Category sports

NEW DELHI – Hansraj College delivered a clinical performance today to lift the Mahatma Hansraj Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament trophy, defeating Miranda House by a massive 127 runs in a one-sided final.

​Tarun’s Century Powers Hansraj to 225

​Electing to bat first, Hansraj College set the stage on fire by posting a daunting total of 225 runs. The highlight of the innings was a sensational century by Tarun, who dismantled the opposition bowling attack. He smashed 130 runs off just 57 deliveries, a knock decorated with 19 boundaries and 6 towering sixes.

​Supporting the onslaught, Mohit Tyagi contributed a solid 41 runs, while Captain Satish Pathak added a crucial 20 runs to ensure the team reached a formidable score.
​

Miranda House Collapses Under Pressure

​Faced with a mountain to climb, the Miranda House batting lineup crumbled early. They failed to find any momentum and were eventually bowled out for 98 runs in 19 overs. Captain Sonu Giri was the top scorer for the side, though he managed only 13 runs as wickets fell at regular intervals.

​Award Ceremony

​The match concluded with a grand presentation ceremony. The Chief Guest, Professor Vijay Lakshmi, Principal of Miranda House, lauded the spirit of the game and presented the championship trophy to the winning captain, Satish Pathak.

Jan 05th: The DP World ILT20 Season 4, exclusively on ‘Z’, continues to captivate cricket fans with high-quality competition and compelling storylines. After delivering thrilling encounters day after day through the league stage, the tournament has now reached the knockout phase, where the top four teams will go head-to-head in a high-stakes battle to secure their place in the final. With the summit clash just around the corner, anticipation is building for what promises to be an edge-of-the-seat contest between two deserving finalists. DP World ILT20 Commentator and legendary Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh spoke about the league’s steady growth, its rising competitiveness, and the strong connect it has built with audiences since its inaugural season.

Associated with the DP World ILT20 since Season 1, Harbhajan said, “This is the fourth year of the tournament and every season has brought something new. The expectations have grown year on year, and the quality of cricket has improved consistently. From where the league started to where it is today, the journey has been very satisfying. It shows how the DP World ILT20 has established itself as a strong and competitive league in a short span of time.”

Speaking about the presence of Indian players in the league, Harbhajan added, “It’s lovely to see Indian players like Dinesh Karthik and Piyush Chawla playing this season. In earlier editions, we also saw players like Yusuf Pathan and Robin Uthappa. Indian players who have recently retired are coming here to continue playing competitive cricket, and their experience adds great value to the league.”

Adding to the same, Laxmi Shetty, Head – Advertisement Revenue, Broadcast and Digital, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, said, “The inclusion of Indian players has brought a wonderful dimension to this season of DP World ILT20. At ‘Z’, we’ve seen a strong positive reflection in viewership and audience engagement, as these familiar faces resonate deeply with Indian cricket fans. Their experience and competitive edge have not only raised the bar for the tournament but also strengthened the emotional bond viewers share with the league. With the finals just around the corner, the anticipation is at an all-time high, and we are excited to broadcast this thrilling showdown to millions of enthusiasts across our network.”

Reflecting on the league as a whole, the former Indian spinner noted, “The DP World ILT20 has become a great platform not just for international stars, but also for players to test themselves in a high-pressure environment. Playing in Dubai and across the UAE is always special, and being part of this league for the fourth year continues to be a pleasure.”

Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts across India can catch the LIVE action exclusively on &Pictures SD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Action, Zee Thirai – SD, Zee Cinemalu and OTT platform Zee 5.

Jan 05th: The DP World ILT20 Season 4, exclusively on ‘Z’, continues to captivate cricket fans with high-quality competition and compelling storylines. After delivering thrilling encounters day after day through the league stage, the tournament has now reached the knockout phase, where the top four teams will go head-to-head in a high-stakes battle to secure their place in the final. With the summit clash just around the corner, anticipation is building for what promises to be an edge-of-the-seat contest between two deserving finalists. DP World ILT20 Commentator and legendary Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh spoke about the league’s steady growth, its rising competitiveness, and the strong connect it has built with audiences since its inaugural season.

Associated with the DP World ILT20 since Season 1, Harbhajan said, “This is the fourth year of the tournament and every season has brought something new. The expectations have grown year on year, and the quality of cricket has improved consistently. From where the league started to where it is today, the journey has been very satisfying. It shows how the DP World ILT20 has established itself as a strong and competitive league in a short span of time.”

