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Tag: Sachin Tendulkar

  • Star India overcomes obstacles in making World Cup a hit

    Star India overcomes obstacles in making World Cup a hit

    MUMBAI: Not long ago speculations were drawn that cricket’s biggest tournament may emerge as a super flop in India courtesy Team India’s feeble performances Down Under, the questioned integrity of the sport and odd timings of the matches. Adding to the list of negatives was the absence of Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh. India, after two decades, was playing a World Cup without the master blaster, who is also known as the God of Cricket in India. 

     

    However, as is said – where there is a will there is a way.  The young Indian brigade which was was looking like a beaten lot, pulled up their socks and came together as a unit, and lo and behold the magic was back. And that was more than evident from their first match performance against Pakistan. Indian cricket fans – who had been wearing frowns, and had their noses turned up in disgust reading about the legal proceedings in the sports pages –  are now rejoicing, celebrating the Indian team’s going from strength to strength. Adding to their delight have been the stellar batting displays from Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakarra, West Indie’s Chris Gayle, South Africa’s AB De Vlliers, and the tough fights  associate teams have been giving more established national sides. All this has made the tournament a worthy exhibition and created a perfect platform for Star India. 

     

    “With India being the defending champions, interest from viewers and advertisers for the World Cup was very positive from the start. We started the World Cup with over 30 sponsors on board and the first India game, against arch rivals Pakistan had 93 advertisers showcasing their brands across digital and TV. In the first two weeks only, the advertiser as well as sponsor count for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup is 50 per cent higher than 2011 edition as well as the IPL. We currently have 38 sponsors across feeds and World Cup programming and over 100 brands advertising during the ongoing World Cup. With India’s strong performances, there is a cricket frenzy through the nation. We have been in talks with more brands for coming on board cricket’s biggest extravaganza, the ICC Cricket World Cup,” says a Star India spokesperson.

     

    The ICC World Cup has opened doors for many first time advertisers and buoyed by the progress so far, there are many brands that are also lining up to the brigade. “For the India – West Indies game we had added hungama.com, Max Life Insurance, Hike, UP Tourism, Reliance Communications and Joy Alukkas as advertisers for the game,” asserts the channel official.

     

    “India stepped into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 as the defending champions and we at Star have introduced numerous ‘Firsts’ that would bring the entire World Cup experience closer to the fans. These include broadcast in multiple regional languages and first ever global telecast in 4K technology among others. Our efforts have borne fruits as within the first two weeks, 473 million viewers tuned into their television sets to capture the live action of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. As the race for a berth in the quarter-finals heats up, the viewers’ excitement is sure to go through the roof,” says the spokesperson, describing expectations from the tournament. 

     

    According to Star, by the beginning of the knock out rounds of World Cup 2015, all the past TV viewership records registered in India by a sporting event, which includes World Cup 2011 and various seasons of Indian Premier League (IPL), have been surpassed. 

     

    The World Cup so far has seen an exhibition of sportsman spirit and quality cricket. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com veteran cricket analyst Hemant Kenkre said, “The quality of games this year has been outstanding. We have seen a few mind-blowing individual performances but the team efforts were unbelievable. I know there were a few questions that emerged before the tournament started but no one remembers them now. Now everyone will cheer for team India because the way they have performed so far. Match fixing speculations are nothing new; it was always there since 1999 – 2000. It is just that the country needed good performances from team India and the India VS Pakistan match gave the necessary ignition. The tournament will grow bigger in terms of sponsorship and viewership if India plays well. And I would be highly disappointed if ICC restricts the World Cup to 10 teams. Being associated with the Singapore Cricket Association, I know the hard work the associate teams put and if a championship is restricted to 10 teams then it will disappoint and demotivate all the aspirants.” 

      

    Credit should also be given to Star Sports for unveiling up the Mauka campaign. After every India match, the broadcaster has been unleashing a new promo, which engages viewers and starts trending across social media platforms.

