Category sports

Grand Finale on October 8 at Bowring Institute

Bengaluru, 7th October 2025: The Cue Sports Premier League (CSPL) 2.0 has delivered another thrilling season of high-octane snooker action, bringing together an exceptional mix of International, National, State, and Club players in a unique competitive format.

The league, which commenced on October 2, featured eight dynamic teams vying for the coveted title. After an intense league stage filled with nail-biting finishes and remarkable performances, Hurricane Hawks, Bazooka Blizzards, Summer Tuskers, and Thunderstorm Titans have stormed into the knockout stage.

The Qualifier 1 match will see Hurricane Hawks face Bazooka Blizzards, while Summer Tuskers take on Thunderstorm Titans in the Eliminator – both scheduled for October 7.

While Lightning Legion, Cyclone Crusaders, Tornado Tigers, and Whirlwind Warriors missed out on qualification, they showcased tremendous grit and sportsmanship, contributing to a highly competitive and entertaining league stage.

Powering the passion behind the green baize, the Embassy Group once again leads as Title Sponsor, with Snooker Alley joining the fray as Co-Sponsor. Together, they fuel the growth of Cue Sports Premier League. Fans can catch every thrilling frame live on ClubLiv app, the Official Streaming Partner of CSPL 2.0.

CSPL 2.0 has witnessed some spectacular snooker from world-class players such as Stephen Lee, Harvey Chandler, Kritsanut, Habib Sabah, Aditya Mehta, Paras Gupta, Kamal Chawla, Pankaj Advani, Hussain Khan, and Pushpinder Singh, among many others. Their performances have raised the standard of the tournament and provided fans with an unforgettable experience.

The excitement now builds toward the Grand Finale on October 8, to be held at the state-of-the-art Snooker Arena in the South Pavilion at Bowring Institute, followed by the Awards Ceremony at the Lotus Lawn.

CSPL continues to set new benchmarks in the cue sports landscape by providing a platform where talent meets opportunity — uniting players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels to learn, compete, and inspire one another.

New Delhi, 6th October 2025: adidas announces the launch of the first-ever official Manchester United Fan Jersey in India. The launch marks a milestone moment for football fans across the country, bringing the club closer to its passionate Indian supporters by making its iconic colours more accessible and affordable than ever before.

The MUFC fan jersey, priced at INR 1999, will be available on Blinkit across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, and on Flipkart Minutes across 17 PIN codes in Delhi NCR as well as pan-India via the Flipkart app. This retail-first collaboration enables adidas to meet consumers where they are, offering unparalleled speed and convenience in accessing official club merchandise.

The jersey is developed in a classic athletic silhouette and is designed with a crew neck which comes with a flat knit collar while also featuring the club’s crest and adidas logo in flat heat transfer execution along with three stripes on shoulder. 

Through this launch, adidas reinforces its leadership at the intersection of sport, culture, and retail innovation, giving Manchester United fans in India an opportunity to connect with their club like never before. 

Mumbai/Madras International Circuit, Chennai, 06 October 2025: Demonstrating remarkable racecraft, the young Honda Racing India riders delivered an impressive performance in Race 2 of Round 4 of the 2025 IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup CB300F in Chennai, showcasing their focus and commitment on the track.

Building on the momentum from Race 1, Raivat Dhar delivered another strong performance in Race 2, showcasing impressive speed and remarkable precision on the track.

In the 8-lap race, Raivat Dhar made a strong start to take the early lead. Navigating through tough competition, he maintained focus to finish in first place with a total time of 16:52.354 and also recorded the fastest lap at 2:04.120.

Following very closely, Solomon R demonstrated exceptional precision to secure second place, completing the race in 16:52.469 with his fastest lap at 2:04.903.

The contest for third place intensified as Alshin Thomas and Amit Prasad went wheel-to-wheel, each pushing their limits in a gripping battle for the podium. Showing strong control and consistent pace, Alshin Thomas secured third position with a total time of 16:53.198. Notably, Amit Prasad crossed the line first, but due to jump start, he received a 10-second penalty and was classified in the fifth position with a total time of 17:03.011.