Speaking about the presence of Indian players in the league, Harbhajan added, “It’s lovely to see Indian players like Dinesh Karthik and Piyush Chawla playing this season. In earlier editions, we also saw players like Yusuf Pathan and Robin Uthappa. Indian players who have recently retired are coming here to continue playing competitive cricket, and their experience adds great value to the league.”

Adding to the same, Laxmi Shetty, Head – Advertisement Revenue, Broadcast and Digital, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, said, “The inclusion of Indian players has brought a wonderful dimension to this season of DP World ILT20. At ‘Z’, we’ve seen a strong positive reflection in viewership and audience engagement, as these familiar faces resonate deeply with Indian cricket fans. Their experience and competitive edge have not only raised the bar for the tournament but also strengthened the emotional bond viewers share with the league. With the finals just around the corner, the anticipation is at an all-time high, and we are excited to broadcast this thrilling showdown to millions of enthusiasts across our network.”

Reflecting on the league as a whole, the former Indian spinner noted, “The DP World ILT20 has become a great platform not just for international stars, but also for players to test themselves in a high-pressure environment. Playing in Dubai and across the UAE is always special, and being part of this league for the fourth year continues to be a pleasure.”

Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts across India can catch the LIVE action exclusively on &Pictures SD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Action, Zee Thirai – SD, Zee Cinemalu and OTT platform Zee 5.

Macro Media, Granules India, Oriana, Sudhakar PVC and Truzon Solar Register Victories

Hyderabad, Dec 23: The FTCCI–NMDC President’s Cup 2025, an exclusive cricket league for industrial workers, is currently underway with exciting matches played over the weekend.

In one of the matches held on Saturday, Macro Media Digital Imaging Private Limited faced Sudhakar PVC Products Pvt Ltd. Although Sudhakar PVC scored 204/4 in 20 overs and Macro Media Fusion were bowled out for 136 in 15.4 overs, Macro Media were declared winners as per the tournament rules.

In other Saturday matches, Granules India Ltd registered a convincing eight-wicket victory over MPL Group, scoring 114/2 in 7.1 overs in reply to MPL’s 110 all out in 20 overs.

Oriana LnCo Advisors LLP also secured a comfortable six-wicket win against Truzon Solar, scoring 83/4 in 17 overs, while Truzon Solar were bowled out for 82 in 14.4 overs.

On Sunday, three more matches were played with Sudhakar PVC, Oriana LnCo Advisors, and Truzon Solar emerging victorious.

Sudhakar PVC posted an imposing 228/4 in 20 overs, restricting MPL Group to 118 all out in 16.2 overs.

Oriana LnCo Advisors scored 134/9 in 24 overs, while ProArch managed 98/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

In the third match of the day, Truzon Solar defeated NMDC by six wickets. NMDC scored 148/8 in 20 overs, and Truzon Solar successfully chased the target, scoring 149/4 in 18.2 overs.

The league features eight teams competing in a five-day Round Robin format, with matches scheduled only on weekends across three weekends. The semi-finals and finals will be held on December 28.

The tournament is organised by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), a 108-year-old organisation and one of India’s most vibrant regional chambers. The President’s Cup, now in its second edition, was launched last year as the first-ever cricket league exclusively for the industrial workforce.

Highlighting the significance of the tournament, Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, said that an Industrial Cricket League plays a vital role in strengthening camaraderie among companies and creating a collaborative platform beyond boardrooms.

“It promotes employee wellness, leadership, team spirit, and work–life balance—essential in today’s high-pressure corporate environment. Such initiatives help reduce stress, improve productivity, and foster a strong sense of belonging. Sports have the power to unite, showcasing the human side of industries where teamwork and fair play rise above competition,” he said.

Mr Ravi Kumar added that the response to the league has been overwhelming. “Due to time constraints, participation was limited to eight teams this year. In the coming years, we plan to expand the tournament to 12 teams.”

The participating teams in the FTCCI–NMDC President’s Cup 2025 include NMDC Limited and MPL Group. Other teams taking part are Macro Media Digital Imaging Private Limited and Sudhakar PVC Products Pvt Ltd.

