The addition of Pant to its roster reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of Indian sports, ensuring the next generation has the support they need to dream big and play bigger.
     

  • Sony Sports flags off anti-drugs movement

    Sony Sports flags off anti-drugs movement

    MUMBAI: Drugs and their abuse are two of the most worrisome habits amongst India’s youth. And Sony Sports Network has put its best foot behind an effort to curtail the consumption of hallucinogens. Titled ‘Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar,’ its mission is to motivate Indian youth and do it over the long term.

    According to a United Nations study, approximately 13 percent of drug abuse victims in India are below 20, with the nation experiencing a 70 percent rise in narcotic consumption over the past eight years. And in most instances, drugs are usually introduced to youngsters  by someone they know, in many cases, a friend.

    “Sony Sports Network is extremely proud to launch the Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar’ movement and we sincerely believe that sports has the power to instil and bring about a positive change among the youth,” says  Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer -distribution & international business and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul. “In association with India’s top athletes across disciplines, we are confident of making a statement and inspiring young India to stay away from the influence of drugs.”

    Prominent athletes of India across disciplines have joined hands with Sony Sports Network to spread the Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar message to young India. In the films, these sporting icons are spreading awareness of the harmful effects of drugs and aiming to inspire as well as encourage people to choose the life of a champion by saying no to drugs.

    Newly appointed head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, Gautam Gambhir, football stalwarts like Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, multiple grand slam winner Sania Mirza, icons like Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal, Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, Indian Hockey veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Indian men’s hockey team’s former captain Manpreet Singh and two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen are featured in these films. In addition to this, Indian football team captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, former team India cricketer Ashish Nehra, team India cricketer Deepak Chahar, Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal, ace Indian shooter Anjum Moudgil, Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, Asian Games gold medallist Chirag Shetty and Satwik Rankireddy, Puja Tomar who created history as the first Indian to win a fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Indian women’s team bowler Sneh Rana are just some of eminent personalities who have come forward to be a part of Sony Sports Network’s public service movement.

    ‘Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar’ is aimed at potential first-time drug users to make the right choice and saying NO to sampling drugs. The whole movement of Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar aims to motivate young India and emphasize living a fit, fulfilling, and healthy life through sports rather than succumbing to drug abuse.

  • adidas reinvigorates positive sporting culture ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

    adidas reinvigorates positive sporting culture ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

    Mumbai: Committed to helping athletes achieve their goals, adidas launches the next chapter of its global campaign ‘You Got This’. The campaign comes together in a series of nine 15-second films that showcase the resilience of athletes and how each of them navigates the weight of expectations ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024. The campaign focuses on helping athletes activate the ‘backyard mindset’ that shifts their focus from negative pressure and invokes a sense of joy for their individual sport.

    Set against the song ‘Under Pressure’ by Queen & David Bowie, the ‘You Got This’ film delves into the minds of adidas Olympics qualified athletes Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, Saikhom Mirabai Charu, Manika Batra, Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Jyothi Yarraji, and Para Olympics qualified Sumit Antil, Palak Kohli and Nishad Kumar, showcasing their individual journeys in disarming negative pressure. Over the years, adidas has stood strong with each of these athletes and reinforced its support with the ‘You Got This’ campaign, as they step closer to their dreams.

    As they compete on the global stage, adidas aims to reinstill a sense of confidence and motivation among the athletes through its empowering message ‘You Got This’.

    Speaking on the new brand campaign, adidas India GM Neelendra Singh said, “At adidas, we understand the immense pressure the athletes feel just before stepping onto the global stage. We take pride that our athletes will represent India at one of the most watched events globally and are dedicated to investing in their growth at every stage. Everything we do is rooted in sports and through the empowering message ‘You Got This’, we encourage athletes to ease pressure and just focus on the sport and the joy they derive from it.”

    The athlete films will be launched across a diverse range of media platforms to reach consumers across the globe and amplified through retail store activations.  

