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Tag: Sania Mirza

  • Sania Mirza serves up stories and spirit in new IVM podcast

    Sania Mirza serves up stories and spirit in new IVM podcast

    MUMBAI: Game. Set. Chat. Sania Mirza, India’s tennis superstar, is stepping off the court and into the studio with her brand-new podcast “Serving It Up with Sania,” produced by IVM Podcasts. True to its name, the show promises a lively volley of on-court action, off-court candour, and honest conversations served with a side of Sania’s trademark wit and warmth.

    Each episode opens with a quick pickleball match between Sania and her guest, before moving into a no-holds-barred conversation about ambition, burnout, balance, and joy. The idea? To capture the real person behind the public persona, whether the guest is from sports, entertainment, entrepreneurship, or pop culture.

    “Sport has always been my way of connecting with people; it breaks barriers, builds stories, and reveals character,” Sania said. “With my new podcast, I wanted to create a space that’s fun and real, where we can talk about everything from ambition to burnout without filters.”

    Blending competition with connection, ‘Serving It Up’ offers listeners a rare rally of humour, emotion, and unfiltered storytelling. With pickleball’s rising popularity adding a playful edge, the show’s visual-first format makes it as much a watch as a listen, something that sets it apart in India’s rapidly evolving podcasting landscape.

    IVM Podcasts – Pratilipi head Amit Doshi described the show as “a glimpse of where podcasting in India is headed personal, visual, and deeply relatable. Sania’s voice and perspective make these conversations unmissable.”

    IVM Podcasts – Pratilipi co-founder Kavita Rajwade added, “Everyone’s got a podcast, but it’s always fun to see athletes behind the mic. It’s great to see Sania leading this moment for India.”

    The podcast also marks a key collaboration with Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment pvt ltd (CME) CEO and CME Bunty Sajdeh saying, “We’re thrilled to partner with IVM Podcasts and launch ‘Serving It Up with Sania’. Sania’s ability to have honest and vulnerable conversations will make this podcast truly stand out.”

    IVM Podcasts, known for hits like ‘What The Hell Navya’, ‘Cyrus Says’, and ‘Chitthiyaan’, continues to push the boundaries of audio storytelling blending innovation, authenticity, and emotion.

    ‘Serving It Up with Sania’ premieres new episodes weekly, first on Myntra Glamstream, followed by Youtube and major audio streaming platforms.

    So, if you’ve ever wanted to know what happens when a tennis ace trades her racket for a mic, Sania’s ready to serve it fresh, fiery, and full of heart.

     

  • Sania serves aces in style as Allen Solly’s first womenswear ambassador

    Sania serves aces in style as Allen Solly’s first womenswear ambassador

    MUMBAI: When sport meets style, the result is nothing short of smashing. Allen Solly Woman, from the house of Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited (ABLBL), has signed on none other than tennis legend and global fashion icon Sania Mirza as its first-ever brand ambassador. It’s a partnership that brings together aces and accessories, forehands and fashion, under one confident banner.

    Sania needs no introduction. From becoming the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam title to collecting a cabinet of honours including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2015 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016, she has been a pioneer on court and an inspiration off it. Just as effortlessly, she has evolved into a style icon, blending athletic grit with elegance and individuality, embodying the very essence Allen Solly Woman seeks to celebrate.

    “Allen Solly has always encouraged people to express themselves freely, something I deeply connect with,” said Sania Mirza. “I’ve lived life on my own terms, both on and off the court, and I am excited to partner with a brand that champions confidence and style for today’s women.”

    For the brand, the moment marks a milestone. “We are delighted to welcome Sania Mirza as the face of Allen Solly Womenswear,” said Allen Solly Chief Business Officer Richa Pai. “Sania is a true icon who has broken barriers and inspired women to define success on their own terms. Her blend of confidence, style, and individuality perfectly reflects what Allen Solly stands for. This partnership opens a new chapter for us, one that celebrates women who embrace diversity and self-expression.”

    Allen Solly Womenswear has already carved a reputation for rewriting the rulebook on women’s fashion. It pioneered workwear that married professionalism with contemporary flair, created casualwear that resonates with youthful energy, and built one of the largest handbag collections in India. Now, with Sania as its face, the brand is ready to serve an even bolder narrative.

    A new campaign film featuring Sania Mirza is set to launch soon, bringing this partnership alive with the same energy she displayed on court, a mix of passion, confidence, and individuality.

    From Wimbledon whites to wardrobe whites, Sania Mirza has always been about making her presence felt. With Allen Solly, she’s not just playing the game, she’s setting the style.