Also competing in the tournament are Oriana Solar Energy Private Ltd (by Lano Advisors LLP) and ProArch – IT Consulting Services. The remaining teams in the league are Truzon Solar (by Suntek) and Granules India Ltd.

Hyderabad, Dec 21: Telangana has etched its name in Indian sports history with the launch of the Telangana Pro Basketball League (TPBL)—the first professional basketball league of its kind in the state and only the second official state-level pro basketball league in India.

Season 1 of TPBL is currently underway at the iconic K.V.B.R. Indoor Stadium, Yousufguda, till 24th December, transforming Hyderabad into the epicentre of elite basketball action. Featuring high-octane matches, fierce rivalries, and championship ambitions, the league promises a thrilling spectacle for fans and players alike.

This is an exclusive league for players from Telangana, showcasing homegrown talent from across the state. The league features over 72 players and engages nearly 200 supporting professionals, including coaches, technical officials, medical staff, and event personnel. Players have been selected from diverse districts of Telangana, reflecting the depth and reach of basketball talent in the region.

Each team comprises 12 players, acquired through a competitive player auction. Mr Akash of the Hyderabad Hawks emerged as the highest-valued player, secured for a record bid of ₹2.5 lakh. The players represent a wide age spectrum, ranging from 15 years to 36 years, and include students as well as working professionals, highlighting the league’s inclusive and developmental nature.

The league is scheduled to be conducted twice every year and is projected to generate over ₹100 crore in business activity, both directly and indirectly. The winning team will receive a prize money of ₹20 lakh, along with an MVP award featuring an R15 motorcycle.

Matches are hosted daily between 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, ensuring prime-time visibility for fans and broadcasters. Standing tall among all participants is Srinivas Reddy of the Medchal Mavericks, the tallest player in the league, with an impressive height of 7 feet.

The opening matches have already delivered electrifying performances and a vibrant atmosphere, as fans cheered loud and proud. The joy of witnessing top-tier basketball live, surrounded by friends and fellow supporters, has made TPBL Season 1 a truly memorable sporting experience.

Every match of the league is being broadcast LIVE, bringing Telangana’s basketball revolution to audiences. More than 20,000 people are watching it live.

Ahead of its inaugural season, TPBL completed its franchise auction in November. All six franchises were sold for a combined value of ₹1.27 crore, underlining strong investor confidence and growing interest in professional basketball in the state.

The Franchise Ownership details for 4-Year Rights is as follows. Hyderabad Hawks is owned by Deepti Akki of N Sports Pvt Ltd and bagged it for ₹27.5 lakh

Ranga Reddy Risers is owned by Srujana of Destiny World got it for ₹26 lakh. Karimnagar Kings – Avinash & Raghuveer / Fitbee for ₹20 lakh; Warangal Warriors —Dr. Chandrashekar / Sowbhagya Bharti – for ₹18.5 lakh; Nizamabad Nawabs – Laxmi Motors for ₹18 lakh, and Khammam Titans – Charan / SCL Infratech for ₹16.5 lakh. Each franchise carries an annual fee equal to the bid amount, with a 5% yearly escalation.

The league is the brainchild of A. Prudhvishwar Reddy, General Secretary of the Telangana Basketball Association and a former Indian national player. Inspired by international professional leagues, TPBL is designed to create a structured pathway for young talent while strengthening grassroots basketball across Telangana.

Player development took centre stage with state-wide tryouts held at Dream Basketball Academy, followed by the Player Auction in the same month, allowing franchises to build competitive squads featuring the best local talent.

The unique feature of the ownership is women taking centre stage and owning and managing the teams. A salute to their leadership and Women in Sports. Special is Deepti Akki of Hyderabad Hawks and Srujana of Ranga Reddy Risers; Sowbhagya Bharti of Warangal Warriors and their entire TPBL organising teams for their inspiring leadership, passion, and commitment. Their efforts stand as a powerful example of women driving change in sports, setting new benchmarks for inclusivity and professionalism in Indian basketball.

TPBL is considered a new chapter in particular to Telangana and in general in Indian Basketball. With soaring crowds, professional execution, and a clear long-term vision, the Telangana Pro Basketball League is redefining the future of the sport in the state. As Season 1 unfolds, TPBL is not just hosting matches—it is building a legacy. Indian Basketball has found a bold new home in Telangana.

According to Srujana, a similar league for Women and Children is around the corner.

