Category: sports

Airo and Aether 2025: Mahindra University’s Sports and Cultural Fests Attract Citywide Participation

Hyderabad/New Delhi, 12th March 2025: Airo and Aether 2025, the annual sports and cultural fests of Mahindra University witnessed an overwhelming response, bringing together students, athletes, and performers in a celebration of talent, teamwork, and creativity.

Airo featured an exhilarating lineup of 16 sports, including cricket, kabaddi, basketball, football, tennis, and badminton and more. Students from institutions such as BITS Pilani, IIT Hyderabad, CBIT, Woxsen University and more participated.

Mahindra University secured the first place in cricket, throwball, volleyball, basketball (women’s), kabaddi (women’s), men’s tennis, and yoga. The university also earned runner-up positions in multiple categories, reaffirming its commitment to athletic excellence and sportsmanship.

AIRO 2025 announced the addition of new sports, including yoga, swimming, men’s throwball, women’s kabaddi, and women’s Kho Kho reinforcing the festival’s inclusivity and commitment to providing a broader platform for students to showcase their athletic abilities. The runner up for cricket was CBIT, BITS in women’s basketball and volleyball, Malla Reddy University in men’s volleyball, TKRES in men’s and women’s throwball, CMRIT in men’s Kho Kho and Little Flower in men’s tennis.

Aether 2025 captivated audiences with its “Wonderland” theme, transforming the campus into a realm of magic and wonder. The fest featured a diverse array of events, including the Battle of Brands, Mehfil, Photo Treasure Hunt, Street Photography talk, Terrarium Tales, Disco Royale, Squid Games 2.0, Cultural Night, Battle of Beats, BOB and BOV (Battle of Bands and Battle of Vocals), and many more.

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, emphasized that “We are proud to host our flagship student events Airo and Aether which offer excellent opportunities for students to showcase their talent and skills, practise collaboration and communication, and build lasting memories of the fun and excitement. The festival fosters a spirit of mutual appreciation and builds peer networks amongst the student community. We are grateful for the excellent participation and look forward to witnessing new talent as it grows.”

The event concluded with electrifying performances by Band Raag and PROJECT 91, which had the audience in high spirits.

Ambience Public School Secures Future Champions with New Centre of Sports Excellence

Gurugram, 11th March 2025: Ambience Public School, Sector 43, Gurgaon recently opened ‘Centre of Sports Excellence by Ambience, a premier facility designed to nurture young athletes across multiple discipline. With a structured approach to sports education, the centre is committed to empowering students to excel in their chosen fields and compete at higher levels.

Equipped with world-class infrastructure, including an Olympic-size swimming pool, professional tennis and badminton courts, a basketball arena, cricket and athletics tracks, shooting ranges, gymnastics facilities, and table tennis, the centre aims to provide top-tier training and mentorship. The New Centre of Sports Excellence distinguishes itself through its team of highly qualified coaches, who bring extensive experience in professional sports training. By focusing on skill development, discipline, and competitive preparedness, the centre has already produced students who have excelled in state and national-level competitions.

Ms. Garima Pandey, the Principal at Ambience Public School, said, “We believe that sports is not just about competition but about building character, resilience, and teamwork. The Centre of Sports Excellence by Ambience is a step towards providing students with the best-in-class training and infrastructure, helping them unlock their true potential and excel in their chosen sports. Our vision is to create an environment where young athletes can develop skills that will serve them both on and off the field.”

With its top-notch facilities and proven track record, the New Centre of Sports Excellence by Ambience Public School is rapidly gaining popularity among parents and students. By offering world-class training, expert coaching, and a supportive environment, the school continues to reinforce its commitment to holistic education and sports excellence. The increasing number of registrations reflects the growing trust and enthusiasm among parents and students, reinforcing the school’s reputation as a hub for sporting excellence.

S8UL Esports Sets Sights on Victory with Dynamic Call of Duty: Mobile Squad

Mumbai, 01st March 2025: S8UL Esports, a global name in esports and gaming content, is thrilled to make its mark in the Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM) competitive scene with a formidable lineup of battle-hardened veterans. This new roster is primed to take on the best in the world and solidify S8UL’s position as a powerhouse in CODM esports.