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by adidas India (@adidasindia)

     

  • Thums Up’s Olympics campaign demonstrates the power of a ‘thumbs up’ gesture

    Thums Up’s Olympics campaign demonstrates the power of a ‘thumbs up’ gesture

    Mumbai: Thums Up, the homegrown billion-dollar beverage brand under The Coca-Cola Company, is thrilled to announce its new campaign, ‘Utha Thums Up, Jagaa Toofan’ for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The campaign is based on a simple but powerful idea: the motivating effect of a ‘thumbs up’ on athletes which encourages them to give their best performance. Our athletes are dynamic ‘toofans’ themselves, they inspire the nation to trust in their inner strength. But a champion is not made overnight. Every time an athlete deals with a setback or feels a moment of hesitation, a simple thumbs-up from their supporters, coach, friends, and family helps them regain confidence and keep pursuing victory – and this is precisely the essence of the campaign.

    As part of The Coca-Cola Company’s enduring partnership with global sports events, Thums Up has been committed as the official global partner for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Thums Up has consistently and continuously cheered for the perseverance, courage, and determination of both able-bodied and para-athletes who showcase India’s talent on the world stage. Featuring Sift Kaur Samra, Lovlina Borgohain, Nikhat Zareen, Rubina Francis, and Sakshi Kasana, the campaign film illustrates a series of compelling narratives and visual storytelling, showcasing real-life moments where athletes relive the power of a thumbs-up.

    Commenting on the campaign, Coca-Cola India, and South-West Asia senior category director, sparkling flavours Sumeli Chatterjee said, “We are thrilled to be a part of India’s Olympics and Paralympics dream. The power-packed performances of our athletes in global sports over the past 4 years have filled us with immense pride. Paris 2024 will be a historic occasion, and we are honoured to support our athletes in their journey. We truly believe a simple gesture of a thumbs-up can make any moment a powerful turning point – not only for athletes but for everyone. This gesture, paired with the iconic Thums Up brand, reflects the spirit of tenacity and unwavering determination.”

    Commenting on her association with the campaign, Sift Kaur Samra said, “I’m humbled to be a part of this campaign. Knowing that countless people are cheering us with a thumbs-up gives us the courage to perform our best on the world stage. It’s a testament to the support we receive from our nation.”

    Commenting on her association with the campaign, Lovlina Borgohain, “It’s a pleasure to be associated with Thums Up. Being a boxer, I’ve experienced the value of encouragement, especially during tough matches. A simple gesture of support can be incredibly motivating, and this campaign truly emphasizes that.”

    Commenting on her association with the campaign, Nikhat Zareen, “In the ring, every thumbs Up fuels my determination to jab harder and go the distance. It’s great to have Thums Up as a brand acknowledge the importance of support and belief in athletes like us.”

    Commenting on her association with the campaign, Rubina Francis, “Thums Up’s campaign sparks resilience and unity, showing how a simple gesture can inspire us to give our best shot.”

    Commenting on her association with the campaign, Sakshi Kasana, “As athletes, the power of supporters is a force which helps us be our strongest self. In moments of uncertainty, fans can unleash the best of ourselves, enabling us to rise against all odds.”

    Ogilvy India (North) chief creative officer Ritu Sharda said, “There is great power in one thumbs up. It can awaken a storm inside you, and lift you just when you are about to give up. Now imagine, what a billion thumbs up can do. This Olympics, we are sending our athletes to strike thunder with the power of a billion thumbs up. And that’s the emotion we wanted to capture with this new Thums Up campaign. Utha Thums Up, Jagaa Toofan.”

    The campaign will use a 360-degree marketing approach, using different channels to reach and engage consumers, such as television, digital, print and OOH. The brand has created a series of films that capture the story of the athletes and their historic journey to Paris. 

  • Lifespan introduces its first TVC with brand ambassador Nikhat Zareen

    Lifespan introduces its first TVC with brand ambassador Nikhat Zareen

    Mumbai: Lifespan, the largest manufacturer of nutraceuticals, herbal, ayurvedic, and personal care products in India, proudly presents its latest TVC featuring its brand ambassador Nikhat Zareen, the celebrated Women’s World Boxing Championship titleholder.