Basketball in Telangana is not yet a mass sport like cricket, but it is one of the fastest-growing organised sports in the state, with strong institutional backing, rising youth participation, and—most importantly—the launch of a professional league, said R Sridhar Reddy, President of Telangana Basketball Association

Mr. A. Prudhvishwar Reddy, General Secretary, Telangana Basketball Association, further adds that Basketball in Telangana has seen steady and meaningful growth over the years. Today, we have more than 10,000 active players participating across schools, colleges, academies, universities, and district associations. The sport enjoys a strong footprint in regions such as Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam, and Nizamabad, with players regularly competing in platforms like the School Games Federation of India, Khelo India, inter-university tournaments, and district championships. Basketball has particularly found resonance in urban schools, private institutions, and universities, where access to indoor facilities has helped nurture talent.

Adding further, he stated that at the grassroots and institutional level, Telangana is well-positioned. The state has over 30 structured basketball academies and training centres, supported by robust school programs in CBSE, ICSE, and international schools. The Telangana Basketball Association continues to play an active role in organising competitions, identifying talent, and creating pathways for young players. Hyderabad remains the hub of basketball activity in the state, thanks to better infrastructure, experienced coaches, and consistent exposure to competitive play.

In terms of infrastructure, Mr A. Prudhvishwar Reddy adds, facilities such as the K.V.B.R. Indoor Stadium, the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, and several university and institutional indoor courts form the backbone of basketball development in Telangana. While we acknowledge that infrastructure is still limited compared to the growing demand, the progress is encouraging. With sustained investment, structured leagues, and community support, basketball in Telangana is moving in the right direction and holds immense potential for the future.

The launch of the Telangana Pro Basketball League (TPBL) has significantly elevated the sport’s stature. The first professional basketball league in Telangana and the second official state pro basketball league in India secured a ₹1.27 crore franchise valuation in Season 1 itself, marking a very good beginning.

The highest scorer of the League to date has been Tejendra and Raju Bhai of Ranga Reddy Risers (RRR) team

Live broadcasts, packed indoor crowds, and professional execution are helping to increase the fan base, stated Srujana. And it will ultimately contribute to cultivating a sports culture among future generations. She says it’s an Incredible feeling to own a team, it’s pride, responsibility and constant buzz. In the long run, we are instrumental in cultivating sports culture for the current and future generations.

Mr A. Prudhvishwar Reddy states that his goal is to take the league and local players national and international level. He, being a national player himself, thus this is his best way to give back to the sport.

Architects from different parts of the country came together on Sunday at the Hindon Sports Complex Golf Course as the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), UP Chapter concluded the third season of the Indian Institute of Architects Premier League (IIAPL) Golf Tournament.

The single-day national event drew architects from almost every state, turning Ghaziabad into a meeting ground for members of the architectural community. The tournament concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, while a IIA National Office Bearers’ Meeting held alongside the event added to the importance of the occasion.

The competition was played in the Stableford format, with participants competing across several categories. In the Men’s category, Ar. Amit Kumar won the tournament, followed by Ar. Binesh Sukumar as runner-up. In the Women’s category, Ar. Shweta K secured first place, with Ar. Ridhima Bajaj finished second and Ar. Shilpa Jain placed third.

Individual skill based awards celebrating the passion for the game were also presented during the ceremony. Ar. Sameer Divekar won the Closest to the Pin award, Ar. Rajeev Gandhi was recognised for Straight Drive, Ar. Rahul Tyagi received the Longest Drive award and Ar. Jaiprakash was chosen for the Monster drive . An additional entertainment round for budding golfers was organised as part of the event, where Ar. Priyank Srivastava emerged as winner and Ar. Avitesh finished as runner-up.

The IIA Premier League Golf Tournament was conceived as an informal platform that allows architects to connect outside the regular meetings and conferences. Over the years, it has grown into an annual event that encourages interaction across regions and professional backgrounds.

Speaking on the occasion, Ar. Sandeep Kumar Saraswat, Chairman, IIA UP Chapter, said that hosting a national IIA event in Ghaziabad reflected the growing role of Uttar Pradesh and the NCR region in India’s development journey. He added that such gatherings help build stronger professional bonds within the fraternity.

Ar. Yogesh Tyagi, Convener of the Tournament and Chairman, IIA Ghaziabad Centre, said the participation from across states highlighted the continued interest in the event. He noted that the Hindon Sports Complex Golf Course provided a suitable setting for bringing together sport and professional interaction in a single day.

