ITV

Tag: Yuva Kabaddi Series

  • EaseMyTrip extends it’s partnership with Yuva Kabaddi Series

    EaseMyTrip extends it’s partnership with Yuva Kabaddi Series

    Mumbai: EaseMyTrip.com, one of the online travel platforms, has partnered with India’s first-ever year-round sports tournament conceptualised to develop and nurture the Kabaddi ecosystem, Yuva Kabaddi Series (YKS). This is a strategic move by EaseMyTrip, a key partner in its mission to become a one-stop platform for future kabaddi champions in India and promote the game across various parts of India.

    As an associate sponsor for the ongoing Maharashtra leg, EaseMyTrip and YKS both have committed their association for yet another time to boost the common goal of promoting “Mission Kabaddi” in the country.

    The competition has been providing a highly competitive environment for India’s budding kabaddi players, by preparing them for a bigger stage and the support from EaseMyTrip has helped to amplify the monetary benefits to the winners and stand-out performers thereby cultivating a more promising and brighter future for the nation’s youth.

    “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with EaseMyTrip, a strong supporter of sports across various domains and a committed contributor to the goal of making India a sporting powerhouse. This collaboration marks another exciting chapter for the sport of Kabaddi, opening up new avenues of promise and talent. Our shared ambition is to redefine the trajectory of Indian kabaddi for the future,” said  Yuva Kabaddi Series, CEO Vikas Gautam.

    Launched in 2022, the Yuva Kabaddi Series gives the next-gen players (Under 23, Below 80 kgs) a chance to showcase their talent and groom them for the biggest stage in Kabaddi as well.

    Sharing his thoughts on the partnership,   EaseMyTrip co-founder  Rikant Pittie said, “We proudly announce the extension of our esteemed partnership with the Yuva Kabaddi Series, a pioneering year-round sports tournament in India. This significant collaboration reaffirms our unwavering commitment to cultivating burgeoning sports talents and championing India’s trajectory as a dominant force in the sporting arena. Our dedication goes beyond a mere alliance; it epitomises a steadfast promise to cultivate a successful future for the nation’s youth through the transformative power of sports.”

    Till now the series has successfully concluded eight editions, with a total of 890 thrilling matches played over 20 months, impacting 1821 players, engaging 103 coaches to mentor young talents along with 226 officials to ensure the highest level of fair play and quality in the game in the country in the grassroots level.easy-my

  • Union Budget 2024: Record Rs 3442 cr boosts India’s sports sector

    Union Budget 2024: Record Rs 3442 cr boosts India’s sports sector

    Mumbai: During her speech, the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated, “The country is proud of our youth scaling new heights in sports. The highest-ever medal tally in Asian Games and Asian Para Games in 2023 reflects a high confidence level. Chess prodigy and our Number-One ranked player Praggnanandhaa put up a stiff fight against the reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsson in 2023. Today, India has over 80 chess grandmasters compared to little over 20 in 2010.”

    Sports budget allocation 2024-25

    •    Khelo India: Rs 1045 Cr
    •    SAI: Rs 822 Cr
    •    National Sports Development Fund: Rs 18 Cr

    Here are the post-budget reactions of India’s sporting business stakeholders

    Punit Balan Group chairman & managing director Punit Balan shared his thoughts on the budget allocation stating, “The government’s proactive stance towards sports through this increased allocation of funds will provide the impetus for Indian athletes to shine brightly in international competitions, contributing to the continued growth and success of the country’s success on the global stage. With the Paris Olympics looming on the horizon, we are confident that our youth will make it the best-ever campaign for India.”

    Reflecting on the government’s sustained commitment to the growth of sports in India, Ultimate Kho Kho CEO and League Commissioner Tenzing Niyogi highlighted, “Last year, we witnessed a Rs 300 crore increase in sports allocations, which contributed to India’s success in the Asian and Para-Asian Games. The government’s continued commitment is evident in the latest budget, with a total allocation of Rs 3442 crores, which reflects a significant increase from the previous year’s budget. The increased allocations not only boost the morale of our athletes but also serve as a testament to the government’s vision for developing and nurturing sporting talent. As India gears up for the upcoming Paris Olympics, this heightened financial support will pave the way for a promising era for sports in the country.”

    One of the key beneficiaries of this augmented budget is Khelo India, which has received a significant increase from Rs 880 crores to Rs 900 crores.

