Category: SPORTS
Hudle partners with Advantage Club.ai to revolutionize corporate wellness
Hudle, India’s leading sports-tech platform, has announced its listing on AdvantageClub.ai, marking a significant step in driving corporate and employee wellness through sports integration. Recognizing sports as a vital solution for today’s sedentary corporate lifestyles, this partnership reinforces Hudle’s commitment to integrating fitness into workplace environments across India.
The collaboration with AdvantageClub.ai which boasts over 5 million users in 100+ countries and 1,000+ impressive client portfolios including BCG, Biocon, Concentrix, EY, HCL, Hexaware, Tech Mahindra, Teleperformance, Tata Steel and many more. By leveraging this extensive network, Hudle aims to transform corporate wellness programs, offering engaging sports solutions that not only boost physical health but also enhance mental well-being and team dynamics.
Suhail Narain, Founder & CEO of Hudle, said, “Through our experience managing sports venues in corporate parks and office spaces, we’ve witnessed a significant uptick in employee participation in recreational activities. Our platform has seen a strong engagement from companies in metros like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. This partnership with AdvantageClub.ai allows us to scale our impact, ensuring more employees across India have access to sports and fitness activities that promote wellness and team building right at their workplace.”
Hudle’s corporate wellness solutions offer a comprehensive approach to integrating sports and fitness into the workplace ecosystem. At the core of this approach is Hudle’s expertise in developing and managing customized sports facilities for corporate clients, for instance Smartworks Bellandur, which exemplifies Hudle’s commitment to creating tailored wellness spaces within corporate environments.
Building on this foundation of accessible sports infrastructure, Hudle organizes corporate sports events that facilitate team-building and friendly competitions that not only promote physical activity but also foster a sense of community and camaraderie among employees.
Moreover, as part of this initiative, Hudle is offering an exclusive discount of 30% (up to INR 300) on the AdvantageClub.ai platform, making sports and fitness activities more accessible to a vast corporate audience. To further expand the reach and impact of its wellness initiatives, Hudle provides scalable health and wellness solutions. Through partnerships with platforms like Alyve Health, Hudle offers sports venue listings across 40+ sports activities in 60+ cities. For instance, the “Alyve Health Plan” provides employees with access to free credits for booking sports venues on the app, making it easier for companies to implement comprehensive wellness programs for their employees.
Sourabh Deorah, Co-founder and CEO of AdvantageClub.ai, commented, “Our partnership with Hudle aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance employee engagement and well-being. By integrating Hudle’s extensive sports and fitness offerings into our platform, we’re providing our corporate clients with a powerful tool to boost team morale, improve health outcomes, and create a more dynamic workplace culture.”
Hudle’s innovative approach goes beyond booking and community engagement, offering a comprehensive digital ecosystem that connects players, optimizes venue management, and fosters a vibrant sports community within corporate settings. The company has seen successful implementations at various locations, including Smartworks Bellandur, Brookfields (Equinox Business Park, Mumbai), and Max Towers.
Global Sports Takes Center Stage in historic international pickleball Coalition
Leading pickleball’s explosive revolution in India since its founding in 2021, Global Sports has sparked a nationwide frenzy through its innovative 360-degree ecosystem, expert coaching, and thrilling flagship events like the star-studded Indian Open and Monsoon Pickleball Championships, captivating global talent, celebrities, and communities while evolving the sport into a vibrant lifestyle phenomenon ready for worldwide expansion. Now, in a landmark development for professional pickleball, India’s Global Sports has joined the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), European Pickleball Federation (EPF), Australia’s National Pickleball League (NPL), Pickleball England, and Vietnam’s Pickleball D-Joy to form the world’s first global alliance, set to accelerate the sport’s worldwide growth.
This collaborative coalition brings together established leaders in the pickleball community to establish a cohesive, non-overlapping event schedule, an integrated worldwide ranking framework, graduated prize pools, enhanced business partnerships, and funding for scholarships, all aimed at unlocking unprecedented career pathways and financial rewards for elite and up-and-coming pros across the globe.
“This is a monumental day for pickleball worldwide, and the APP is honoured to be officially partnering with such a passionate and professional group of organisations,” said APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “The APP always has been player-focused, and now, we’re able to continue that mission worldwide and provide more competitive opportunities for players than ever before. It is our steadfast focus to evolve the credibility and growth of the sport to a place where pros are free and supported to chase their career dreams.”
“The decision to announce a World Calendar in alliance with APP and other Pickleball organisations across the World, is part of our commitment to grow Pickleball, offer Pro Players a structured path to make formidable career’s and to build a world community, as it’s this sense of community which is the soul of Pickleball,” said Shashank Khaitan, Founding Partner, Global Sports.
“Collaboration is key to growing pickleball globally. This Alliance ensures players can plan their season with confidence, knowing the major events complement each other rather than compete. It’s good for the players, good for the sport, and it demonstrates Pickleball England’s commitment to bringing the international community together,” said Karen Mitchell, Chair & Co-Founder, Pickleball England & English OPEN.
“Unity and pathways are the lifeblood of any sport, and this alliance represents a major step forward for pickleball. From the beginning, the NPL has been committed to building opportunities for players and raising the standard of competition across Australia. By joining forces with this incredible group of organisations, we can now extend those opportunities onto the world stage. Together we will bring the world’s best to Australia, showcase our own homegrown talent abroad, and ensure that players everywhere have the support and clarity they need to pursue their dreams. This partnership is proof of what can be achieved when we put players first and work together for the good of the game,” said David Anjou, COO, National Pickleball League (NPL).
TECNO Unveiled as Official Global Supporter of the Asian Football Confederation’s Club Competitions
Innovative technology brand TECNO announced today that it has become the Official Global Supporter of the Asian Football Confederation’s newly unveiled club competitions, the AFC Champions League Elite™, the AFC Champions League Two™, and the AFC Women’s Champions League™ for the 2024-2025 season. This strategic cooperation underscores TECNO’s dedication to enhancing its reach across its core markets in Asia, and to fostering a meaningful connection with every football fan that shares its “Stop at Nothing” spirit of progress and innovation.
The partnership was unveiled at an official signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where AFC representatives and TECNO executives expressed their enthusiasm and ambitions for the partnership.
“This partnership embodies the shared values of passion, excellence, and innovation between TECNO and the AFC. More than just a sponsorship, it is a milestone displaying the brand spirit of ‘Stop at Nothing’ and a celebration for both parties embarking on a new journey and creating more impactful experiences for fans across Asia” said Laury Bai, Chief Marketing Officer of TECNO.
“At TECNO, we always believe in the power of sports to unite communities and inspire progress. This collaboration allows us to not only empower every Asian football fan globally to have a more interactive and immersive experience at matches through our advanced technology, but to also build a deeper connection of shared passion between TECNO and football fans.”
Datuk Seri Windsor John, General Secretary of the AFC, said: “As the AFC enters into a new era of innovation and transformation, spearheaded and driven by the revamp of our club competitions, we are delighted to welcome an entity that shares common values in global innovative technology brand, TECNO.
“We thank TECNO for recognising the ever-increasing global appeal of the AFC’s world-class competitions, which are poised to herald unprecedented levels of growth in the coming years, and we look forward to working in close partnership with them to create more engaging moments with the passionate fans of Asian football.”
The Škoda Kodiaq is powered by the 2.0 TSI EVO engine tweaked to meet the new emissions norms – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
Soon after launching the 2023 Kodiaq, Škoda Auto India announces additional allocation of the luxury 4×4 SUV for India, which will enable quicker delivery timelines to customers. The new Kodiaq was first introduced in 2022. However, all cars allocated for the year were sold within a couple of weeks. Appreciating the growing demand, the company has further enhanced supplies for 2023 in India, which is now Škoda Auto’s third largest market and the largest outside Europe after Germany and the Czech Republic.
New for 2023
The Škoda Kodiaq is powered by the 2.0 TSI EVO engine tweaked to meet the new emissions norms. The motor is now 4.2% more efficient than earlier. The luxury 4×4 makes 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm allowing acceleration to 100 kph in just 7.8 seconds (claimed figure). There is one more addition to the Škoda brands array of Simply Clever features – door-edge protectors. They automatically reveal themselves when the doors open, protecting the door edge from dents and scratches. The rear spoiler gets additional finlets to aid airflow and improve aerodynamics of this luxury 4×4. Inside, the rear passengers get a lounge step to rest their foot, and outer headrests in the 2nd row, furthering the luxury and comfort quotient in this 4×4 for the family.