     

    Drawing light on the reverberating Mauka campaign, the Star India spokesperson adds, “Cricket is nothing less than a religion in India and nothing is bigger than the ICC Cricket World Cup for millions of cricket fanatics. The Mauka campaign struck the right chord among fans as it portrayed the World Cup from a fan’s lens. The idea was at a human level, it was true, funny and ignited a sense of pride without being nasty to the opponents. The film received great response online and on social media from fans across the two countries. The campaign was promoted across 45 channels including news, movies, regional, films, GEC genre and it has received close to 17 million views online making it the most viewed campaign during the World Cup.”

     

    Depicting the commercial growth of the tournament, Maxus Global managing director Kartik Sharma said, “Typically sporting events start with a certain base expectation, which is dependent on recent performances of the playing teams. The cricket World Cup is no exception to this and people’s expectations were dependent on India’s recent performances. With two very interesting India matches everything has changed and more people are now interested in them. Ad rates are a function of early sponsors and also last minute advertisers who might want to utilise it tactically. Rates reflect recent interest in matches. It’s critical that matches have close finishes, which will fuel the interest of viewers irrespective of which country plays.”

     

    Helios Media managing director Divya Radhakrishnan adds, “The tournament has already made its impression in advertisers’ mind and hence all the speculations that were drawn in the initial stages because of controversies and absence of Sachin Tendulkar have been put to an end.”    

     

    Expectations have in fact been surpassed so far with Ireland defeating West Indies and Bangladesh knocking out cricket inventor England. Every cricket lover wants last over finishes and close encounters, and this World Cup so far has offered it. If permutations and combinations are to be believed, India is set to face Bangladesh in the quarter finals and despite having a rough start, Pakistan is also on the verge of securing a quarter final berth. This increases the probability of another Indo-Pak bout, which will be the icing on the cake for both viewers and Star India as it will definitely up the the brand value of the tournament.

  • & Pictures to premiere documentary on cricket ‘Beyond All Boundaries’

    & Pictures to premiere documentary on cricket ‘Beyond All Boundaries’

    MUMBAI: Cricket is nothing less than a religion in India and to build on the recent Cricket World Cup phenomenon, &pictures, India’s premium Hindi movie channel, post the successful presentation of Amir Khan’s unreleased film ‘Chale Chalo’ has set itself apart by airing the glorious documentary – Beyond All Boundaries directed by Sushrut Jain. The channel, known to raise the bar with its differentiated offering each time has scheduled this gripping tale of three ordinary Indians and their love for an extraordinary sport. The film touching the life of three ardent cricket fans Sudhir Kumar Chaudhury –the biggest Sachin Tendulkar fan, Prithvi Shaw – the young prodigy in Indian cricket, and Akshaya Surve – a talented young female cricketer who dreams of making it to the Indian women’s team will premiere on Saturday, 14 March at 2:20 pm.

     

    Speaking of the World Television premiere of Beyond All Boundaries, Zee Hindi Movie Channels deputy business head Ruchir Tiwari stated, “At &pictures, we are constantly innovating the content we provide to our audience and with Beyond All Boundaries we had an opportunity to showcase something unusual and inspiring. India being a cricket-loving country, this documentary is a tribute to them and give viewers a glimpse into the sport. We plan to bring more such unique films that are entertaining, distinctive and engaging.”

     

    Beyond All Boundaries featuring prominent cricket players such as Saurav Ganguly along with Yuvraj singh is co-produced and skillfully narrated by Kunal Nayyar famous for his nerdy astrophysicist character ‘Raj Koothrappali’ from the successful American sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The film describes cricket as a metaphor for life in India encapsulating the emotions of cricket fans during 2011 World Cup. The film effectively depicts an ordinary fan’s addiction to the game, the desperation for winning a World Cup after 28 long years and the breathless excitement during the last overs of a match. The film also beautifully captures the purest form of devotion from the three lead protagonists to their beloved game.