Senior members and national office bearers of the institute were present at the event, where discussions focused on key organisational matters and future plans of the Indian Institute of Architects.

The 11 member EC team of IIA  Ghaziabad Centre Ar. Pooja , Ar Priyanka, Ar. Shilpa J, Ar. Subeer , Ar Sanjay Pande , Ar. Seemant, Ar Sachin, Ar Shilpa A, Ar. Arun, along with Ar. Rahul tyagi and Ar Gaurav Saini were instrumental in organizing a successful tournament once again highlighting Chapter’s efforts to create meaningful engagement opportunities beyond routine professional activities, while also placing Ghaziabad on the map as a venue for national-level architectural events.

Kolkata, Dec 10: FTS Yuva, the youth wing of Friends of Tribals Society (FTS), is excited to announce the 7th edition of its flagship event, the Ekal Run, which will take place at Godrej Waterside, Kolkata, on 4th January 2026. This year, the event will be inaugurated by India’s trailblazing badminton icon, Saina Nehwal. A sporting legend with over 24 international titles, Saina created history at the 2012 London Olympics by becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in badminton.

The Ekal Run, which draws thousands of fitness enthusiasts every year, continues its commitment to promoting health, community engagement, and a noble social mission – educating rural and tribal children across India through the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative. The 7th edition is expected to witness massive participation across multiple race formats, including 21km, 10km, 5km, and a non-timed 3km fun run, encouraging people of all age groups and fitness levels to be part of the movement.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Rishabh Saraogi, President of FTS Yuva, Kolkata Chapter, said, “We are immensely honored to welcome Saina Nehwal as the inaugurator of the 7th edition of the Ekal Run. Her groundbreaking achievements and extraordinary journey reflect the spirit of resilience, excellence, and empowerment that Ekal Run stands for. This event not only promotes fitness but also supports the noble cause of educating rural children across India. We look forward to another impactful edition that brings communities together for a greater mission.”

On this occasion, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, National Coordinator of Ekal Run, said, “Ekal Run is more than just a marathon – it is a collective stride towards shaping a brighter future for rural India. Having Saina Nehwal inaugurate this edition adds immense motivation for our participants and reinforces our mission of empowering communities through education.”

The Ekal Run is not just a sporting event but a movement to raise funds for the education of rural children through the Ekal Vidyalaya. Over the past editions, the event has garnered immense support and enthusiasm, uniting people from all walks of life to promote education and empowerment for children in rural and tribal areas.

S8UL launches India’s first-ever FGC Talent Hunt Program to discover the next stars in Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6

Mumbai, Dec 05: S8UL, a global powerhouse in esports and gaming content, has announced a landmark initiative for India’s fighting game community (FGC) with the launch of its Talent Hunt Program for Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. Scheduled from January to June 2026, the six-month program aims to identify and develop India’s next breakthrough fighting-game athletes through a structured, high-performance ecosystem, positioning the country prominently on the global FGC map.

Unlike traditional talent hunts, S8UL’s initiative is designed as a long-term athlete development pipeline. From a nationwide pool of participants, six players—two for Tekken 8 and four for Street Fighter 6 will be selected based on their performance in nationwide qualifiers and finals.

Selected athletes will receive one of the most comprehensive support structures ever offered in India’s competitive FGC space, including:

• Dedicated professional coaching for each game throughout the six-month program

• Fully-funded participation in a minimum of three international Tier-1 tournaments

• Comprehensive travel support, including flights, accommodation, meals, local transport, and tournament registration

• Monthly stipend to allow athletes to focus entirely on training and performance

• Integration into S8UL’s content ecosystem, providing visibility, narrative-building, and community reach

Speaking about the program, Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL Esports, said:

“India’s fighting game community has shown tremendous potential, but players have rarely had access to a structured environment that supports long-term growth. Through this Talent Hunt Program, we aim to provide professional coaching, international tournament experience, and comprehensive support. This is not a short-term project—it’s a sustained effort to build a strong foundation for fighting games in India and give our players a fair chance to compete globally.”

S8UL currently competes across nine leading esports titles and is strengthening its presence in fighting games. The organization became the first Indian team selected for the Esports World Cup’s Club Partner Program and participated in qualifiers for titles such as Fatal Fury and Tekken 8, underscoring its long-term commitment to the FGC ecosystem.

The S8UL Gaming House, one of India’s most advanced esports facilities, will serve as the training hub for Talent Hunt athletes. Equipped with structured training schedules, dedicated practice zones, content studios, and analytics support, the facility offers a high-performance environment that fosters both competitive growth and personal brand development. Athletes will learn not only to compete at the highest level but also to engage audiences through content, storytelling, and community interaction.

With fighting games gaining momentum worldwide through major events such as EVO, Esports World Cup, and the Asian Games, S8UL’s Talent Hunt Program arrives at a pivotal moment for India’s esports ecosystem and is expected to play a key role in positioning the country as a rising force in the global FGC landscape.

Chandigarh, Nov 21:- Mumbai Cobras clinched a landmark 92 win over the Karachi Monarchs, securing the first season series victory in Baseball United history at Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai. The night was defined by the outstanding performance of three India-born pitchers, Akshay More, Saurabh Gaikwad and Tushar Lalwani marking a breakthrough moment for Indian participation in professional baseball.

India’s first-ever professional starting pitcher, Akshay More, set the tone with a composed debut, delivering three innings of high-quality baseball. He conceded just one hit and struck out three, giving Mumbai an early edge. Saurabh Gaikwad followed with an electric 0.2-inning spell, claiming both outs with sharp strikeouts. Mumbai-born Tushar Lalwani then closed out the final two innings, allowing only one hit and adding a strikeout, sealing a memorable win for the Cobras.

Baseball United Season One, the region’s newest and fastest-growing professional league, is streamed digitally on the Zee 5 app and telecasted live on three of ‘Z’s leading linear channels- Zee Café SD, &Flix SD, and &Pictures HD. Broadcast is available in English, expanding accessibility for fans across India’s diverse regions. Baseball United’s inaugural season will include the league’s four founding franchises – Arabia Wolves, Mid East Falcons, Karachi Monarchs, and the Mumbai Cobras.

Speaking on the inaugural season; Ms. Laxmi Shetty, Head-Advertisement Revenue, Broadcast and Digital, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.“At ‘Z’, we are committed to bringing global sporting experiences to Indian audiences and establishing India as a global platform for international sports. Baseball United is more than a broadcast partnership; it’s an opportunity to introduce India to a new sporting journey. Watching three Indian-born pitchers’ script a historic series win for the Cobras is something truly special. We want Indian fans to see these moments as they happen, to connect with new heroes, and to feel part of a sport that’s ready to grow in a big way. At ‘Z’, we are delighted to be associated with Baseball United, bringing this journey into millions of homes through our linear TV channels and Zee 5 app.”

India is a cornerstone of Baseball United’s long-term vision, partnering with ‘Z’, with combined linear and digital platforms reach over 800 million viewers in India. The collaboration includes coverage of all 21 of Baseball United’s Season One games this November and December, including several primetime matches featuring the Mumbai Cobras, India’s first professional baseball franchise.

The partnership includes a full allotment of supplementary content on Zee 5 app, including player features, ballpark highlights, Baseball 101 clips, behind-the-scenes segments, and an original documentary on the building of the league. ‘Z’ will support the partnership with promotion across its linear and OTT network, with teasers, ad spots, Astons, and additional branded content. Both Baseball United and ‘Z’ will also collaborate on a full slate of social media posts and campaigns.

All games will be broadcast live and include world-class players, music, entertainment, and fan experiences. The season will culminate with the United Series Championship, set for December 12th, 13th, and 14th.

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, SPEFL Skill Council, and British Asian Trust announced and conducted a workshop on “SportEdge Meerut”  India’s Model Sports Hub

Meerut, Nov 18: In a significant step toward advancing India’s sports economy and fostering inclusive growth, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), along with the Sports, Physical Education, Fitness and Leisure Skills Council (SPEFL-SC) and the British Asian Trust (BAT), announced and successfully conducted a workshop on “SportEdge Meerut” Sports and Entrepreneurship Development for Growth and Excellence — a flagship initiative to develop Meerut as India’s model Sports Hub.

The initiative aims to harness Meerut’s sporting legacy to drive economic growth, promote skill-based livelihoods, and nurture local talent, especially among women and youth. SPEFL-SC will play a pivotal role in aligning the program with sectoral skill requirements, industry partnerships, and standards, while MSDE will coordinate with central and state ministries, industry bodies, and sports associations to ensure convergence and scalability.

