More than 3900 runners including defence personnel, families, and fitness groups gathered at VMRDA Park where SBI dignitaries Shri Rahul Sankritya and Shri K Uma Maheswara Rao flagged off the event that promoted eco responsible running practices.
Category: Sports
-
Green movement gains momentum in Visakhapatnam as SBI Green Marathon Season 6 brings thousands to the coastline
Visakhapatnam welcomed the latest chapter of SBI Green Marathon Season 6 with an early morning gathering that brought the city’s running community, families, and defence groups to the shoreline. The event marked another milestone in the marathon’s nationwide journey and carried forward its commitment to encouraging sustainable choices through a fitness focused platform. The spirit of the city was visible from the start as participants assembled along the coastline to experience an event shaped around environmental responsibility.
The flag off ceremony was led by Shri Rahul Sankritya, Deputy General Manager, along with Shri K Uma Maheswara Rao, Public Relations Officer. Their presence added significance to the event and reinforced the broader intent of drawing attention to sustainability through consistent public engagement. The gathering included a strong turnout from the Indian Navy as well as other defence personnel who joined the citizens of Visakhapatnam in taking on the coastal route. Families, long distance runners, fitness groups, and first time participants contributed to a diverse and enthusiastic crowd.
The scenic route from VMRDA Park along Ramakrishna Beach allowed runners to experience one of the most admired stretches of Visakhapatnam. The cool sea breeze and gradual rise of the sun created a route that was both challenging and uplifting. The AIMS certified 5K, 10K, and 21K categories brought together individuals with varying levels of experience. The longer distances drew endurance runners and seasoned athletes, while the shorter categories welcomed new entrants and casual fitness groups. Across all segments, the focus remained on completing the run with an awareness of the sustainability message that defines the marathon series.
Visakhapatnam’s reputation for natural beauty and an engaged local community made it an important location for the ongoing season of the marathon. The event strengthened the city’s association with initiatives that promote environmental awareness and collective participation. From the preparation at dawn to the completion of the final laps, the run highlighted how a city’s landscape and its residents can come together to support long term environmental thinking.
-
High-Stakes Racing Returns: Indian Racing Festival Heads Back to Kari Speedway for Round 3
Formula 4 and Indian Racing League heat up as city-based teams and top talent battle for points in Coimbatore’s iconic motorsport circuit
The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is set to return to the Kari Motor Speedway this weekend for Round 3, bringing with it two of India’s most exciting motorsport properties the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the FIA-backed Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC).
The IRL continues to build momentum with its unique city-based team format, featuring male and female drivers competing together on equal footing. Round 3 will see six franchise teams, including Godspeed Kochi, Speed Demons Delhi, Hyderabad Blackbirds, Chennai Turbo Riders, Bangalore Speedstars, and Goa Aces, competing in high-stakes, 20-minute sprint races. After a close fight in the previous rounds, all eyes are on Hyderabad Blackbirds and Speed Demons Delhi who are leading the points table.
Meanwhile, the Formula 4 Indian Championship will feature two more races in its inaugural season. Backed by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and aligned with FIA standards, F4IC serves as a direct stepping stone to international racing. Indian driver Shahan Ali Mohsin currently leads the pack, followed closely by Ruhaan Alva and Chirag Ghorpade.
The Kari Motor Speedway, known for its technical layout and fast corners, has long been a proving ground for emerging racing talent. With Coimbatore’s deep motorsport heritage, Round 3 promises to be one of the most competitive yet.The weekend will also include exclusive paddock access for fans, live music, and hospitality lounges, underlining the festival’s goal to make motorsport both competitive and accessible.
The Indian Racing Festival is organised by Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd, the promoters of both IRL and F4IC, with support from FMSCI. The season finale will be held in December at the Chennai Madras International Circuit.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
-
Cricket Meets Composition: Official Song for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Hits a High Note with Shreya Ghoshal
Composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and written by Prasoon Joshi, the anthem sung by Shreya Ghoshal celebrates unity, energy and the spirit of women’s cricket on a global stage.
As excitement builds for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, the official anthem for the tournament has been unveiled, bringing together some of India’s most celebrated voices in music and lyricism. Titled “Shakti Hain Hum”, the song is composed by the iconic trio Shankar Ehsaan Loy, written by acclaimed lyricist Prasoon Joshi, and sung by award-winning vocalist Shreya Ghoshal.
Released just weeks ahead of the tournament, the anthem is being positioned as a cultural touchpoint that echoes the growing power, reach and momentum of women’s cricket worldwide. With its energetic orchestration and emotionally charged lyrics, the song aims to inspire both fans and players while highlighting themes of strength, determination and unity.“This anthem is more than just a song, it’s a celebration of how far women’s cricket has come,” said Shankar Mahadevan, speaking on behalf of the composer trio. “It was important to us that the music not only reflected excitement and energy, but also honoured the journey and challenges female cricketers have overcome.”
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is expected to be the biggest edition yet, both in terms of viewership and participation. The anthem launch is a key element of the global campaign to build anticipation across regions, genders and generations.Shreya Ghoshal, lending her voice to the anthem, shared, “It’s an honour to be part of a song that champions women in sports. The energy of the track, the emotion in the lyrics, and the vision of the World Cup come together so powerfully, it gave me goosebumps while recording.”
The music video, featuring rising cricket stars from multiple countries, intercuts training sessions, crowd reactions, and scenes from everyday life to reflect the universal reach of the sport. The production team has ensured that the song is available in multiple languages including Hindi, English, Tamil and Bengali to maximise its global and regional resonance.With “Shakti Hain Hum”, the ICC and its creative partners hope to spark conversations around equality, access and recognition for women athletes. The launch is also part of a broader strategy to expand the fan base of women’s cricket ahead of the opening match in October 2025.