  • Chris Gayle creates history in CWC 2015

    Chris Gayle creates history in CWC 2015

    MUMBAI: The Caribbean giant known for his flamboyant hitting of the cricket ball Christopher Henry Gayle has scored the first double century in the history of World Cup cricket. The southpaw hammered Zimbabwe all over the park in Canberra to score 215 of just 147 balls with the help of 16 sixes and 10 fours.

     

    After achieving the milestone the Jamican told Star Sports, “Getting a bit of cramps, feeling a bit tired. We still have 50 overs to get through. I didn’t want to be out with the first ball. I said “you can’t be serious?” I just want to thank god for this knock. I was under pressure to score runs, and I kept getting messages from twitter and on my cell phone. I have never felt this kind of pressure, but in the end, I am sure I gave them something to talk about. It was a bit slow at the start, not to mention keeping it low. I just tried to take the bull by the horns and hang out there and try and build an innings. After a while I was able to pick a bowler to target and then, in the end, I was out off the last ball (chuckles). A lot of time people don’t know what you are going through as I had some issues with injuries. I am also not getting any younger so age is definitely catching up on me. Overall I am really happy, and I just want to try and build on this as much as possible. Want to build on this momentum and move ahead as we look towards the South Africa game. It was a bit easier to bat later on. I am very happy to get this first double hundred and ever since Rohit got two, I have been hounded to get one as well.”

     

    He was well accompanied by Marlon Samuels who scored undefeated 133 runs. The right hand – left hand partnership yielded West Indies 372 runs.

     

    The milestones achieved in the match were:

     

    · Chris Gayle became the first cricketer to score a double century in World Cup history.

     

    · He is also the first Non – Indian to score a double century. Sachin Teldulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma were the only batsmen to reach the milestone before.

     

    · The 372 runs partnership between Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels broke Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid’s 318 runs partnership record to take the pole position in World Cup cricket.

     

    · The Gayle – Samuels partnership (372) also broke Sachin – Dravid’s (331) to register highest partnership in One Day International cricket for any wickets.

     

    · Gayle scored 16 mammoth sixes to equal the record of most sixes in an innings. He shares the record with South African AB de Villiers.

  • Sachin Tendulkar upbeat about World Cup 2015

    Sachin Tendulkar upbeat about World Cup 2015

    MUMBAI: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 ambassador Sachin Tendulkar has predicted that the event will be even more competitive as it progresses after the first 10 days produced exciting and entertaining cricket.

     

    Talking to the ICC on the sidelines of India versus South Africa match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, the maestro advised the sides and the players to find and maintain the right balance so that they remain fresh and ready for the big matches and yet maintain any momentum they have established early in the tournament.

     

    “It’s been exciting. You’ve already seen a couple of surprises. The teams have played competitive cricket,” Tendulkar, who is the record-holder for most runs and hundreds in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), said.

     

    “The standard has been good, and that is what people want to witness. I feel as the tournament progresses it’s going to produce some fantastic cricket and we’re looking forward to it. I think to have the same successful combination going all the way is going to be the key and to find that balance between staying fresh and not overburdening yourself with additional practice sessions. You just need to find that right balance. If somebody’s not playing well, then obviously that guy needs to go out and hit as many balls as possible in the nets or bowl as many balls as possible. But if everything is going well, then it’s important to have that energy and peak at the right time,” he said.

     

    Tendulkar, who was the player of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, said ODIs were now producing more runs and centuries due to changes in playing conditions as well as the emergence of the Twenty20 format.

     

    “We’ve been witnessing high-scoring games because of two reasons. One is because the rule has changed. There is one less fielder outside the circle. So, that makes a huge difference. The game opens up completely and that becomes difficult for bowlers to consistently find those areas to work because there is one less fielder, which forces you to bowl different lengths and different lines. The second point is also the introduction of T20 format, which has allowed the batters to play more risky shots, play innovative shots, and the guys regularly practice these shots in the nets,” he added.