On-road dynamics
The Kodiaq’s legacy with technology that enhances driver engagement and feel remains with the Progressive Steering. It flexes its forces depending on driving conditions and vehicle speed, making the Kodiaq easy to manoeuvre at slow speeds and offering the driver better control at higher speeds. In addition, the first-in-segment Dynamic Chassis Control further adds to the Kodiaq’s quiver of dynamics. Apart from allowing the driver to select between 6 different modes such as Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sports, Snow and Individual driving modes, DCC also enables the suspension to be raised or lowered by 15 mm and hosts an off-road button for enhanced all-terrain abilities when needed.
The Kodiaq, along with the Slavia and the Kushaq, completes Škoda Auto India’s fleet of crash-tested cars, rated 5-stars for both adult and child safety.
FanCode Signs Multi-Year Exclusive Broadcasting Deal with Formula1
FanCode, India’s premier sports destination, will be the exclusive broadcast partner for Formula 1® in India for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The longest-ever F1 season, consisting of 24 races starting February 29 in Bahrain will be available to Indian fans on FanCode across multiple devices including smart TVs, mobile phones, and tablets.
FanCode’s extensive coverage of Formula 1 races will include all practice and qualifying sessions, F1 Sprint events and Grands Prix throughout the season.
FanCode’s best-in-class technical capabilities will deliver a world-class experience. Formula 1 fans will have flexibility to choose what they want to watch, through individual race passes or a season pass to watch all the 24 races.
Speaking about it, FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco, said: “Formula 1 is among the biggest sporting properties in the world, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to bring all the exciting action to millions of fans in India. Aside from providing F1 fans with a world class experience, we look forward to taking the sport to a wider audience across the country.”
Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights and Content Creation at Formula 1, said: “I am delighted to announce that fans in India will be able to watch F1 on FanCode for the next two seasons. We have found a strong broadcast partner in them with expert knowledge on how we can best serve our 60 million existing fans and reach new audiences in India. Together, we will take our combined expertise to produce premium content that showcases the sporting spectacle that is F1.”
FanCode is home to more than 100 million sports fans in India. Started in 2019, FanCode has worked with top sporting bodies and organisations from around the globe. It has previously broadcast the Hockey World Cup, ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, Rugby World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIBA Basketball World Cup and global cricket leagues like Caribbean Premier League, The Hundred, Bangladesh Premier League amongst others.
GD Goenka University : Empowering Youth for Nation Building, Innovative Learning Environment
Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India, graces the 9th Convocation Ceremony of GD Goenka University
GD Goenka University proudly marks a decade of transformative education, with a keen focus on enabling the youth with knowledge, skill and entrepreneurial spirit for nation-building, aligning seamlessly with the vision set forth by the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. The 9th Convocation Ceremony, graced by the esteemed presence of Shri. Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India, aptly signifies the institution’s commitment to nurturing a generation ready to shape the future of the nation and contribute to global progress.
Key Highlights of the Last Decade:
1. Empowering Youth for Nation Building: GD Goenka University has been a pioneer in delivering cutting-edge education, empowering the youth to become catalysts for positive change in the nation and the world.
2. Innovative Learning Environment: The university campus set in a serene environment in the backdrop of Aravalli Hills along with its world-class infrastructure in Gurugram, provides an inspiring environment for learning, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, nurturing creativity and innovation among the youth.
3. Holistic Development Through Sports: Recognising the importance of holistic development, the university has successfully cultivated champions both on and off the field, contributing to the overall well-rounded growth of the youth.
4. Advancing Knowledge Through Research: Dedicated to nation-building through knowledge, the university’s faculty and students have made significant contributions through ground-breaking research, patents, and published works.
5. Global Collaborations for a Global Perspective: GD Goenka University has established a wide range of collaborations with leading global institutions, enabling the fostering of an international perspective among the youth for effective international expansion.
6. Fostering Diverse Education: With a vision to nurture diversity and a multidisciplinary learning environment, the university besides setting up a host of multidisciplinary centres also partners and hosts the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu and Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), Delhi – NCR centres in the campus. Thus providing broader landscape of educational opportunities to students in domains including world-class culinary arts, hospitality education, and cutting-edge design programmes in India.
7. A Decade of Inspirational Events: The university provides a wide range of Curricular , Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular opportunities in terms of national/international conferences, workshops, seminars, hackathons , sports events to diverse cultural festivals. Thus creating an enriching and wholesome academic experience and contributing to the holistic development of the students.