The workshop brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders from the government, industry, finance, and development sectors who share a common vision of building a vibrant, inclusive sports economy. Participants included representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, ONGC Foundation, Microsoft, American India Foundation, and SBI Foundation, among others. Their diverse expertise spanning finance, corporate social responsibility, technology, research, and grassroots development added immense value to the deliberations. Together, they underscored the potential of SportEdge Meerut to emerge as a national model that integrates sports, skills, and entrepreneurship into a unified engine for growth and empowerment

Meerut: The Engine of India’s Sports Economy

Meerut is one of India’s largest sports goods manufacturing clusters and a flagship district under Uttar Pradesh’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. The district contributes nearly ₹1,500 crore annually to the state economy and accounts for over 40% of India’s sports goods exports. The cluster employs more than 3 lakh artisans, women workers, and small entrepreneurs, whose craftsmanship has built Meerut’s global reputation.

Through SportEdge Meerut, this ecosystem aims be elevated into a global benchmark for competitiveness, innovation, and social impact. The program will strengthen the entire value chain — from manufacturing and design to branding, marketing, and sustainable enterprise development.

Leadership Vision

Addressing the gathering, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, said:

“I am happy to announce the Meerut Sports Hub Development Model under SportEdge Meerut (Sports and Entrepreneurship Development for Growth and Excellence). This initiative marks a major step towards integrating sports, skills, and entrepreneurship into a single, future-ready engine of growth. Sports today is not just about winning; it is a life skill that shapes character, builds discipline, and unlocks new opportunities for livelihoods and enterprise.

Meerut — India’s third-largest exporter of sports goods exemplifies how a strong manufacturing ecosystem can propel global excellence. With this model, we aim to strengthen and scale this legacy by promoting entrepreneurship in sports manufacturing, enabling MSMEs and startups to innovate, adopt new technologies, and expand their market footprint.

By bringing together policy support, industry partnerships, training institutions, and the local community, SportEdge Meerut will help build a vibrant, self-sustaining sports economy that supports women-led enterprises and nurtures the champions, creators, and innovators of tomorrow.

This reflects our collective resolve: when it comes to empowering our youth, we stand united. MSDE will continue to play a coordinating role so that every stakeholder  artisans, manufacturers, coaches, athletes, startups, and local institutions progresses together. Our vision is clear: to make sports a mainstream, skill-based, and enterprise-driven pathway of aspiration, dignity, and opportunity for every young Indian.”

Institutional Synergy and Global Alignment

Speaking at the event, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, said:

“Meerut’s story reminds us that behind every sporting achievement lies the silent skill of millions — artisans, entrepreneurs, and innovators who turn raw material into national pride. Through the SportEdge Meerut initiative, we aim to bring policy, industry, and people together to transform this traditional cluster into a global symbol of Skill, Sport, and Sustainability. When sports become an avenue of livelihood and entrepreneurship, we don’t just build champions — we build a stronger, self-reliant Bharat.”

Industry Insights and Way Forward

Industry leaders and ecosystem experts emphasized the importance of strengthening research and development (R&D), design innovation, and technology integration within the sports ecosystem. They called for the creation of a stronger industry federation to represent manufacturers collectively and work closely with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to shape global positioning and policy advocacy.

Stakeholders also stressed the need for:

• R&D and applied research in sports engineering, equipment design, and material sciences, led by universities and technical institutions.
• Innovation in product design, IP creation, and digital manufacturing to enhance global competitiveness.
• Access to affordable raw materials, upgraded certification systems, and harmonized quality standards to open new international markets.
• Participants further noted the need for a stronger industry-led organization or federation, stressing that the sector must present a unified voice and work more closely with the Sports Ministry to shape policy and global positioning.  

The initiative will also bring together CSR partners, domestic foundations, and private contributors to develop a robust governance structure focused on transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.

As next steps, MSDE, SPEFL Skill Council and BAT will initiate consultations with the local government, industry representatives, and funding partners to finalize the operational framework, following which a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed.

Once implemented, SportEdge Meerut aims serve as a national model for sports- and enterprise-led development, demonstrating how local strengths, when combined with skill development and global collaboration, can unlock transformative opportunities for communities and the economy.