    “The substantial allocation in this year’s budget not just for the sports sector but also for Khelo India will play a pivotal role with regard to grassroots development. This support for our athletes across all sporting disciplines will facilitate more participation and lead to more medals at the Olympics and other international tournaments,” commented U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok.

    Concurring with him, Yuva Kabaddi Series CEO Vikas Gautam emphasised, “The commendable allocation in this year’s budget marks a significant stride towards transforming India into a sporting powerhouse. By prioritising grassroots infrastructure via increasing the Khelo India budget, we are not just investing in facilities but nurturing the latent talent that resides in every corner of our nation. This budget reflects a visionary approach, recognizing that the true potential of our athletes lies in the foundation we build for them today. It’s a resounding commitment to creating a robust sports ecosystem and with our combined efforts I hope this will fuel the aspirations of our youth and propel India to new heights on the global stage.”

    Gamepoint co-founder & CEO Aditya Reddy believes that the impact of sports extends beyond the field, offering massive economic opportunities.

    “PM Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai stated that the government has resolved to make the country an important centre of the global sports ecosystem. He also highlighted that sports was not just limited to the field, but also presents a huge economic opportunity, he said the country’s sports-related industry will be worth at least Rs 1 lakh crore in a few years. Given the positive approach of the government towards sports, we hope that post the Lok Sabha elections, the new government will increase the budget allocation and announce new measures for the growth of Indian sports,” noted Aditya Reddy.

    Alongside the increased budget allocations, FM Nirmala Sitharaman praised the achievements of the country’s youth in sports and highlighted the confidence level reflected in India’s highest-ever medal tally at last year’s Asian and Para Asian Games during her speech.

    In addition, she proudly stated that India now boasts over 80 Chess Grandmasters which is a significant increase from just over 20 in 2010 and sparked optimism among the country’s sporting business stakeholders.

    Punit Balan, whose PBG-owned team Balan Alaskan Knights competed in the inaugural Global Chess League (GCL) last year said, “Our FM, Nirmala Sitharaman, acknowledging the remarkable achievements of our youth in sports, particularly in chess, reflects the bright future of the sport in our nation. We take pride in Raunak Sadhwani, the prodigy of Balan Alaskan Knights, being one of India’s 80 Grandmasters.”

    The positive sentiments were echoed by Suhail Chandhok who expressed, “As mentioned by FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian athletes have been making their presence felt on the International stage and that is a significant indication of our country becoming a sporting powerhouse. Our upGrad Mumba Masters’ grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi, Harika Dronavalli, and Koneru Humpy securing Medals at last year’s Asian Games 2022 have brought immense pride to Indian chess, with Vidit also going on to secure a place in the prestigious Candidates tournament.”

    With the continued support from the government, the sports sector in India is poised for further development and a bright future for athletes across various disciplines.

  • Will Union Budget boost catapult India to Olympic glory in Paris 2024 and beyond?

    Will Union Budget boost catapult India to Olympic glory in Paris 2024 and beyond?

    Mumbai: With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, the spotlight is blazing on India’s sports sector as we eagerly await the Union Budget 2024. In 2023, the industry witnessed a historic budget boost, soaring by over Rs 300 Crores to reach Rs 3397.32 Cr – a testament to the government’s commitment.

    Khelo India emerged as the frontrunner with a whopping allocation of Rs 1045 Crores, playing a game-changing role. Now, with the global stage beckoning in Paris and future Olympic bids, the nation’s sports enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats, anticipating how the upcoming budget will script India’s sports narrative for the world.

    Here are the quotes from the various industry experts on pre-Union Budget allocation for the sports sector

    Punit Balan Group chairman & managing director Punit Balan expressed his optimism, stating, “Last year’s significant boost in the sports budget showcased the government’s commitment to supporting athletic talent. Considering the Paris Olympics 2024 this year, I hope to see a continued emphasis on encouraging and building future stars. The combination of grassroots initiatives like Khelo India and the professional leagues is essential for nurturing talent and ensuring a sustainable ecosystem for Indian sports.”

    Ultimate Kho Kho CEO and league commissioner Tenzing Niyogi emphasised the need for strategic allocations, noting, “Aligning with the nation’s vision to host the 2036 Olympics under the leadership of our prime minister Shri Narendra Modi, we expect a strategic allocation for non-cricketing sports for infrastructure and talent development across diverse sporting disciplines. Furthermore, the allocation of funds from NSF is also of utmost importance as it will serve as a catalyst for nurturing grassroots programs and identifying as well as developing raw talent. An increase in the National Skill Development Fund is also imperative. This is not only in line with making India a multisport-playing nation but also with the creation of more opportunities through the PPP model to engage and entice additional corporate participation in the Sports Movement.”