Kolkata, 22^nd September, 2025: In a move that underscores both ambition and vision, Shrachi Sports Entertainment Network (SSEN), a dedicated sports OTT platform, has officially placed its bid for the broadcasting rights of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030. Valued at approximated USD 2 Million (INR 18-20 crores), the bid reflects SSEN’s ambition to redefine how global football reaches audiences across India and the subcontinents.

If awarded, SSEN intends to stream both the tournaments entirely on a free to view basis. This pioneering model would ensure that millions of fans across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives can watch the world’s greatest sporting event without subscription fees or barriers to entry.

“The bid is more than a business move – it is a commitment to inclusivity and reshaping the future of football consumption in the region. By offering the FIFA World Cup streaming free to fans, we are democratising access to the game and laying the foundation for a long-term legacy that inspires generations” said Mr Tamal Ghosal, Chairman, Shrachi Sports.

The bold proposal builds on SSEN’s expanding portfolio of premier sports properties. The network already streams marquee tournaments including the Calcutta Football League and the I-League. In addition, SSEN is the first to stream the Women’s Bundesliga and the German Handball Bundesliga, underscoring its credibility as a platform delivering both Indian and international sporting action to mass audiences.

By taking these decisive steps, SSEN signals its determination not only to challenge conventional sports broadcasting models but also to position India as a central hub in the global football narrative.

New Delhi, September 9, 2025: Following 20 days of high-octane esports action, the league stages of the OnePlus Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Challenger Series (BGCS) 2025 and the OnePlus Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) 2025 have officially concluded. The results now set the stage for the highly anticipated Playoffs on September 9, where India’s rising esports stars will take on established pros for a coveted spot in the Semi-Finals and ultimately the Grand Finals of India’s most-watched esports event.

In the final week of BGCS 2025, where 16 teams battled for glory, Nebula Esports, qualifiers from the OnePlus Campus Dominate initiative, topped the table with 222 points. They were followed by Sinewy Esports in second with 213 points, Team Versatile in third with 201 points, and Team H4K in fourth with 163 points. All four teams have secured qualification for the BGMS 2025 Playoffs. As the official amateur feeder league into BGMS, BGCS has not only spotlighted emerging talent but also provided a competitive pathway into India’s premier esports stage.

“With the introduction of BGCS this year, our aim was to create a structured pathway for emerging gamers to transition into the professional BGMI esports ecosystem. It is particularly encouraging to see that the winning team qualified through the nationwide collegiate qualifiers by OnePlus, and it has been inspiring to witness all participating teams showcase their skills and earn their opportunity to compete at the next level. This is precisely the kind of platform NODWIN Gaming, together with our partners set out to create, to identify and nurture the next generation of esports talent,” said Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming.

Meanwhile, in BGMS 2025, 24 of the nation’s top BGMI teams competed in 56 matches each. At the end of an intense league stage, Team Revenant XSpark finished on top with 557 points, closely followed by Team SouL with 551 points. Gods Reign claimed third place with 533 points, while NoNx Esports secured fourth with 529 points. These top four teams have earned direct qualification to the BGMS Grand Finals, scheduled from September 12 to 14.

The road to the finals continues as the bottom 12 teams from the BGMS League Stage advance to the Playoffs, where they will be joined by the top four BGCS squads. The top eight teams from the Playoffs will then move into the BGMS Semi-Finals from September 10 to 11, competing alongside the 5th to 12th placed teams from the BGMS League Stage. From there, the top 12 semi-finalists will join the four directly qualified teams in the BGMS Grand Finals, where 16 teams will battle it out for the crown and a major share of the INR 1.5 crore prize pool.

Season 4 of BGMS continues to be supported by OnePlus as the Title Sponsor and Official Smartphone Partner, with Android returning as Co-Title Sponsor and TVS Motor Company entering its third consecutive year. The tournament also sees the presence of Red Bull in its second year, along with the debut of Duolingo English Test as Official Learning Partner, Swiggy as Official Food Delivery Partner, and Bisleri as Official Hydration Partner.