    The recently launched #ResultsMatter campaign authentically portrays the remarkable journey of Zareen, who emerged from relative obscurity to triumph in her sport’s highest echelons. The campaign, as depicted in the TVC video, delivers a powerful message that goes beyond mere victory; it emphasizes the importance of achieving the seemingly impossible. This achievement doesn’t solely depend on determination; it also hinges on having the right fuel for one’s body, a crucial aspect in any field. This is where the Lifespan plant-based protein powder range comes into play, tailored for champions and individuals striving for excellence.

    The campaign effectively underscores the alignment between Zareen’s story and the brand’s overarching philosophy that centers on the importance of results. Nikhat Zareen is a renowned boxing champion. Despite her impressive achievements, Zareen’s recognition has been limited to the sports community. Lifespan saw an opportunity not only to highlight Zareen’s accomplishments but also to inspire individuals from all walks of life to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle.

    The TVC, crafted by PAD Integrated Marketing & Communications, captures Zareen’s journey, from her strenuous training sessions to her triumphant moments in the ring. Beyond portraying her as an athlete, she becomes a beacon of inspiration for anyone aspiring to reach their goals through hard work and dedication.

    Speaking on the campaign, Lifespan Industries founder & CMD Narendra Ram Nambula said, “In the world of sports and nutrition, there are tales that inspire and define greatness. Nikhat’s journey from being an underdog hailing from the small city of Nizamabad in Telangana to becoming a world champion is one such remarkable narrative. Through Nikhat Zareen’s story, our aim is to inspire people and make them realize that the impossible can be achieved. As a brand, Lifespan envisions to empower individuals to reach their full potential, both in the world of sports and in life. We strive to offer the necessary fuel to achieve high-performance results for world champions like Nikhat. We firmly believe that with unwavering determination and the right nutrition support, anyone can achieve greatness.”

    PAD Integrated Marketing & Communications creative director & co-founder Vivek Reddy noted, “Telling a real story can be challenging, particularly when re-enacting events in an individual’s life. Nikhat’s extraordinary journey is one of those rare underdog stories deserving of an honest narrative that organically ties back to the brand’s purpose of “delivering results” because that is all that matters.”

    The TVC will be supported by a comprehensive 360-degree marketing campaign that will have a nationwide reach across India.

  • Vote for your favourite sportsperson at ‘CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2023’

    Vote for your favourite sportsperson at ‘CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2023’

    Mumbai: Celebrating the relentless spirit of India’s sports icons who have brought glory to the nation, ‘CNN-News18 Indian of the Year’ (IOTY), news television’s biggest awards platform, has unveiled the nominees in the sports category this year. The awards platform would honour exceptional sportspersons whose talent and commitment have elevated India’s standing on the global sports stage.

    Currently in its 13th edition, the awards recognise and award individuals who have brought pride to the nation with remarkable contributions in their respective fields. Recognising excellence across seven categories – entertainment, business, sports, youth icon, rising sports star, social change, and climate warriors, IOTY 2023 promises to be a celebration of India’s finest achievers on the global stage.

    The nominees in the sports category consist of extraordinary individuals who have exemplified grit, perseverance, and excellence, which include India’s biggest sports personalities such as Sunil Chhetri, Shubman Gill, Nikhat Zareen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy – Chirag Shetty, and Neeraj Chopra.

    Captain of the 2023 SAFF championship-winning Indian football team, Sunil Chhetri has scored over 90 international goals in his career. He is the third-highest goal scorer amongst active players behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Shubman Gill, the promising Indian cricketer, has emerged as one of the brightest prospects of the Indian cricket team. Gill had a stellar IPL season and became the youngest cricketer to score an ODI double century.