     

    “How many times in the 80s or 90s did you see someone playing a reverse sweep off a fast bowler, which happens in today’s cricket? If batsmen have to chase at eight runs an over, it’s not something beyond their reach, because in T20 you play 20 overs with asking run-rate sometimes of nine or even more than that. So it’s just the mental set-up and the belief that even if it goes to nine runs and over, we can still hit that target,” said the India icon who retired from cricket in November 2013.

     

    Speaking about his journey as a 14-year-old ball boy to ICC Cricket World Cup ambassador and the experience of not being involved in an ICC Cricket World Cup as a player for the first time in 23 years, Tendulkar said, “First of all, I’d like to thank ICC for nominating my name as Ambassador of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and 2015. I remember I was a 14-year-old boy and I was sitting outside the dressing room as a ball boy in the ICC Cricket World Cup 1987. So, from there to become the Ambassador of the ICC Cricket World Cup is a special journey and I’m excited. This is a new experience to me where I’m watching an ICC Cricket World Cup match from the stands. The atmosphere is fantastic. Absolutely, it is something that I have experienced but not sitting in the stands. I was always on the other side of the fence. To be sitting in the stands and to feel this atmosphere is incredible. Being a World Cup Ambassador I’m supposed to be neutral, but my heart says something and my brain says something. So, I’ve got to stick to my heart and support India,” he said.

  • Sachin Tendulkar all set to return to World Cup 2015

    Sachin Tendulkar all set to return to World Cup 2015

    MUMBAI: The fight for the World Cup 2015 is getting bigger and better. And gearing for the same are news channels Aaj Tak and Headlines Today that have roped in cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar for their World Cup 2015 coverage.

     

    India Today Group chairperson and editor in chief Aroon Purie said, “He is the master who redefined the sport for the world’s most passionate cricketing nation. A World Cup without him is nothing but unimaginable. His presence on the shows will help fill the void in cricket since his last match. It is an honour for the group to have the legend himself on our channels.”

     

    Commenting on his association, Tendulkar said, “The shows that I will be doing on Aaj Tak and Headlines Today are quite impressive and interesting. This is the first time that I am doing something of this sort and it will be a completely new experience for me. What makes this all the more special, is the fact that, I will get to share my experience of the last six world cups with the youngsters, cricketers and budding talent.”

     

    He added, “Obviously World Cup 2015 is going to be a lot more competitive and important. The rules having changed, and with 20 -20 changing the norm in cricket, new and innovative batting styles are coming to the fore. We have discussed these and more in the programmes and am really excited that we could do so many shows of this kind. Most importantly, I would like to wish the very best to Team India to win the world cup. Along with the Aaj Tak and Headlines Today teams, the whole nation is with Team India.”

    Cricket and Tendulkar are synonymous and this World Cup too, the legacy will continue with him bringing his insights and more on Aaj Tak and Headlines Today.

     

    For the first time Tendulkar will also interact with the audience directly on the shows and take questions. The legend, who has given 25 years of his life to cricket, is taking care of his team but from a different pitch. His presence will ensure that the World Cup 2015 will only be bigger, better and more inspiring.

     

    From his lifting the trophy in 2011 to his experience on and off the field, viewers on both the channels will get a first-hand view of the game from the legend himself.

  • IOS Sports & Entertainment bags marketing rights for documentary on Sachin

    IOS Sports & Entertainment bags marketing rights for documentary on Sachin

    MUMBAI: 200 Not Out, the producers of the film on Sachin Tendulkar, have appointed sports and entertainment group – IOS Sports & Entertainment, as the exclusive marketing agency for the docu-feature.

     

    The film will capture the life of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. IOS will be the central agency for all brand associations for in-film and out-of-film promotions.

     

    The documentary on the legend, to be directed by renowned James Erskine, will capture the phenomenal rise of Tendulkar and will be released worldwide in both English and Hindi languages.

     

    This will also be the first instance in the cricketing world when an icon of this stature will be captured through a film. This film also marks Tendulkar being the first Asian to join the list of personalities like Michael Jackson and Ayrton Senna, whose lives have been captured in documentary for theatrical releases.