The new S8UL CODM roster features:

• Zeel Patel (Neutrino)
• Samruddha Ghadge (SAMs)
• Samartha Ghadge (JOKOs)
• Rishi Dubey (Trunks)
• C. Glenn Varshan (Ghost)
• Chiranthan Shetty (BurnZ) – Team Coach

The roster boasts an enviable mix of experience, firepower, and tactical prowess. Neutrino and Trunks, in particular, have already made history by being part of their earlier lineup that secured a runner-up finish at the Call of Duty: Mobile World Championship 2023. Their journey to the grand final included a defining 3-2 victory over North American giants Luminosity Gaming, highlighted by a spectacular 7-0 sweep on Meltdown in the decisive Search and Destroy match, one of the most memorable moments in Indian CODM esports history.

Commenting on the team’s latest foray into CODM, Animesh Agarwal, Co-Founder of S8UL, said: “At S8UL, our vision has always been clear—whenever we enter a title, we aim to set the stage on fire, not just nationally but globally. CODM is no different. We’ve built a team we have immense confidence in, and I look forward to supporting them in reaching their full potential. This is an exciting new chapter for us, and we can’t wait to make our mark.”

With a squad filled with veterans who have competed at the highest levels of CODM, S8UL is ready to shake up the competitive landscape. The team will be making its debut in upcoming high-stakes tournaments, setting its sights on national and international championships and bringing laurels for the country.

“Joining S8UL is a massive opportunity for all of us. With the organization’s backing and vision, we have everything we need to push our limits, refine our strategies, and take on the toughest competition. We have the experience, the hunger, and the skill to compete with the best in the world, and we can’t wait to prove it on the battlefield and make the country proud on the global CODM stage,” said Zeel Patel aka Neutrino, IGL

Recently, S8UL made headlines by announcing its expansion into VALORANT with a star-studded roster, reinforcing its ambitions in the FPS competitive scene. S8UL Esports, renowned for its dominance in both competitive gaming and content creation, has already made waves in titles like Pokémon UNITE. With multiple Esports Awards and MOBIES wins to its name, the organization continues to expand its presence in the global gaming scene. The addition of a high-caliber CODM roster marks another significant step in its esports journey, reinforcing its commitment to elevating Indian esports on the world stage.

As S8UL Esports embarks on this exciting new chapter, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to set new benchmarks and create unforgettable moments in the world of esports. Stay tuned as S8UL Esports prepares to unleash its Call of Duty: Mobile roster onto the competitive circuit, with one mission in mind—victory.

SAI Kolkata & Partners Host Fit India Morning Maidan Olympics to Promote Sports

Kolkata, 25 February 2025: Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre, Kolkata, in collaboration with Khelo Rugby, Future Hope, and Make Calcutta Relevant Again, successfully organized the Fit India Morning Maidan Olympics at Kolkata’s iconic Maidan. The event brought together over 300 young athletes, celebrating fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship as part of the nationwide Fit India Movement.

The event featured a variety of activities, including Track & Field Races – Sprint, Relay, and Cross Country, Fun Challenges – Tug of War, Obstacle Race, and Piggy Back Race, as well as Football & Rugby Dribble Contests. The young athletes, divided into 10 teams of 30 children each, displayed remarkable energy, enthusiasm, and team spirit. The day concluded with a Medal Ceremony, recognizing the achievements of the participants and promoting the spirit of sportsmanship.

Adding to the cultural exchange and global spirit of the event, 30 students from Doshisha University, Japan, attended the Fit India Morning Maidan Olympics. They interacted with the young athletes, shared experiences, and enthusiastically participated in the celebrations, fostering international friendship and community bonding. Their presence added a unique dimension to the event, creating an atmosphere of cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner, praised the Fit India Movement and the Morning Maidan Olympics for promoting a balanced lifestyle among young people. He noted, “Initiatives like Fit India encourage children to balance studies and physical activity, fostering discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.” He added, “I am impressed by how the Government of India is actively promoting sports, not just to find top athletes but to build a healthier, happier, and stronger generation.”

Mr. Meghdut Roy Chowdhury, CIO of Techno India and Founder of Make Calcutta Relevant Again, highlighted that the Fit India Morning Maidan Olympics beautifully captures the spirit and cultural essence of Kolkata’s Maidan, a place deeply cherished by every Kolkatan. He noted, “Maidan is more than just a ground; it is an emotion for everyone in Kolkata. It’s where friendships are made, dreams are chased, and the love for sports is celebrated.” He emphasized the importance of such events, stating, “In a world dominated by screens, events like this play a crucial role in keeping the vibrant spirit of Maidan alive and nurturing Kolkata’s rich sporting culture.”