8. Entrepreneurial Spirit for Economic Growth: The university takes pride in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth, contributing to economic growth and progress.
9. Merit-Based Scholarships for Excellence: Recognising and supporting academic brilliance, GD Goenka University awards a large number of merit and merit-cum means scholarships. Further recognising the need for supporting underprivileged students, the university equally provides scholarships for other deserving students including girls from foster homes and orphanages. Thus facilitating a culture of excellence and inclusivity for national development.
10. Skill Building for Career Success: The university in line with NEP-2020 has integrated skill-building as an integral part of the education pedagogy along with experiential learning to ensure that its graduates are not just educated, but well-prepared for successful careers in the ever-evolving global landscape.
Startup Mahakumbh unveils Startup Maha Rathi for entrepreneurs with a prize pool of up to ₹30 Cr.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), IVCA, HDFC, among others, announced the launch of the Startup Maha Rathi challenge as part of the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh. A flagship initiative aimed at empowering Indian startups through every nook and corner of the country with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance, this challenge aligns with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed economy (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. The challenge is set to provide access to up to a ₹30 crore fund, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with global investors. In addition, it will also entail special awards for innovative startups from emerging states and union territories through a dedicated program.
Startup Maha Rathi – Rising towards Viksit Bharat – is designed to open doors for budding entrepreneurs across 11 k-0y sectors, including AI & DeepTech, BioTech & Healthtech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Incubators & Accelerators, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech. The program would be awarded in the presence of the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry and is aimed at equipping startups with the necessary resources to scale their operations and contribute to India’s technological and economic advancement. Startups selected through this initiative will gain exposure to global markets through Startup India, access to mentorship from industry veterans, investor networking opportunities, and national-level recognition by DPIIT.
The competition will follow a structured, multi-phase selection process, beginning with the application launch on February 26, 2025, and culminate in an exclusive live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. While each startup shortlisted for the grand jury round receive a guaranteed ₹1 Lakh, top two startups from each sector will be awarded ₹10 lakh respectively, while the next five will receive ₹5 lakh each. Next 5 startups in each track will gain access to ₹3 lakhs each in addition to financial grants, participating startups will receive expert guidance and investor access through a jury comprising 100+ leading VCs, angel investors, and domain specialists from Starup India and organizations such as Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, KDEM, IVCA, HDFC among many others.
Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, said, “The Startup Maha Rathi initiative marks a pivotal stride toward achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ By offering strategic financial support and expert mentorship, this initiative will empower the nation’s most promising startups to scale, innovate, and drive transformative change, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, added, “India’s startup ecosystem is at an inflection point, and initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that high-potential ventures receive the right support to thrive. By enabling a strong innovation-driven culture, the initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of disruptive entrepreneurs.”
Urgent need for a greater and stronger regulatory framework to be put in place
The Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), a National Sports Promotion Organization (NSPO) recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, is partnering with KRAFTON India, with Invest India supporting as the knowledge partner, to host the inaugural landmark Esports Conclave 2025 on April 1 in New Delhi. This strategic gathering will unite senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and top-tier esports professionals to shape the future of esports, drive investment opportunities, and foster international collaboration. As India cements its status as one of the fastest-growing esports markets, the conclave will serve as a pivotal moment in driving meaningful conversations, shaping key decisions, and accelerating the nation’s rise as a global esports powerhouse. NODWIN Gaming, India’s biggest esports company has also joined hands with PEFI, KRAFTON India and Invest India to bring the Esports Conclave 2025 to life.
With the theme of “Forging the Path to Global Leadership,” the discussions will focus on strengthening India’s roadmap for international tournaments, advancing the growth of the Indian game development ecosystem, and furthering the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. It will also explore avenues for catalyzing investments, creating employment opportunities, and expanding esports infrastructure. Additionally, industry leaders will be unveiling an Esports framework recommendation to the government, outlining critical steps needed to further esports as a recognized industry, strengthen its regulatory framework, and position India as a global leader in competitive gaming.
Given the rapid growth and acceptance of Esports in India, there is an urgent need for a greater and stronger regulatory framework to be put in place, one that will include recommendations from all stakeholders – government, policy makers and industry. This, inherently, is the primary reason behind the setting up of landmark conclave.