    As the sporting landscape in India evolves, U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok emphasised the importance of channelling resources into the development of indigenous sports leagues, the identification of talent, and the nurturing of grassroots initiatives.

    “With the rapid development of emerging homegrown sports leagues, we anticipate an allocation of funds to elevate their prominence in the country. We also hope for a strategic focus on talent identification and grassroots development which to me are crucial pillars for creating a vibrant sports ecosystem. Investing in these areas will not only promote but also contribute to the sustainable development of diverse sporting disciplines,” he said.

    Addressing the crucial aspect of international-level coaching, facilities, and sports sciences, Yuva Kabaddi Series CEO Vikas K Gautam commented, “The allocation of funds towards the training of coaches is crucial, given the current lack of infrastructure and the absence of internationally standardized coaching facilities. It is imperative to recognize that only well-trained coaches can cultivate athletes to compete at the international level. Emphasis on holistic development programs, focusing on talent identification and nurturing, nutrition, and sports science, to create a well-rounded ecosystem for aspiring athletes.”

    Gamepoint co-founder & CEO Aditya Reddy brought attention to the fiscal aspects of the sports sector, emphasizing that reducing GST could play a pivotal role in its transformation by remarking, “To transform the sports sector in India, it is imperative to encourage and incentivise private sports organisations. This can be made possible by reducing the GST on sports services from 18 per cent to 12 per cent, incentivising the establishment of sports goods manufacturing in India through a PLI scheme for sports equipment, and facilitating access to government, railways, and PSU sports facilities for the general public. If necessary, involving private organizations in managing these facilities under a PPP model can enhance both management and maintenance efficiency.”

  • Yuva Kabaddi Series 2023 onboards CARS24 as title sponsor

    Yuva Kabaddi Series 2023 onboards CARS24 as title sponsor

    Mumbai: The Yuva Kabaddi series has joined hands with CARS24, an autotech company, as its title sponsor for its upcoming monsoon edition, scheduled from 24 September to 22 October.

    The Yuva Kabaddi series is a ground-breaking initiative aimed at showcasing the extraordinary talent and skill of young Kabaddi players from across the nation. With this collaboration, CARS24 is not only underlining its commitment to supporting and encouraging India’s budding sports stars but also reaffirming its dedication to fostering a brighter and more promising future for youth in the country.

    The series will witness the participation of emerging talents from more than sixteen states, providing them with a professional platform to showcase their skills and compete at the national level. This initiative aligns perfectly with CARS24’s vision of driving positive change and empowering the youth of India.

    “We are glad to partner with CARS24 whose remarkable global footprint and unwavering market leadership underscore their commitment to advancing innovation and fostering agility. This exciting partnership not only brings us together but also marks the start of an exciting journey where we’re ready for rapid growth of the sport and many exciting opportunities ahead. The partnership will play a key role in shaping the future of Indian kabaddi,” commented Yuva Kabaddi Series co-founder Suhail Chandhok.

    Launched in 2022, the tournament has been providing a highly competitive environment for the country’s budding Kabaddi stars as 8 of the 12 players in India’s recent Junior Kabaddi World Cup team have progressed through the Yuva Kabaddi Series programme. To date, over 1100 youth players have engaged in 618 matches involving 60 coaches, and overseen by 153 officials.

    “Kabaddi embodies the essence of great teamwork, unwavering determination, boundary-pushing, and a relentless pursuit of powerful performance and excellence. At CARS24, we resonate deeply with these values as we continue to revolutionise the autotech industry. Through our partnership with the Yuva Kabaddi Series, our mission is crystal clear: to inspire the next generation of athletes, empowering them to chase their dreams with the same unwavering determination and fearlessness that defines CARS24. We eagerly anticipate a season filled with exciting matches and a journey marked by the values of collaboration, perseverance, and ultimate triumph!,” said CARS24 co-founder & chief marketing officer Gajendra Jangid.

    The sixth edition of the revolutionary CARS24 Yuva Kabaddi Series 2023 will be played at the Fatima College Indoor Stadium in Madurai.

    Honourable Tamil Nadu Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services Shri Palanivel Thiagarajan will inaugurate the tournament on Sunday.