     

    200 Not Out founder Ravi Bhagchandka said, “We are very delighted to have IOS Sports & Entertainment on board for the project. It is a very special project for us and we are sure they will add immense value to same with their marketing expertise in sports and entertainment sector.”

     

    IOS Sports & Entertainment managing director & CEO Neerav Tomar said that his company was proud that its efforts are being recognised. “We are excited to acquire the exclusive marketing rights for the film and have the opportunity to be a part of a film, which revolves around the Master Blaster. We are confident of living up to the expectations of the Film,” he said.

     

    Earlier, IOS Sports & Entertainment worked in a similar capacity with Bhansali Productions & Viacom 18 Motion Pictures for its film Mary Kom. IOS Sports & Entertainment gave the rights of making the film to the production house and then worked closely from scripting stage to the release of the film.

  • DD to introduce new infrastructure for 35th National Games

    DD to introduce new infrastructure for 35th National Games

    MUMBAI: Indian pubcaster Doordarshan is planning an expansive coverage of the 35th National Games through its main sports and numerous regional channels. This will include live telecasts, highlights and news based programs of the Games.

     

    Doordarshan will start telecasting special programs on Games from 31 January to 14 February, 2015. This includes the opening and closing ceremonies of the National Games.

     

    DD sports, DD National and all other regional language channels including DD Malayalam will telecast the opening and closing ceremony of the Games, live. These channels will also air special programs during the National Games.

     

    From 1 February, Doordarshan will telecast the events live on most of its regional channels. Round the clock coverage of the Games including highlights, news based programs and interviews are also on the cards.

     

    Most of the popular games like athletes, aquatics, football, basketball, kabaddi, tennis, gymnastics, handball, badminton and boxing will be telecast live on Doordarshan. Other events will find space as highlights.

     

    To make the Games a visual treat, Doordarshan is planning to bring in its entire resources and high-tech equipments including HD OB vans, under water cameras, high – tech graphic technologies etc.

     

    High Definition camera used in international events like Commonwealth Games will be used for the first time in the forthcoming National Games.

     

    The 35th edition of the National Games will see more than a total of 9515 participants, among them 7464 are athletes and 2051 of them are non-playing participants such as coaches, team managers and other supporting officials.

     

    Run Kerala Run, the curtain-raiser to the Games, turned out to be a huge success on as people of all walks of life thronged the streets to make it a phenomenal event. It was an occasion for the people of the State to join hands and pledge support to the Games being hosted by Kerala for the second time since 1987. From Parassala in the South to Manjeswaram in the North the simultaneous Run, at all its 21 mega points, 226 mini mega points, and over 10,000 ordinary points, attracted extraordinary crowds.

     

    Sachin Tendulkar held centre stage in the capital, while the other district headquarters had its own star attractions, notably Malayalam film heroes Mohanlal in Kochi and Dileep in Kottayam.

  • “ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will attract TV audience of 1 billion”: Andrew Robb

    “ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will attract TV audience of 1 billion”: Andrew Robb

    MUMBAI: The countdown to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 has already begun with fans gearing up to watch the matches either on television or at the stadiums. Buoyant about the event, Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb is of the opinion that it will engage one fifth of the world’s population. Robb said, “India and Australia are both blessed with the love for cricket. The upcoming World Cup will attract a TV audience of one billion!”

     

    Robb was speaking at the ‘Match Australia’ programme, which is part of the ongoing Australia Business Week being held in India. He had great admiration for the ‘God’ of Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, who sadly will be missed at this year’s World Cup. “Tendulkar is not the God of Cricket just in India but also Australia,” he added.

     

    Post his revelations, a panel discussion brainstormed and analysed on the current form of the Indian and Australian cricket teams slated to participate for the World Cup. Joining the panel were cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhogle, former cricketer and current Cricket Australia board member Michael Kasprowicz and former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar. The session was moderated by sports columnist Ayaz Memon.