Dr. Piyush Jain, Secretary, PEFI said, “The upcoming EsportsConclave 2025 will mark a historic milestone in establishing India as a global powerhouse in the world of esports. Esports has evolved into a dynamic and competitive sporting industry with immense potential of growth. This conclave will serve as a catalyst, bringing together industry leaders, gamers, and policymakers to shape the future of esports in India. It will facilitate crucial discussions on policy frameworks, infrastructure, and opportunities for Indian talent on the global stage. PEFI is dedicated to making India a frontrunner in this digital sports revolution and is fully prepared to embrace this new era of competitive gaming.”
Speaking about the event, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India, said, “Esports is the future of competitive entertainment. With its official recognition in premier sporting events such as the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, Indian athletes now have the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stages. At KRAFTON India, we are committed to fostering a structured, sustainable, and internationally competitive esports ecosystem that empowers players and drives industry growth. Esports Conclave 2025 is a defining moment in this journey, bringing together policymakers, industry pioneers, and esports professionals to shape a long-term vision for India’s Esports industry.”
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder & Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming said “With esports now finding a place in major international sporting events, India has a real shot at becoming a global contender. Esports Conclave 2025 is an important step in that direction – it’s where the right conversations can happen between the industry, government, and other key players. Whether it’s building grassroots programs, improving tournament ecosystems, or integrating esports into initiatives like Khelo India, this platform gives us a chance to align on what the future should look like. The goal is simple: create the structure and support needed for Indian esports talent to thrive on the world stage.”
With the Indian gaming industry expected to reach $7.5 billion by FY28, growing at a CAGR of 20%, Esports is set to become a key driver of the country’s digital economy. By bringing together the brightest minds in policy and industry, Esports Conclave 2025 will serve to cement a strategic vision for the future, marking a milestone moment for the industry.
Every team is still in contention, and as the final battles loom, no one is ready to back down
The BGIS 2025 Grand Finale kept the excitement high on Day 2 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan. Sixteen elite teams battled fiercely for the championship title and a share of the ₹3.2 crore prize pool. The atmosphere remained charged as the battle progressed into Day 2, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats with every match. GODLIKE ESPORTS showed remarkable consistency, moving up the ranks with stellar performances throughout the day, while RECKONING ESPORTS came roaring back to challenge the leaders.
The likes of TEAM VERSATILE, ORANGUTAN, and TRUE RIPPERS all fought tooth and nail for valuable points, knowing that every round brings them closer to glory.
As the stakes rise and the pressure builds, teams have begun to fine-tune their strategies, making for a thrilling race to the finish line. The KRAFTON India Esports YouTube channel continues to be the go-to destination for gaming fans, with over 3 lakh concurrent viewers on Day 2 as fans from across the country tuned in to watch the action unfold.
The matches were streamed in 10 regional languages, allowing fans to cheer for their favorite teams in their preferred language. As Day 2 concluded, GODLIKE ESPORTS held strong at the top of the leaderboard, but with RECKONING ESPORTS and TEAM VERSATILE close on their heels, the final day promises to deliver even more explosive moments.
Every team is still in contention, and as the final battles loom, no one is ready to back down.
HOP Electric becomes Official electrifying partner of Rajasthan Raiders in Women’s Kabaddi League – INDIAN NEWS & TIMES
HOP Electric, a leading electric two-wheeler company, has announced its partnership with the esteemed Rajasthan Raiders team, as a “Powered Sponsored” for the upcoming Women’s Kabaddi League. This sponsorship is an opportunity for HOP Electric to promote women’s sports and foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. The sports event will be held from June 16 to 27 in Dubai.
By leveraging the visibility and excitement surrounding the Women’s Kabaddi League, HOP Electric intends to raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles and encourage their adoption across diverse communities. Sponsoring the Rajasthan Raiders in the Women’s Kabaddi League presents an excellent opportunity for HOP Electric to increase electric vehicle awareness in India and globally. The sports event provides the company a platform to showcase its commitment to sustainable mobility and women’s empowerment to a broader audience base.
Rajneesh Singh, Chief Marketing Officer of HOP Electric said, “The partnership between HOP Electric and the Rajasthan Raiders signifies a shared vision of promoting gender equality and empowering women through sports. By extending our support to the Rajasthan Raiders, we aim to contribute to their success. We firmly believe in sports’ power to inspire, empower, and unite individuals. By sponsoring Rajasthan Raiders, we aim to inspire young women to pursue their dreams fearlessly and break down barriers. HOP Electric is honoured to be part of this team.”