  • Sania serves up a bold shot with Boldfit as athlete, investor, and designer

    Sania serves up a bold shot with Boldfit as athlete, investor, and designer

    MUMBAI: When Sania Mirza picks up a racket, history follows. Now, the six-time Grand Slam champion is turning her legendary forehand toward the boardroom, joining Boldfit not just as an athlete, but also as an investor and co-creator of its newest range of tennis rackets and pickleball paddles.

    The Bengaluru-headquartered sports and fitness brand, founded in 2018, has built its name on high-performance apparel, footwear, and equipment. With Sania on board, Boldfit is swinging into racket sports with fresh ambition, aiming to make tennis and pickleball more accessible to India’s 1.4 billion-strong sporting population.

    “Pickleball is exploding across all age groups, while tennis has always been my first love,” Sania said. “Partnering with Boldfit lets me bring my years of experience into designing gear that’s lighter, durable, and truly built for Indian players. My hope is to inspire more people to pick up a racket and fall in love with these sports.”

    Boldfit’s “Boldfit Athlete” roster already boasts names like cricketer KL Rahul, and Sania’s addition signals its intent to become a multi-sport powerhouse. Rahul summed it up: “Her joining Boldfit goes beyond equipment, it’s about inspiring millions to embrace sport as part of life itself.”

    The tie-up also puts pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport firmly in Boldfit’s sights. By developing performance-driven paddles alongside Sania, the brand hopes to capitalise on the sport’s surging popularity, supported by new courts and a growing community.

    For Boldfit founder and CEO Pallav Bihani the partnership reflects the company’s broader mission. “Sania isn’t done making history, and we’re thrilled she’s starting this bold chapter with us,” he said. “This is about giving aspiring Indian players access to products designed with the insight of a legend.”

    With tennis, table tennis, pickleball, and cricket already in its portfolio, Boldfit is steadily cementing its reputation as the sporting glue of modern India. And with Sania’s backing, the brand seems set to rally an entire generation toward sport as lifestyle not just pastime.

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

    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. 

  • TPL serves up Season 7 in Ahmedabad with global stars and local passion

    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.

  • Bipasha, Sania and Ravi Kishan front Protinex’s new campaign

    Bipasha, Sania and Ravi Kishan front Protinex’s new campaign

    MUMBAI: In a fresh digital blitz, Danone India’s nutrition heavyweight Protinex has enlisted a trio of household names — Bipasha Basu, Sania Mirza, and Ravi Kishan, to spotlight one of India’s quietest health crises: the daily protein gap.

    With over 70 per cent of Indian adults failing to meet their protein needs and 90 per cent unaware of it, Protinex’s latest campaign cuts through the noise with slice-of-life moments that hit close to home. From Bipasha balancing shoots and wellness, to Sania navigating motherhood with self-care, and Ravi Kishan sounding the alarm on counterfeit nutrition, each narrative champions authentic, informed choices in a world buzzing with quick fixes.

    Wrapped in relatable storytelling and by the brand’s 65-year-old legacy, the campaign nudges Indians to stop sleepwalking through their diets and start reading the fine print, especially when it comes to protein.

    More than just a star-powered health plug, the campaign aligns with Danone’s global mission to democratise health through food. With a sharp focus on authenticity, accessibility, and awareness, Protinex is doubling down on its promise to make protein-packed living an everyday, no-fuss habit across Indian households.

    Because when it comes to health, shortcuts don’t cut it and protein isn’t optional, it’s essential.

  • TV9 rallies India Inc with Gopichand for smashing badminton showdown

    TV9 rallies India Inc with Gopichand for smashing badminton showdown

    MUMBAI: Move over boardroom battles, it’s time to settle scores on the badminton court. TV9 Network has announced the launch of the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship, in partnership with the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, bringing a new spin to corporate fitness and team spirit.

    After scoring big with its Corporate Football Cup, TV9 is now rallying professionals to pick up their rackets. The championship promises more than just a shuttle showdown, it’s a celebration of work-life balance, camaraderie, and competitive flair.

    TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das said, “We believe in sporting events that go beyond competition. They inspire fitness, teamwork and a sense of community. The Corporate Badminton Championship is another step in building a larger ecosystem of corporate sport.”

    With Hyderabad’s legendary sporting legacy as its backdrop, the championship finds a fitting home at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, a temple of talent that has produced Olympic stars like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal.

    TV9 Network-South, chief operating officer, and News9 director corporate badminton championship Vikram K said, “Hyderabad has long been celebrated as a hub for well-established industries like IT, Pharma, Biotech, and Startups. But beyond being a business powerhouse, it has also emerged as a cradle of sporting excellence producing icons like Pullela Gopichand, Sania Mirza, VVS Laxman, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Satwik Sairaj, and Chirag Shetty and more. We are proud to launch the first season of the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship in this city of champions. With the legacy of Padma Bhushan Pullela Gopichand as a backdrop, this tournament is a salute to both passion and performance. It offers working professionals a well-deserved break from the daily hustle, a chance to compete, connect, and celebrate their love for sport. At TV9, we believe in building communities that thrive not just at work, but also in well-being and togetherness.”

    India National Badminton Team chief national coach Pullela Gopichand said, “Badminton has given me everything and I believe it has something to offer everyone. With the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship, we’re bringing that passion, love of the game to the corporate world. Join us and be a part of this exciting movement!”

    The format includes Men’s and Open categories, with singles and doubles matches. Open Category teams must include at least one female player, encouraging inclusive participation.

    But this isn’t just about bragging rights. Winners stand to bag cash prizes of up to Rs 6,00,000, along with exclusive two-day coaching sessions at the prestigious Gopichand Academy. They’ll also receive invites to elite badminton tournaments across India making this a game-changing opportunity for rising talent.  

    The tournament is open to companies and LLPs that have been operational for at least two years with a minimum of ten employees. It’s a rare opportunity for professionals to swap presentations for precision smashes and play under the guidance of the very coach who shaped India’s badminton dreams.

    As the courts light up and teams take their positions, TV9’s latest initiative proves that the real corporate champions might just be found in sports shoes, not suits. Let the rallies begin!

  • World Tennis League Season 3 action on Sony Sports from 19 December

    World Tennis League Season 3 action on Sony Sports from 19 December

    MUMBAI: Four days of fast-paced tennis starting today, 19 December, with some of the leading players globally battling it out in the World Tennis League (WTL) Season 3 for the title of champion team. That’s what tennis lovers are going to be glued to on the Sony Sports Network (SSN) till 22 December. 

    SSN has acquired the exclusive television and digital rights for the tournament for India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The year-end treat has Sania Mirza and Rob Koeing serving as commentators. 

    The WTL is a one of its kind mixed gender leagues which is being  held at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi with thrilling match ups between four teams namely Eagles, Falcons, Hawks and Kites. 
     

    Schedule for WTL

    What makes the tournament even more interesting is the presence of the players like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios, Taylor Fritz, Hubert Hurkacz and Sumit Nagal from India in the Men’s. On the other hand, the women stars participating include the likes of Iga Swiatek, Barbora Krej?íková, Paula Badosa, Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, Caroline Garcia, Jasmine Paolini, and Mirra Andreeva.

    During the tournament, the teams will play each other in a round-robin format. Each tie will consist of four sets: one men’s singles match, one women’s singles match, and two doubles sets, which may include men’s doubles, women’s doubles, or mixed doubles, as determined by the team that wins the coin toss.

    Following the round-robin phase, the top two teams will face off in the final on 22 December 2024.

    The squads are as follows:

    Eagles – Iga Swiatek, Barbora Krej?íková, Hubert Hurkacz, Casper Ruud
    Hawks – Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva, Taylor Fritz, Sumit Nagal
    Falcons – Elena Rybakina, Caroline Garcia, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev
    Kites – Jasmine Paolini, Paula Badosa, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Nick Kyrgios

    The WTL can be watched live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD channels &  on Sony LIV

    Live performances by ageing evergreen Canadian rockstar Bryan Adams and Anastacia (19 December) and by Akon (21 December) are other standouts for the WTL What was not clear at the time of writing was whether the performances were going to be aired. So if you are a fan of any of these and the top tennis ranked players, head out and book your flight tickets as well as tickets for the arena. 

  • Indian Sports Honours 2024 to air on Star Sports & Disney+ Hotstar

    Indian Sports Honours 2024 to air on Star Sports & Disney+ Hotstar

    Mumbai: The Indian Sports Honours (ISH) returned for its fifth edition. This year’s ceremony will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar on 18 November, 2024, at 5PM & 10:30 PM, bringing together India’s finest athletes and sports enthusiasts for a night of recognition and celebration.

    The ceremony will recognise some of the best sporting talents in the country through 10 Jury Honours, four Popular Choice Honours and Lifetime Achievement Honour. Included this year, will also be a new honour for Grassroot Initiatives of the Year, facilitating the organisations that make significant contributions to the development of sports at a grassroot level.

    The jury for this esteemed event featured a distinguished panel of sports icons, led by Abhinav Bindra, a member of the IOC and India’s first individual Olympic medal, as a chairperson. Alongside him was the legendary Indian athlete and President of the IOA, P.T. Usha, former world number one shooter, Anjali Bhagwat, and Disney+ Star head of sports Sanjog Gupta. The jury also included boxing olympic bronze medalist in 2008 Vijender Singh, wrestling bronze medalist in 2012, Yogeshwar Dutt, and former Indian hockey captain and player, Sardar Singh, as they all bring their combined expertise and insight into the selection process.