     

    Posing a question to Kasprowicz, Memon said, “Michael Clarke, who is recovering from a series of hamstring injuries, will be leading the Australian squad. From a fitness point of view, is it a wise decision?” In his reply, Kasprowicz said, “While that could be a concern, one needs to look at it at an overall point of view. It is a great, experienced and in my opinion a very balanced squad.” Manjrekar interjected saying that he found the overall game scenario in Australia changing, from a team that was earlier precise in decision making to today not being able to take a concrete call as in Clarke’s case. Kasprowicz didn’t differ with him as he agreed that the current scenario in Australian cricket was changing but only a bit, not more.

     

    Memon with his insights of the game took to another parallel of the game by asking, “With Dhoni announcing his retirement from test cricket, is the state of mind of the current squad going to be crucial? Will the decision and the World Cup redefine the role for MS Dhoni ahead?” Manjrekar was all praise for ‘captain cool’ by speaking about his prowess for the game. He found Dhoni to possess a unique character wherein he, with his decision-making and on-field abilities, was able to make up for half of the overall team. “Dhoni is not someone who is concerned about the history of the game. In fact he will not be able to name even five captains of the Indian cricket teams from the past, if questioned.” Not stopping there, he went on to mouth his own version of the famous ‘Mere Paas Ma Hai’ dialogue from Bollywood movie ‘Deewaar’ by looking at Kasprowicz teasingly and saying, “If you guys have Steve Smith and Mitchell Johnson, we have Mahendra Singh Dhoni.” While the audience cackled, Kasprowicz, not surprisingly, was unable to comprehend the humour.

     

    Memon then quizzed Bhogle about his biggest concern with regards to India’s squad for the upcoming event. The expert lamented, “India’s bowling skills are weakening a bit. If the bowling skills improve, we will have a great game. You don’t need to take many wickets but just bowl well.”

     

    The panel then moved to discussing whether India’s celebrity cricketer Virat Kohli could become the biggest pivot at the World Cup this year? Manjrekar said it was a treat to watch both Kohli and Steven Smith bat at the last India versus Australia test series. “Kohli will be a great contributor at the World Cup after Dhoni,” he expressed.

     

    The statement led to Memon asking the panel if India’s squad had the right balance of experienced as well as young players? Bhogle was the first to reply, saying, “With Tendulkar and most of the well known bowlers from the previous squad now gone, it looks very much younger but I know from the talent that was available to us, the best were picked.” Manjrekar added that one important feature of the World Cup was holding up one’s nerves even during the most testing times. He therefore was of the opinion that India’s squad had a balanced mix of young players as well as those who were not only experienced but also temperamentally strong.

     

    While the panel picked up their home teams as favourites to win for the World Cup, Kasprowicz concluded by saying, “I wish to see the finals being played between India and Australia at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) stadium with both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Tony Abbot in attendance.”

     

    Prior to the discussion Bhogle was honored with the ‘Friends of Australia’ award for his contribution to the game and helping foster better relations between the two countries. As part of the ‘Match Australia Programme,’ the gentlemen’s game will be used as an opportunity for investors to visit Australia, enjoy the game and also help boost commerce with a three day weekend programme. As part of the initiative, businessmen can attend investment roundtables on Fridays, followed by sight-seeing tours on Saturdays and by watching cricket matches at the stadium on Sundays.

     

  • Percept Sports and Entertainment bags 35th National Games

    Percept Sports and Entertainment bags 35th National Games

    MUMBAI: Percept Sports and Entertainment, the integrated sports management and entertainment company of Percept, has been appointed as the official marketing activation agency of the 35th National Games, India’s premier sporting event.

     

    The 35th edition of the National Games will be held over a span of 15 days beginning from 31 January 2015 to 14 February 2015 in the staggeringly beautiful state of Kerala.

     
    The mandate for the games involves various ground activations and event administration duties.  This includes multiple activities like game announcements, school activations, flash mobs, countdown timer installations, media launches etc. Given the range of entertainment, media and communications solution offerings available across the Percept Group, PSE has already synergized with Percept Picture Company to shoot a TV commercial with Sachin Tendulkar who is the brand ambassador for the games. It will also look at an alliance with other Percept Group Companies to provide customised products and a complete marketing/activation and branding solution.