The BGMS Season 4 Playoffs will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel and on JioHotstar from September 9 to 11, airing during prime-time from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, making it the only esports tournament in India with national television presence.

Kolkata Centre for Creativity Organizes 2nd All Bengal Rapid Chess Tournament for visually challenged and hearing-impaired people

To observe International Chess Day, Kolkata Centre for Creativity in association with Kolkata District Chess Association and Lake Youth Club, organised 2nd All Bengal Rapid Chess Tournament for visually challenged and hearing-impaired persons on Sunday, 20th July, 2025 at KCC, Anandapur, E.M. Bypass, Kolkata. 64 Visually challenged and 33 Hearing Impaired people participated in this tournament from all over Bengal.

After 5 rounds of play, the ranking was as follows:-

VISUALLY CHALLENGED:-

1st – Sanjib Kar

2nd- Sougata Chowdhury

3rd- Ganesh Kisku

Woman 1st – Sulata Mondal

HEARING IMPAIRED:-

1st – Ankit Ganguly

2nd – Sk. Reazur Rahman

3rd – Arijit Goswami

Woman 1st – Sabana Yesmin

The Prize was distributed by Dr. Saikat Maitra, Ex-Vice Chancellor of MAKAUT.

Mumbai, India July 2, 2025: – In a landmark achievement for Indian watersports, the country now proudly welcomes its first-ever certified AIDA freediving competition judges – Akshay Thatte and Archana Sankaranarayanan. Their certification marks a pivotal moment for the Indian freediving community, as the sport gains official recognition and the ability to host nationally sanctioned competitions.

Both Akshay and Archana are already trailblazers in the sport. Akshay Thatte, a former Indian Army Major and India’s first PADI Instructor Trainer, currently holds the national record in Dynamic with Fins (DYN). Archana Sankaranarayanan, a practicing lawyer-turned-athlete, made history as the first Indian woman to break nine national freediving records in a single year, and the first to hold all national depth records.

Their recent certification as AIDA Judge Level E – Depth & Pool, awarded by the Association Internationale pour le Développement de l’Apnée (AIDA), positions them at the forefront of competitive freediving in India. The training, conducted by renowned freediving pioneer Jean Pol Francois at Kaizen Freediving in Koh Tao, Thailand, emphasized safety, rule enforcement, and hands-on judging across pool and depth disciplines.

With the appointment of two certified judges, India can now host official AIDA competitions, particularly pool disciplines. This is a big step forward for the Indian freediving community.

This achievement not only showcases the expertise and commitment of Thatte and Sankaranarayanan but also opens the door for Indian freedivers to compete within the country—removing the challenges of international travel, visas, and logistical constraints. Their presence ensures adherence to AIDA rules, bringing transparency, fairness, and global standards to Indian competitions.

Archana reflected on the personal significance of this milestone, noting, “My parents always envisioned me as a judge in a courtroom. Today, they take equal pride in seeing me judge a freediving competition—a sport that has become my true passion.”

Akshay, a veteran of the Indian Army, also follows the sporting footsteps of his father, Captain Sanjay Thatte (Indian Navy), an international-level shooter and ISSF Judge (International Sports Shooting Federation). As an Instructor Trainer, Competitor, and Judge, he plays an important part in developing the sport of freediving in India.

With their certification, the duo not only represents India on the international freediving stage but also lays the foundation for a new era in Indian aquatic sports—one defined by opportunity, regulation, and a strong spirit of adventure.

St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Calcutta Creates History; The First Indian Youth Team To Participate In the MADCUP Football 2025 In Madrid

KOLKATA, INDIA – June 16, 2025 – St. Xavier’s Collegiate School from Park Street, Calcutta, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first-ever Indian youth team to officially participate in the iconic MADCUP Football Tournament 2025 – the fifth edition of the world’s largest federated international tournament for grassroots football. The prestigious tournament is set to take place in Spain, from 20th June onwards and will be hosted across 32 sporting facilities in Madrid; including iconic venues such as the Atlético de Madrid Sports Centre, Ciudad Deportiva del Real Madrid, and Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas.