    In the realm of boxing, Nikhat Zareen, the world champion Indian boxer, clinched a second successive World title and Commonwealth Games gold medal. Zareen’s triumph at the 2022 World Boxing Championships in the flyweight category is a testament to her dedication and skill.

    Satwik and Chirag became the first Indian men’s duo to win the Asian Badminton Championship, a world championship medal, and a super series 1000 event. Their prowess on the court helped them scale new heights in 2023 and brought pride to the nation.

    India’s first gold medallist at the World Athletics Championships, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal at the Diamond League. His unwavering commitment and hunger for excellence puts him on course to be the ‘greatest of all time’ athletes India has produced.

    The winner will be revealed at the star-studded grand finale celebrating luminaries in Indian entertainment at The Indian of the Year 2023 award ceremony.

    ‘CNN-News18 Indian of the Year’ has a rich legacy of honouring exceptional talent across various fields. Past winners in the sports category include legendary names like Viswanathan Anand, Sania Mirza, PV Sindhu, MS Dhoni, Saina Nehwal, and Abhinav Bindra, to name a few.

    This year, the winner selection process will combine expert judgment and public voting, with 50 per cent of the decision-making power given to the audience and the remaining 50 per cent entrusted to the jury. Online voting will remain open throughout November. To cast your vote for your favourite Indian and for more details regarding the awards, visit www.indianoftheyear.com

     

  • Adidas celebrates Women’s Day with Watch Us Move campaign

    Adidas celebrates Women’s Day with Watch Us Move campaign

    New Delhi: In the run-up to International Women’s Day, global sportswear giant Adidas has launched Watch Us Move – a campaign to celebrate womanhood and their freedom of movement.

    The launch of the campaign saw Manushi Chhillar, Dipika Pallikal and Nikhat Zareen coming together to narrate how they have broken unrealistic stereotypes of perfection through their incredible journey and positioned themselves as role models for young girls across the country.

    “Watch Us Move is all about encouraging women to express themselves through movement. Every woman has her own definition of movement, of what progress looks like. Yet many tell her what to do, how to look and who to be with. With the launch of this campaign, adidas aims to provide 100 per cent support for all women making moves as they move the world,” said Adidas senior director Sunil Gupta.

    Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar said the campaign celebrates women, their achievements and inspires us to keep a positive approach to life. “It celebrates the fact that being feminine is powerful in every way, shape and form. Through this platform, I would like to say we are ready to move and now, more so than ever, it’s time for the world to ‘watch us move’,” she added.

    Indian squash player Deepika Pallikal said, “Watch Us Move is a rallying call for all women to be the drivers of change for one another with their inspiring rebellious optimism. Through this campaign, I urge women to express themselves more freely and also to move and enjoy and see how this movement can do wonders to their bodies and minds for overall well being.”

    The campaign is timed with the arrival of Adidas’ most supportive active wear range – Formotion – a collection that has been developed by an all-female design team to deliver maximum support, whilst offering a comfortable fit that works seamlessly with the body in motion. Formotion is a celebration of freedom and expression through movement and inclusivity for all women.

  • Twitter collaborates with young personalities for #PowerOf18 initiative

    Twitter collaborates with young personalities for #PowerOf18 initiative

    MUMBAI: As part of #PowerOf18 initiative, Twitter is collaborating with renowned Indian personalities to encourage the youth of India to vote in the upcoming general elections. It has kick-started an online video series on its official handle featuring young personalities from across India, including singer Jassie Gill, boxer Nikhat Zareen, and writer, poet, and #MeTooIndia voice Mahima Kukreja.

    The first video in the series features Gill who is seen talking about youth, politics and what #PowerOf18 means to him. In the video, Jassie can be seen recalling his younger days. He shares how excited he was to get his driver’s license on turning 18. He insists that young people should express themselves on Twitter.

    On youth empowerment, the singer says that it is the youth that fuels the growth of a nation through fresh perspectives. Efforts should be put into good things and if the youth of India sets their minds, they can do great things and make their family, neighbourhood, and country very proud.