     
    The multi-evaluation pitch involved the participation of various other leading agencies with Percept Sports and Entertainment ultimately emerging victorious due to its concept presentation, creative rendition, strong credentials, and a competitive bid. The operation of the games will be handled by PSE out of its Mumbai office with a regional office set-up in Trivandrum.

     
    Percept Sports and Entertainment won the account in November 2014 and has already put a team in place. The agency has begun some of the work which will go on and gain momentum from the first week of January nearing the date of the games.

     
    Percept Sports and Entertainment chief executive officer Sanjay Shukla said, ‘’It is a matter of great pride to be associated with such a prestigious event as the National Games. We are glad to have been given this opportunity to be part of an event that has the potential to make India emerge as an all rounded sporting power. We will strive to make the 35th edition of the National Games the very best the country and the world has seen. To have won such an important and comprehensive pitch is a great honour for us and we look forward to a successful partnership with National Games.”

     

  • Twitter reveals the most influential tweets for #YearOnTwitter 2014

    Twitter reveals the most influential tweets for #YearOnTwitter 2014

    MUMBAI: The year 2014 has undoubtedly belonged to social media and the digital platform. Right from the Pope to Presidents and celebrities, everyone has made a substantial impact through social media. The digital medium products such as selfies, retweets, posts on the most influential books thread, video bytes, challenges like the Ice Bucket and several other me too challenges, announcing breakups and marriages, open letters, celebrity fall outs and unisons with publications etc.; have ensured that the narrative is always chronicled on social media.

     

    As the social soundtrack to life in India, Twitter has revealed the four most influential Tweeple in India for its #YearOnTwitter 2014 campaign, namely Amitabh Bachchan (12M), Shah Rukh Khan (10.4M), Priyanka Chopra (8.05M) and Sachin Tendulkar (4.85M). The portfolios of two of these biggies – Amitabh Bachchan (@srbachchan) and Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) are handled by Fluence, a celebrity digital network that has made news throughout the year with its disruptive activities and signings.

     

    Starting 16 December 2014 till 31 December, the top five tweets that created maximum impact from this set of Indian Tweeples will be showcased under the Perspectives section on 2014.twitter.com, along with other global movers and shakers such as Lady Gaga, Robert Downey Jr. and Neymar Jr. These influencers were chosen for their reach in the country and the news they made during the year on Twitter. Sachin’s picture of him posing with his mother holding his autobiography for the first time, him receiving the Bharat Ratna, Amitabh Bachchan’s thank you message for fans wishing him on his birthday and him sweeping the streets for Swach Bharat Abhiyaan were amongst the most talked about Tweets in the year.

     

    Speaking about their influential clients, Ashish Joshi, VP Digital & Business Head Fluence says, “I would like to congratulate Mr Bachchan and Sachin, two prolific personalities who the people love and who have the power to influence the country with their statements. While it is an honour for Fluence to be associated with personalities of this calibre this association comes with the responsibility of constantly innovating and coming up with ideas that are true to their personalities and are also loved by their fans.  We hope continue to succeed in our efforts while handling these incredibly charismatic and influential people and set new benchmarks for ourselves in the years to come.”

     

    Rishi Jaitly, Market Director for Twitter India and South East Asia added, “No doubt that 2014 was a breakthrough year for Indians using Twitter to connect to their world and heroes such as Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar with 12 million and nearly 5 million followers, respectively. We’re honored to feature them on our global #YearOnTwitter site which showcases the best of the world’s Twitter celebrities and how they connect with their followers in a more personal, authentic way. We look forward to enabling many more millions of Indians to stay engaged with their favourite idols through our platform for live, public conversations on their mobile devices.”

     

    Established in 2013 by CA Media, Fluence has created waves in the nascent sector by signing on some of the biggest names in the industry such as Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Sonu Nigam, Lata Mangeskhar, etc.