Ms. Sujata Sen, CEO of Future Hope, and Mr. Paul Walsh, Founder of Khelo Rugby, expressed their excitement in being part of the Fit India Morning Maidan Olympics, calling it a unique initiative that celebrates and promotes sporting culture at the grassroots level. Ms. Sen noted, “It’s not just about competition but about inspiring children to embrace fitness and sports as a way of life.” Mr. Walsh added, “This event provides young athletes with an opportunity to play, learn, and grow through sports.”

Sh. Satyajit Sankrit, Deputy Director General of Sports Authority of India (SAI), congratulated the participating children and medal winners for their remarkable performances. He extended his sincere gratitude to all participants, volunteers, collaborators, and guests for making the event a grand success.

The Fit India Morning Maidan Olympics successfully promoted fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship, inspiring young athletes to embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle. The event beautifully celebrated Kolkata’s love for sports and the legacy of Maidan, bringing together communities and encouraging children to participate in physical activities.

PVR Inox and Jiostar Join Forces to Screen ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Live

24th, February 2025: PVR INOX Limited, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, has entered a historic collaboration with JioStar to screen the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 live across its cinema network. The partnership will begin with the high-octane India vs. Pakistan match on February 23, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and continue with the India vs. New Zealand match on March 2, 2025. Should Team India progress to the semi-finals and finals, additional matches will be screened live across 150+ PVR INOX screens Pan-India.

This exciting collaboration will allow cricket enthusiasts to experience the thrill of the ICC Champions Trophy in a stadium-like atmosphere on the big screen, delivering an unparalleled viewing experience. The plush, comfortable settings of PVR INOX cinemas will elevate the cricket-watching experience, allowing fans to cheer for their favourite teams together amidst much fanfare. Patrons can also indulge in PVR INOX’s delectable food combos and gourmet options while enjoying their favourite matches in the comfort of the cinema hall. This initiative underscores PVR INOX’s commitment to providing exceptional entertainment experiences and leveraging its advanced cinematic technology to bring major sporting events to the big screen

Screening Schedule:

India vs. Pakistan: February 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM GST
India vs. New Zealand: March 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM GST

Further screenings of additional matches, including the semi-finals and final, will be confirmed based on Team India’s progression in the tournament.

Commenting on the announcement, Gautam Dutta, CEO – Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with JioStar to bring the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to our cinemas. This association is a significant milestone for us, as it combines two of India’s greatest passions: cricket and cinema. Screening the ICC Champions Trophy in our cinemas offers fans a stadium-like experience, filled with excitement and camaraderie. Last year, we witnessed an overwhelming response from audiences, with an influx of footfalls to our screenings across cities, affirming the immense popularity and success of this initiative. At PVR INOX, we are dedicated to enhancing the entertainment experience, and screening live cricket matches in our cinemas is a testament to that commitment.”

This association is especially significant as it aligns with PVR INOX’s strategy to expand its reach and offerings, ensuring that audiences across India can enjoy world-class entertainment. The screenings will take place in major metropolitan areas as well as tier-2 and tier-3 cities, ensuring wide accessibility and catering to the vast cricket-loving population of India including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Indore, Vadodara, Surat, Guwahati, Goa, Nagpur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Trivandrum.

Entertainers Cricket League Season 2 Welcomes Action with a Grand Jersey Unveil in Delhi

18th February 2025: After the phenomenal success of Entertainers Cricket League Season 1, the highly anticipated Season 2 is set to raise the bar even higher, delivering an electrifying fusion of sports and entertainment. Spearheaded by league owners Himanshu Chandnani and Anil Kumar, alongside co-founders Ajay Assudani and Puneet Singh, the season commenced with an intense player auction in Mumbai, where team owners fiercely competed to assemble formidable squads. The auction witnessed intense bidding wars, with star players like Bobby Yadav fetching record-breaking bids, further cementing Entertainers Cricket League Season 2’s growing stature in the cricketing and entertainment landscape.

As the excitement builds toward the main event, a high-energy jersey unveil was hosted in Delhi last night, setting the perfect tone for the thrilling season ahead. The jersey launch event was nothing short of a spectacle, bringing fans face-to-face with their favorite digital superstars, content creators, and marquee players. True to the essence of Entertainers Cricket League Season 2, the night was filled with electrifying dance performances, live musical acts, and interactive fan engagements, turning the unveiling into a full-fledged entertainment extravaganza. The roaring crowd and palpable anticipation created an unforgettable atmosphere, ensuring that Entertainers Cricket League Season 2 is set to be bigger and better than ever before.