A significant moment for Indian youth football on the global stage. The young Kolkata side will test their mettle against youth teams from some of the biggest names in world football, including Real Madrid CF, Atlético de Madrid, Juventus FC, Sevilla FC, CA River Plate, Valencia CF, CD Leganés, and other leading global academies from approximately 40 countries across five continents.

In a truly historic opening group game, team from India will face host club Atlético de Madrid. They are also slated to compete against SO Caillolais, an associate club of Olympique Marseille. This participation continues St. Xavier’s long-standing football legacy, which includes competing in historic Indian tournaments like the Durand Cup and IFA Shield before India’s independence.

Speaking about the team’s historic participation, Senior Teacher, Mr. Farino Torcato, said: “St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata, India participating in the MadCup 2025 is not only the creation of history for our school but for Indian youth football itself. I am not thinking of winning the tournament or something like that but yes, we Xavierians are on a mission to show the world we also know and play football and will leave no stone unturned in making our school, city, state and country proud.”

The school’s participation has been meticulously coordinated by the Father Principal and Vice Principal, with Mr. Farino Torcato and Mr. Romario Topno playing pivotal roles. ‘Trak Only’, the official kit partner for prominent Indian football clubs, will serve as the official kit partner for St. Xavier’s. The journey is also supported by generous sponsors Kamal’s Ice Creams and ICICI Lombard.

Organized by Atlético de Madrid, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the Government of the Community of Madrid, and UN Tourism; the tournament draws nearly 250,000 spectators and provides invaluable exposure, including access to advanced football technologies. With a focus on instilling values such as respect, hard work, and teamwork through sport. Major Spanish media outlets such as MARCA and DAZN will provide extensive coverage of the event.

Thane, 12^th June 2025: Korum Mall is all set to bring the community together with a chess tournament that will put your mental endurance to the ultimate test. Come join us for a day of strategic battles, camaraderie, and checkmates!

On 15th June, Korum Mall in association with Thane District Chess Association (TDCA) will host the 1st Pinnacle FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament, drawing chess enthusiasts from across Maharashtra and beyond. Unlike earlier editions, this tournament adopts the “Rapid” format—making each match a test of quick thinking and deep strategy.  The tournament is a symbol of inclusivity with special prizes for visually impaired.

Rated under the aegis of Thane District Athletic Association (TDCA), Maharashtra Chess Association, All India Chess Federation (AICF), and FIDE, the event is expected to attract over 300 players. This is not just a tournament—it is a celebration of India’s growing chess culture in the heart of Thane. Calling all kings, queens, and checkmates!

Where: Ground Floor Atrium, Korum Mall

When: Sunday, 15th June 2025 | Matches begin 9:30 AM onwards

Prize Pool: ₹3,00,000 and 43 TROPHIES

Organised by: Korum Mall & Thane District Chess Association (TDCA)

Entry fee: 2000 (Registration closes on 13^th June)

Mumbai, May 27, 2025: As anticipation builds for the highly anticipated T20 Mumbai League, returning after a six-year hiatus, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) launched a vibrant city-wide campaign — the T20 Mumbai League Caravan – to bring the tournament’s excitement to the city’s iconic maidans and locations.

The Caravan began its journey on Saturday with stops at Shivaji Park and Worli Sports Club, engaging fans and budding cricketers. On Sunday, it continued with a visit at Azad Maidan and moved through Fashion Street, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Nariman Point, Parsi Gymkhana, Kirti College and Ruia College with some exciting activities for fans like cricket challenges, trivia contests, and exclusive merchandise giveaways at every stop.

The campaign is set to unfold every day across Mumbai, taking the excitement of the league to different parts of the city and engaging fans at its most popular maidans and public landmarks.

Season 3 of the T20 Mumbai League 2025, one of India’s leading franchise-based domestic tournaments, is set to take place from June 4 to 12 at the Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium.