Tag: Yannick Colaco

  • Panja packs a punch as Season 2 locks arms with FanCode once again

    Panja packs a punch as Season 2 locks arms with FanCode once again

    MUMBAI: Get ready to grip your screens, India’s fiercest arm battles are back and bolder than ever. The Pro Panja League is flexing for a powerful comeback as Season 2 kicks off on 5 August , streaming live on Fancode. After a knockout debut that turned armwrestling into a must-watch phenomenon, the league is once again teaming up with India’s go-to digital sports platform to deliver unfiltered strength, strategy and spectacle to fans across the country.

    Returning in an IPL-style franchise format, the tournament will see elite athletes from across the nation collide in high-voltage matchups over 17 action-packed days in Gwalior known as much for its heritage as, now, for hosting this homegrown showdown.

    While the Kochi KD’s will defend their title, all eyes are also on the fresh crop of contenders eager to shake up the pecking order at the Panja table.

    “Our aim has always been to make armwrestling accessible to every Indian household,” said Pro Panja League co-founder Parvin Dabas. “Fancode’s reach in Season 1 gave us the perfect platform and we’re ready to dial it up again for Season 2.”

    Fancode co-founder Yannick Colaco added, “We’re proud to continue supporting the growth of indigenous sports. Panja isn’t just a contest of strength, it’s a celebration of pride and passion. And we’re excited to bring it to screens across India.”

    Fans can catch all the action live on the Fancode app (Android and Ios), on TV via Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Samsung TV, Jio STB, and on the Fancode website.

    Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the grip-and-rip game, the Pro Panja League promises a second season that’s bigger, bolder, and guaranteed to leave viewers hooked.

  • Fancode nets Uefa broadcast rights for Women’s Euro 2025 and U21 Men’s Championship

    Fancode nets Uefa broadcast rights for Women’s Euro 2025 and U21 Men’s Championship

    MUMBAI: Football fans in India won’t have to squint at dodgy links or wake up to spoilers anymore—Fancode has clinched exclusive broadcast and digital rights for two of Uefa’s most anticipated tournaments: the Uefa Women’s Euro 2025 and the Uefa U21 Men’s Championship 2025.

    The Uefa Women’s Euro will run from 2 July to 27 July with 31 matches on the card, showcasing elite athletes like Alexia Putellas, Lauren James, Keira Walsh, Ada Hegerberg, Aitana Bonmatí, and Kadidiatou Diani. With eight-time winners Germany, defending champions England, and continental heavyweights like Sweden, France, and the Netherlands vying for glory, the tournament promises fireworks.

    Fancode co-founder Yannick Colaco commented, “The growth of women’s football globally has been phenomenal, and Indian fans have embraced it with passion. We are proud to bring Uefa Women’s EURO 2025 to our platform, continuing our commitment to making world-class women’s sport accessible to fans across India”.

    But the summer of football doesn’t stop there. The Uefa U21 Men’s Championship—scheduled from 11-28 June—will also be streamed live on Fancode. Known as the launchpad for greats like Andrea Pirlo, Mesut Özil, Juan Mata, and Thiago Alcântara, the tournament now features rising stars including Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG), and Rico Lewis (Manchester City).

    Colaco added, “These are tournaments with massive international following, and now Indian fans can watch all the action seamlessly, live and exclusive on Fancode. It’s part of our vision to make top-tier global football more accessible than ever before”.

    Uefa’s marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein endorsed the partnership, “We are pleased to partner with Fancode as the home of the upcoming Uefa Women’s Euro & Uefa Under-21 Championship in the Indian sub-continent region. Football fans will be able to enjoy extensive and the highest quality coverage of Uefa Women’s Euro 2025 & Uefa Under-21 Championship 2025, with all matches broadcast on Fancode’s digital platform”.

    Fancode has previously brought Indian audiences major women’s tournaments including the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 and the Barclays FA Women’s Super League. Their focus on building visibility for women’s sport continues with this latest move.

    Fans can tune in via Fancode’s mobile app, website, TV apps like Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Jio STB, or platforms including Tata Play Binge, WatchO, Playbox, and Sundirectgo. Matches will also be broadcast on Tata Play Fancode Sports (Channel 475), Jio TV+, and Prime Video Channels.

  • Fancode fuels India’s F1 obsession with Hindi commentary & expert shows

    Fancode fuels India’s F1 obsession with Hindi commentary & expert shows

    MUMBAI: If you thought Formula 1 was already thrilling, Fancode just stepped on the gas. The official broadcaster of F1 in India is shifting gears to bring a turbocharged experience for motorsport fans across the country. For the first time, all Formula 1 races will roar into Indian households in Hindi and select regional languages, ensuring no fan is left in the pit lane.

    In an industry-first move, Fancode is offering The F1 Show, Ted’s Notebook, Ted’s Qualifying Notebook, and The Chequered Flag from Sky Sports’ coveted content roster, bringing fans top-tier pre- and post-race analysis. And if that wasn’t enough, the entire Formula 1 season can now be streamed for just Rs 899, with a race weekend pass available for casual viewers who just want to dip their toes in the high-speed action.

    Subscribers will get access to an adrenaline-packed lineup, including F2, F3, F1 Academy, MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, the D Superbike Racing Championship, UIM E1 World Championship, and DTM. Want it all? The Motorsports Pass—priced at Rs 999—lets fans unlock every roaring engine and every chequered flag across multiple championships.

    Fancode co-founder Yannick Colaco is revved up about the expansion. “This year, Fancode is set to become the ultimate destination in India for followers of motorsports. We’ve listened to the fans and enhanced our product to deliver a world-class viewing experience at an affordable price.”

    Motorsports in India isn’t just a niche anymore. Over the past five years, the audience has surged by nearly 30 per cent, and Formula 1 alone has a staggering 60 million followers in the country. With viewership on the rise, Fancode is ensuring that accessibility isn’t a roadblock—because nothing ruins a high-speed chase like a buffering screen or a language barrier.

    Fans can watch all the high-octane drama on the Fancode mobile app (Android, iOS), TV app (Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Jio STB, Samsung TV, OTT Play, Amazon Prime Video channels, Airtel XStream), and on the web at www.Fancode.com.

    With more languages, more analysis, and more content, Fancode is redefining how India experiences it. 

  • FanCode races ahead with exclusive multi-year MotoGP streaming deal

    FanCode races ahead with exclusive multi-year MotoGP streaming deal

    MUMBAI: Sports fans, start your engines! FanCode has just turbocharged its motorsport lineup by securing exclusive digital rights for MotoGP in India. This high-octane three-year deal places FanCode firmly in pole position as the go-to platform for motorsport enthusiasts, following its roaring success with Formula 1 streaming.

    Brace yourself for non-stop, edge-of-your-seat action—FanCode will stream every MotoGP Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race live, bringing fans closer than ever to the adrenaline-fueled world of two-wheel racing. With cutting-edge technology, lightning-fast machines, and riders who redefine the limits of speed, MotoGP has captured the imagination of millions. This partnership ensures that Indian fans won’t miss a single overtaking maneuver, photo finish, or last-lap showdown.

    The love for motorsport in India has hit the accelerator in recent years. Following the historic Indian Grand Prix debut in 2023, the demand for MotoGP has skyrocketed. The event alone pulled in over 100,000 spectators, proving India is more than ready for high-speed thrills. Industry reports show that the country’s motorsport audience has surged by 30 per cent in the past five years, with MotoGP leading the charge among young, tech-savvy sports fans.

    With MotoGP legends like six-time champion Marc Marquez, reigning king Jorge Martin, two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia, and 2021 title-holder Fabio Quartararo battling it out on the track, every race delivers unparalleled drama and excitement. And now, thanks to FanCode, Indian fans can witness every hair-raising moment from the best seat in the house—their screens.

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco revved up the excitement, saying, “MotoGP is one of the most electrifying sporting events globally, and the appetite for motorsports in India is stronger than ever. With this landmark deal, we’re committed to delivering an unmatched experience for every speed-loving fan in the country.”

    Dorna Sports head of media rights Alex Arroyo fueled the adrenaline saying, “India is a critical market for MotoGP, both in terms of its rapidly expanding fanbase and its relevance to global manufacturers competing in the sport. Our partnership with FanCode ensures that Indian fans get premium access to all the MotoGP action, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this thrilling sport to millions of passionate viewers.”

    FanCode’s MotoGP package isn’t just about watching races—it’s about immersing fans in the sport. Subscribers will get:

    . Live streaming of all Sprints and Grand Prix races

    . Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and race highlights

    . Interactive stats and multi-angle viewing options for a next-level experience

    The move cements FanCode’s reputation as the home of motorsports in India, following its successful acquisition of Formula 1 streaming rights. Whether it’s four wheels or two, FanCode ensures that Indian fans never have to look anywhere else for world-class racing action.

    So, buckle up and get ready-MotoGP is coming in hot, and FanCode is in the driver’s seat.

  • FanCode crowned India’s numero uno sports app, ranks ninth globally

    FanCode crowned India’s numero uno sports app, ranks ninth globally

    MUMBAI: FanCode has officially made history.

    Crowned India’s most-downloaded sports app and ranked ninth globally, it continues to redefine how fans experience sports, as per the Sensor Tower State of Mobile 2025 report.

    By the numbers:

    . Third among all sports apps in India for total downloads in 2024.

    .  Number one in Asia-Pacific for in-app purchase growth – premium sports content is booming!

    .  Eight in Asia-Pacific for monthly active users, proving FanCode keeps fans engaged.

    Built by fans, for fans, FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco shared on LinkedIn, “Five years ago, we set out to change the way Indian sports fans engage with their favourite games. Seeing FanCode become a daily habit for millions is amazing. And trust me, we’re just getting started!”

    Co-founder Prasana Krishnan added, “Being recognised as India’s top sports entertainment app and ranking among the top sports apps globally is a testament to the passion of our users and the dedication of our team. In just over five years, we’ve come a long way to deliver a world-class sports experience.  And there’s lots more to come.”

    FanCode ensures fans never miss a match. 

  • FanCode serves an ace with exclusive World Pickleball League streaming rights

    FanCode serves an ace with exclusive World Pickleball League streaming rights

    MUMBAI: In a world where sports like pickleball—once considered a backyard pastime for paddle-wielding dreamers—are now commanding global attention, India’s FanCode has picked up the ball and sprinted to the net.

    The country’s digital sports platform is set to exclusively stream the inaugural season of the World Pickleball League (WPL), giving pickleball enthusiasts a courtside view like never before.

    With pickleball fever gripping India faster than a smash serve, FanCode’s bold move proves one thing: unique sports deserve their time in the spotlight, and they’ve got just the platform to deliver the action. Game on!

    The debut league will unfold from 24 January to 2 February at the iconic CCI Mumbai, showcasing top-tier players from around the globe.

    For those unfamiliar, pickleball is an addictive mashup of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s fast-paced, dynamic, and perfect for those who’ve ever wondered, “why choose one sport when you can have them all?”

    Let’s face it—pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a vibe. With its global popularity soaring, India is catching on to the fever, and WPL is here to fuel that growth. The league promises thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and an unforgettable viewing experience.

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco shared his enthusiasm, “Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, with an increasing number of enthusiasts embracing the sport. The World Pickleball League is set to captivate fans, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them to bring the excitement of pickleball to sports fans nationwide.”

    Hold on to your paddles, because WPL is not just about gameplay—it’s got a healthy dose of celebrity glamour:

    ●   Chennai Super Champs: Owned by none other than actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu

    ●   Bengaluru Jawans: Co-owned by director Atlee and his wife Priya Atlee

    ●   Pune United: A power duo with Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, backed by corporate moguls

    ●   Team Mumbai: Owned by Swiggy, because why not mix sports with snacks?

    With this star-studded lineup, WPL is setting the stage for pickleball to become not just a sport but an entertainment extravaganza.

    As the exclusive streaming partner, FanCode will deliver live coverage and on-demand highlights of every match on its app and website. Expect a seamless, device-friendly experience that lets you catch the action whether you’re on the couch or sneaking a peek during work.

    WPL co-founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar remarked, “FanCode’s rapid rise as one of the favourite sporting destinations for fans across the country provides us with an excellent platform to live stream all the games from the World Pickleball League. We aim to make the sport a household name and are proud to collaborate with a team that shares our passion for the sport.”

    So, are you ready to rally for pickleball? Don’t miss the action-packed debut season on FanCode!

  • FanCode secures exclusive multiyear deal to stream PGA Tour events in India

    FanCode secures exclusive multiyear deal to stream PGA Tour events in India

    MUMBAI: Golf fans can swing their clubs in glees.  Sports streamer FanCode  has signed a deal with the  PGA Tour to broadcast a plethora of golf events in on its streaming service. This multi-year agreement solidifies FanCode’s position as the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts in India.

    Said FanCode co-founder  Yannick Colaco “We are thrilled to partner with the PGA Tour  to bring Indian fans closer to the world of golf. This deal reinforces FanCode’s commitment to offering a diverse range of sports content to our audience. Golf fans in India can now enjoy premium access to the sport’s most iconic tournaments and top players, all at their fingertips.”

    PGA Tour  senior vice-president international media Thierry Pascal added: “We have found a perfect partner in FanCode with India being an important market for golf that features a growing community of passionate fans. Through this collaboration, we are excited to showcase PGA Tout  players and events to Indian fans, offering them high-quality golfing action year-round. We look forward to working closely with FanCode to further grow the sport’s popularity across the country.”

    Key Highlights:
    *   Over 40 events will be streamed annually, providing fans with unparalleled access to the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments.
    *   FanCode has already streamed three marquee events from the PGA Tour: the Hero World Challenge, the Grant Thornton Invitational, and the PNC Championship.
    *   The PGA Tour features an impressive lineup of golfers, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and rising star Akshay Bhatia.
    *   The partnership aims to bring Indian fans closer to the world of golf and showcase high-quality golfing action year-round.

    Availability:
    *   Fans can catch all the live action on FanCode’s mobile app (Android and iOS), TV app (available on Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Jio STB, Samsung TV, OTT Play, and Airtel XStream), Amazon Prime Video Channels, and on the web at www.fancode.com. In addition to the PGA Tour,  FanCode offers fans the DP World Tour;

  • FanCode to stream inter-school sports from Mumbai

    FanCode to stream inter-school sports from Mumbai

    MUMBAI:  This has been some time in the works.  College and high school sports are massive  money spinners for all in the US.  Indian platforms too are getting in on this future growth opportunity. 

    Take streamer  FanCode; it has  obtained  the media rights to broadcast some of the marquee events organised by the Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) across multiple sports.

    Earlier,  the Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) and MSSA had inked a partnership which aims to improve young sports by developing grassroots talent.

    The coverage begins with the under-16 cricket championship for the  Harris Shield which is being streamed on FanCode for the second year in succession. Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English School and Modern English School ,Chembur are facing  off in this year’s final between December 16-18 at Brabourne Stadium. The Harris Shield has seen the emergence of greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, Yashasvi Jaishwal, among many others. It is being  accompanied by the coverage of the championship battle for the under-14 Giles shield .

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco said that the decision to telecast the Harris Shield last year was a landmark one for amateur sports. “We are delighted to continue providing a platform to the next generation of superstars and extending this to sports beyond cricket, with athletics, hockey, football and other events that MSSA will organise. This is also in line with our larger goal of nurturing a sporting culture, by offering a platform for families and friends to come together and show their support for the athletes,” he added.

    Among the other events that are to be streamed include: the inter-school athletic meet, Inter-school Hockey Tournament finals  for The Aga Khan Hockey Cup, and Inter-school Football Tournament.  

    Sports lovers can  watch the tournament via FanCode’s mobile app, TV app for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Jio STB, Samsung TV, Airtel XStream, OTT Play, Prime Video, WatchO, and the FanCode website.

  • FanCode secures rights to revamped Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes

    FanCode secures rights to revamped Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes

    Mumbai: FanCode, a sports destination, will be the streaming the upcoming Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes. Cricket’s most exciting format is set to return after a seven-year hiatus and will see top teams battle it out in Hong Kong from 1 November to 3 November at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.

    The Super Sixes has been a marquee event in the global cricket calendar from 1992 to 2017, with likes of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Shane Warne, Sanath Jayasuriya, Glen Maxwell amongst those who have featured in it in the past.

    This year will see 12 teams competing and they have been divided in four groups of 3 each. India and Pakistan have been placed in Group C, with the UAE. South Africa, New Zealand and Hong Kong make up Group A; Australia, England and Nepal will be in Group B while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Oman will be in Group D. The top two teams from each group will compete in the quarterfinals. A total of 29 matches will take place over three days.

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco said, “Hong Kong Super Sixes has always been a fan favorite, showcasing some of cricket’s biggest names. After seven years, its return is highly anticipated, and with FanCode’s broad reach across mobile, web, and TV, we’re thrilled to bring this exciting format to millions of fans in India.”

    Cricket Hong Kong chairperson Burji Shroff, said “We are thrilled to have FanCode as the exclusive streaming partner for the Hong Kong Sixes. Partnering with like-minded brands is key to achieving our vision of making the Hong Kong Sixes a global sporting property, and FanCode’s expertise in delivering exceptional streaming and fan experiences sets them apart.”

    Squads announced so far

    India: Robin Uthappa, Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Stuart Binny, Shreevats Goswami, Bharat Chipli, Shahbaz Nadeem.

    Pakistan: Faheem Ashraf (c), Muhammad Akhlaq, Asif Ali, Danish Aziz, Hussain Talat, Aamer Yamin, Shahab Khan

    South Africa: JJ Smuts (c), Matthew Boast, Evan Jones, Luthando Midiri, Don Radebe, Jacques Snyman, Aubrey Swanepoel

    Hong Kong: Nizakat Khan (c), Zeeshan Ali, Imran Arif, Ehsan Khan, Jason Lui, Sahal Malvernkar, Benny Singh Paras
    Australia: Dan Christian (c), Alex Ross, Andrew Fekete, Fawad Ahmed, Jack Wood, James Pattinson, Sam Heazlett
    New Zealand: Todd Astle, Harmeet Singh, Henry Mcintyre, Raunaq Kapur, Sam Cassidy, Siddesh Dixit, Xavier Bell

    Select playing conditions and format

    Team consists of seven players with six to be nominated to take the field.
    Each innings will consist of six overs, and one bowler can bowl a maximum of 2 overs but not consecutively. Four members can bowl one over each. The wicketkeeper will not be bowling.

    A batter must retire ‘not out’ on reaching a personal score of 50 runs but may not retire before reaching 50 runs. The batter may complete all runs possible off the stroke that takes him to 50 and the full score shall count. If one of the last pair of batter is out, any retired ‘not out’ batter may resume his innings.

    If more than one batter retires then they must return in the order in which they retired. Any batter having not returned in order will be automatically ‘retired out’.
    A penalty of 4 runs shall be awarded by the umpire if an incoming batter does not cross with the outgoing batter on the field of play.

    If five wickets fall (not including batter retiring not out under Rule 6) before 6 overs are completed, the last remaining batter shall bat on with the 5th out batter acting only as a runner. The last remaining batter must always take strike. He shall be declared out if his partner is declared out (run out or obstructing the field). The innings shall be completed at the fall of the sixth wicket.

  • DD Sports, Fancode to broadcast two-match bilateral series between India and Germany

    DD Sports, Fancode to broadcast two-match bilateral series between India and Germany

    Mumbai: DD Sports, the key public sports broadcaster in the country, along with FanCode will broadcast the highly anticipated two-match bilateral hockey series between the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and the Germany Men’s Hockey Team, scheduled to take place on 23 and 24 October 2024 at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

    FanCode and DD Sports’ combined reach will mean that hockey action will be accessible to fans in every corner of the country, with interest around the game at an all-time high after India’s successful Olympic campaign where the men’s team finished with a bronze medal. Germany ended their campaign with a silver medal.

    Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey enthusiastically said, “We have had a fruitful partnership with FanCode through the Hockey India National Championships. They have played a vital role in making hockey more accessible to sports fans nationwide. With India vs. Germany Test Series set to be streamed on their platform alongside telecast on DD Sports, one of the largest sports channels in India, this partnership will provide a significant boost to our mission of reaching a wider audience.”

    Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added, “We are thrilled to associate with FanCode and DD Sports for the two-match bilateral series. We are confident that this will enhance the viewing experience for passionate hockey fans in India and contribute significantly to our larger vision of making the sport accessible and visible across India.”

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco said, “We are proud to extend our partnership with Hockey India with the bilateral series between India and Germany. The series showcases the best of international hockey, and we’re excited to bring the action to hockey enthusiasts in India.”

    As part of Hockey India’s vision to promote the sport across the country, this series marks the return of men’s international hockey to the national capital after a decade, with the last match played in January 2014 during the Hero Hockey World League Final – Men’s Round 4.

    Having successfully hosted the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier in Ranchi, Hockey India has expanded its efforts beyond Odisha to grow hockey’s presence in India. The organization is also gearing up to host the upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, Bihar, in November 2024.