    Conceptualised by Cornerstone Sport, the Indian Sports Honours ceremony is a remarkable event that brings together top athletes, sports personalities, coaches, celebrated Bollywood icons and influencers, in recognition of the dedication and achievements that define Indian sports today. The event’s highlights include the main event, which showcases the sporting milestones achieved over the past year and moments honouring the inspirational journeys of the nation’s top sports talent.

    The event will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar, who promise to bring a spectacular show encompassing Indian sports and the athletes who have dedicated their lives to it. The broadcaster will showcase several high-profile guests the event, including Sania Mirza, Abhinav Bindra, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Pandey, Sarabjot Singh, Lakshya Sen, Rani Rampal, Padhmashri Muralikant Petkar, Harmanpreet Singh and Avani Lekhara, amongst others. The main event will be broadcast on 18th November, on the Star Sports Network & Disney+Hotstar.

    Below are the list of honours the audiences can witness from the comfort of their home:
    Jury Honours: Sportsman of the Year (Individual), Sportswoman of the Year (Individual),
    Para-Athlete of the Year (Male), Para-Athlete of the Year (Female), Coach of the Year
    (Male), Coach of the Year (Female), Team of the Year (Male), Team of the Year (Female),
    Sportsman of the Year (Team), and Sportswoman of the Year (Team).

    Popular Choice Honours: Breakthrough Performance of the Year (Male), Breakthrough
    Performance of the Year (Female), Fan Club of the Year, and Club of the Year.

    Other honours: Lifetime Achievement Honour, Grassroot Initiatives of the Year Honour and Star Believe Honour

    Cornerstone Sport CEO Bunty Sajdeh expressed his excitement for the honours, stating, “The fifth edition of the Indian Sports Honours marks another milestone in our mission to celebrate the best of Indian sports. Each athlete has a special story, and it is important to celebrate that with full gusto. This year, we aim to go even further in honouring the achievements of our athletes, whose dedication, resilience, and passion inspire us all. With new categories and our collaboration with Star Sports, we’re thrilled to bring the spirit of Indian sports to viewers across the country.”

  • Play Sports kicks off its phase one initiative to transform sports

    Play Sports kicks off its phase one initiative to transform sports

    Mumbai: Play Sports, an extracurricular management and talent curriculum platform has announced its phase one initiative which aims to transform sports development in Rajasthan and ultimately throughout India. Play Sports has appointed renowned personalities as brand ambassadors to further involve and motivate emerging sporting talents. Boxing champion MC Mary Kom, actor and TV host Rannvijay Singha, and tennis legend Sania Mirza are all supporters of the initiative helping to raise awareness and encourage participation.

    Play Sports is transforming India’s sports ecosystem by focusing on infrastructure, talent development, and grassroots engagement, starting with Rajasthan and expanding nationwide. With a goal to prepare India for success in the 2036 Olympics and position it among the top 10 sporting nations, Play Sports aims to build a strong and sustainable framework for future athletes.

    The project’s goal is to ignite the thrill of sporting excellence in India. The platform aims to engage parents, renowned athletes and enthusiastic educators with improved curriculum in a range of sports including athletics, cricket, judo, tennis, karate, football taekwondo, handball, wushu, skating, kabaddi, chess, volleyball, table, tennis, badminton and many more to foster a culture of sports excellence at all levels and increase youth involvement.

    Through strategic partnerships and endorsements from influential sports personalities, Play Sports is not only fostering a culture of excellence but also inspiring a nationwide movement towards sporting greatness.

    Ranvijay Singha on the optimistic potential of the development programme, shared, ” I am confident that Play Sports is not just a game-changer but a catalyst that is setting us on course to become a global superpower in sports. Their comprehensive approach to developing infrastructure, nurturing young talent, and elevating sports standards is exactly what India needs to rise to the top of the global sporting arena.”

    Sania Mirza shared, “With Play Sports, I am deeply committed to fostering grassroots development and creating a robust tennis ecosystem in India. By focusing on young, aspiring athletes and providing them with the right resources and support, Play Sports is laying the foundation for a future where Indian tennis can shine on the world stage”

    Mary Kom shared, “My dream has always been to inspire and create 1,000 champions like myself. With Play Sports, this dream is taking tangible shape. Their dedication to grassroots development and athlete support aligns perfectly with my vision of nurturing future champions and making a lasting impact on the world of sports.”

    Play Sports is not only fostering a culture of excellence but also inspiring a nationwide movement towards sporting greatness. As the initiative continues to expand its reach and impact, it promises to be a driving force in shaping India’s sporting future and realizing its Olympic aspirations.