Speaking about the league’s meteoric rise, Himanshu Chandnani, co-owner of Entertainers Cricket League, shared his excitement: “The success of Entertainers Cricket League’s first season was beyond our expectations—it proved that cricket and entertainment make for an unbeatable combination. We saw incredible talent, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments on and off the field. With Season 2, we are taking things to an entirely new level. More teams, bigger players, grander entertainment—this season is going to be an absolute game-changer. Our goal is to make Entertainers Cricket League the most exciting and engaging cricket league, and we can’t wait for the fans to experience what we have in store!”

Adding to the excitement, Munawar Faruqui, captain of Mumbai Disrupters and renowned comedian, expressed his enthusiasm: “Cricket and entertainment go hand in hand, and the Entertainers Cricket League is the perfect blend of both! Revealing our Season 2 jersey in Delhi is a special moment, and I can’t wait to hit the field with my team. This season is going to be bigger, better, and full of surprises—so get ready for an unforgettable ride!”

Abhishek Malhan, captain of Bangalore Bashers and popular digital content creator, echoed the excitement: “The energy around Season 2 of the Entertainers Cricket League is unreal! It’s amazing to see how this league is bringing together creators, artists, and sports enthusiasts on one platform. The new jersey represents our passion and team spirit, and I’m excited for all the action coming up. Let’s make this season one to remember!”

This season, eight dynamic teams will battle for the coveted championship title, each led by some of the most influential digital personalities:

Haryanvi Hunters – Captain: Elvish Yadav

Mumbai Disrupters – Captain: Munawar Faruqui

Rajasthan Rangers – Captain: Zayn Saifi

Bangalore Bashers – Captain: Abhishek Malhan

Kolkata Superstars – Captain: Pushkar Raj Thakur

Chennai Smashers – Captain: Mahesh Keshwala

Dynamic Delhi – Captain: Gaurav Taneja

Lucknow Lions – Captain: Anurag Diwedi

With an explosive mix of fierce competition, high-voltage entertainment, and unparalleled fan engagement, Entertainers Cricket League Season 2 is all set to take cricketainment to new heights. The jersey unveil was just a glimpse of the spectacle that awaits—get ready for weeks of non-stop action, adrenaline, and unforgettable moments.

ISPL Season 2 Secures Milestone Success on Jiostar Network

Mumbai, February 13, 2025: The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 2 is off to a strong start with JioStar Network as its new broadcast partner. Across platforms, the league has reached over 15 million viewers for the first 11 matches (as of January 31) and TV reach has jumped 32% from the last season for the Live Matches.

Building on its instant growth and widespread recognition, the ISPL is proud to announce the addition of two new teams for Season 3, further expanding the tournament’s scale and grandeur.

The first two weeks in Season 2 delivered thrilling action at Dadoji Kondadev Stadium in Thane. Amitabh Bachchan-owned Majhi Mumbai became the first team to secure a playoff spot with a dominant run of eight consecutive wins. Meanwhile, Ram Charan’s Falcon Risers Hyderabad, Akshay Kumar-owned Srinagar Ke Veer, and Hrithik Roshan’s Bangalore Strikers join Mumbai as the top four teams that made it to the playoffs starting February 12th with the finals on February 15th.

Beyond the on-field action, ISPL has also been a star-studded entertainment spectacle, with Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandes starring in the opening ceremony and electrifying performances each night from top artists like Mika Singh, Sonu Nigam, Jubin Nautiyal, Meet Bros among a host of others.

Suraj Samat, League Commissioner and Core Committee Member, ISPL, said: “The viewership results are a testament to our commitment to establishing ISPL as a premier platform where players not only hone their skills but also gain nationwide recognition. Our partnership with JioStar reinforces this vision, as we continue to unearth exceptional talent from the streets and provide them with a professional stage in stadiums. Season 2 has delivered an immersive broadcast experience, captivating fans with thrilling performances and high-octane action. With the introduction of DRS, speed cameras, and other innovations, we are setting new benchmarks, positioning ISPL as the next feeder line for emerging Indian talent.”

Mallika Petkar, Head of Strategy and Business Development – JioStar – Sports, said: “ISPL celebrates the groundswell of support for cricket, expressed in the form of gali (street) Cricket. With this partnership, JioStar is committed to powering the overall cricket ecosystem by showcasing the democratised access to the game and building excitement for a wider universe of players. The talent pool for the tournament has been sourced from a nation-wide scouting program which allows brands to be activated across the thriving circuit of amateur participation and we hope to continue growing the pockets of passion every year.”

The ISPL has revolutionized the sports entertainment landscape in India, and its success story is only just beginning. With the addition of two new teams and an expanded format, the ISPL presents an exciting opportunity for new owners to join the league and be a part of its remarkable growth story.

Sehwag Predicts Thrilling DP World ILT20 Finale on UAE’s Batting Tracks

Dubai, February 10th, 2025: On the eve of Qualifier 2, DP World ILT20 Season 3, streaming exclusively on Zee Network, has reached a crucial juncture. Batting legend and commentator Virender Sehwag vouched to witness thrilling contest between Sharjah Warriorz and Desert Vipers on Friday, at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The winner of this match will take on Dubai Capitals in the final on Sunday, 9th February to be played at the Dubai International Stadium.

Emphasising on the wickets here in UAE that are tailor-made for scoring big runs, Sehwag said, “UAE stadiums have some of the best batting tracks. Though I didn’t have the opportunity to play a lot here, I did play a couple of games for India and during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and I absolutely enjoyed batting here in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.”

“Hopefully the next two games (Qualifier 2 and Final) will be a cracker. The match between Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers went down to the last ball and I am sure the next two games will be thrilling contest too.”

Having been part of the DP World ILT20 as a commentator since its inception, Sehwag highlighted the growth of this league and factors that makes it one of the top cricket leagues in the world. “I think the DP World ILT20 is one of the best leagues. Like IPL is good for the development of Indian cricket, similarly, DP World ILT20 is good for UAE players and the Middle East. But the good part is that you can’t see nine international players playing in one team in any other league.”

He further added, “This is the third year for me in DP World ILT20 as a commentator. And I’m seeing that a lot of good international players are coming and playing this league, which is benefitting UAE’s youngsters. They’re getting good experience with international players. And this year, if you look at all the matches, they have been very close and very interesting and there were a lot of games that saw 200-plus runs being scored too.”

On being asked if there was any batter, he would love to have a partnership going here in the DP World ILT20, Sehwag named Australia’s David Warner who scored a blistering 93 unbeaten against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to put the Dubai Capitals in the play-offs.

When asked if he would like to see Indian players in this league, he said, “I would love to see Indian players here. If any Indian player who has just retired from International cricket or IPL and if they want to play, like Dinesh Karthik is playing right now, it would be great, I would love to see Indian cricketers play here and if there was one player I would have particularly liked to watch here is the sixer-man Yuvraj Singh,” he signed off.

Cricket fans can watch this action-packed tournament on ZEE’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels: &Pictures SD, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Zee Action, Zee Biskope, Zee Zest SD, Zee Cinemalu HD, Zee Telugu HD, Zee Thirai, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Kannada HD, Zee Zest HD, &Flix SD and &Flix HD.

The third season of the DP World ILT20 will run from 11 January to 9 February 2025. All 34 matches will be played across three venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The truly international league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirate,s and Sharjah Warriorz.

Maharashtra Kesari 2025 Secures Strong Partnership with Gravolite for Wrestling Excellence

Wardha, 03rd February 2025: Gravolite, a leading name in sports mat manufacturing, is the official mat supplier for the Maharashtra Kesari Wrestling Competition 2025, an event officially approved by the Wrestling Federation of India. The prestigious tournament taking place from January 29 to February 2 will be held at Deoli, Wardha. It will feature elite wrestlers in an exciting display of strength, technique, and endurance.

Mr. Paras Maheshwari, Director of Gravolite, shared his thoughts on the partnership: “At Gravolite, we prioritize innovation, safety, and performance. We are honoured to be associated with the Maharashtra Kesari Wrestling Competition 2025. We are committed to supporting the growth of wrestling in India by providing premium-quality mats that meet international standards.

By supplying state-of-the-art wrestling mats, Gravolite continues to reinforce its commitment to athlete safety, performance, and the advancement of wrestling in India. The Maharashtra Kesari Wrestling Competition has long been a prestigious platform for emerging and elite wrestlers. This year, with Gravolite’s advanced wrestling mats integrated into the competition, athletes will benefit from enhanced grip, impact absorption, and durability.
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