At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
-
Gamepoint Brings Professional-Grade Sports Infrastructure to Tellapur, Hyderabad
With 9 badminton courts, football turf, cricket nets, and coaching programs, Gamepoint’s Tellapur facility brings professional sports access to Hyderabad’s fast-growing western neighborhoods.
In a move that blends wellness, access, and urban planning, Gamepoint has launched its newest multi-sport facility in Tellapur, further solidifying its reputation as Hyderabad’s leading private sports infrastructure provider. The launch marks a key moment for communities in western Hyderabad, especially in rapidly growing residential areas like Tellapur, Nallagandla, and the IT-linked Financial District.
Gamepoint’s Tellapur center features nine air-cooled badminton courts, a turf that supports both football and cricket formats, cricket practice nets with automated bowling machines, table tennis, and a pool table. The center is built for both structured and recreational play and is now open for Book & Play access, coaching programs, memberships, and competitive tournaments. Every facility is integrated with the Gamepoint App, allowing players and families to seamlessly book sessions, register for coaching, or join events, all from their mobile devices.The location is no accident. Tellapur sits between residential neighborhoods and Hyderabad’s Financial District, making it a strategic choice for reaching not just families and young learners, but also working professionals and corporate teams. This dual accessibility has positioned Gamepoint as one of the few brands building cross-demographic sports spaces in India’s metro cities. The decision also reflects Gamepoint’s commitment to decentralizing access bringing professional-grade infrastructure outside of traditional city centers and into the everyday commute of citizens.
Gamepoint’s model is anchored in inclusive participation. The center’s programs are tailored for school-going children, weekend players, women looking to resume play, college students, and corporate employees seeking team-building or stress-relief sessions. Coaching is conducted by trained professionals, offering sessions in badminton, cricket, and football across skill levels. The brand has maintained its reputation for running structured seasonal camps during school breaks and curating league formats that go beyond standard tournaments.At the Tellapur inauguration, Dr. Raj P Narayanam, Executive Chairman of Zaggle, noted the community-driven spirit behind the facility. “Gamepoint is creating a positive impact by making world-class sports accessible to communities in Hyderabad. Facilities like these encourage children, professionals, and families to live an active lifestyle, and I am happy to see this initiative in Tellapur.” His remarks signal the growing recognition of urban sports infrastructure as a vital component of community health, wellness, and social engagement.
Aditya Reddy, Co-Founder of Gamepoint, reiterated the company’s long-term vision. “Our mission has always been to make sports a part of daily life. The Tellapur center is another step in that direction. We are excited to provide the community with a safe, professional, and inspiring environment to play, learn, and grow through sports.” His statement echoes Gamepoint’s consistent approach combining app technology, professional coaching, hygienic infrastructure, and localized access into a seamless user experience.The Gamepoint Tellapur facility is designed with both aesthetics and utility in mind. It offers premium amenities such as purified drinking water, individual showers, clean changing areas, access-controlled entry, and a player lounge. The equipment rental service and on-site sports store make it easier for players to walk in and play without heavy preparation. Designed to international specifications, the courts and turf are built to accommodate tournament-level play while still being family-friendly and beginner-accessible.
The Gamepoint App supports real-time booking, coaching registrations, performance tracking, and tournament calendars. It is available for both Android and iOS users and is increasingly being used by parents to track their child’s coaching schedule and progress. The App also features exclusive access to member-only events, early registration for league play, and discounts on equipment or facility rentals. This fusion of technology and play reflects a broader trend in Indian fitness ecosystems one where data, user control, and community-building intersect.The Tellapur center strengthens Gamepoint’s growing presence in Hyderabad, which already includes popular centers in Miyapur, Gachibowli, Kompally, and Jubilee Hills. These venues have become synonymous with safe, organized, and well-managed play spaces, used by school teams, working adults, and local leagues. The centers also serve as venues for regional talent spotting and district-level qualifiers particularly in badminton and cricket.
Gamepoint’s rise comes amid a broader national push toward fitness and grassroots sports. While government initiatives such as Khelo India have focused on developing stadiums and Olympic feeder programs, private operators like Gamepoint have filled a critical gap that of everyday play. By providing infrastructure that can be accessed casually, on-demand, and close to home, the brand is redefining how Indian cities approach sport not as elite training but as community habit.The Tellapur launch also reflects the role of wellness in real estate development. The presence of such a facility boosts residential interest in surrounding areas and provides developers with an attractive value-add when marketing to young families and professionals. With more families relocating to the western belt of Hyderabad, driven by tech parks, schools, and new residential projects, Gamepoint’s model of plug-and-play sports integration is both timely and location-aware.
Booking a session, whether for a weekend match or a regular coaching slot, is now as simple as opening an app a user journey that resonates with today’s hyper-scheduled urban families. Gamepoint’s team has placed strong emphasis on safety protocols, with trained staff, CCTV-monitored entry, and hygiene standards that meet the expectations of health-conscious parents and corporate HR departments.Looking forward, Gamepoint is expected to expand its presence across southern India, taking its Hyderabad-tested model into new markets where demand for structured, safe, and accessible sports centers is on the rise. With more Indians viewing sports as both a fitness need and a social connector, the space is set to grow rapidly and Gamepoint appears well-positioned to lead the way.
The brand’s consistent appearance in school sports newsletters, league registrations, and now corporate wellness programs underlines its ability to transcend demographic silos. From early learners in badminton to mid-career professionals looking for a weekend game, Gamepoint offers a rare all-in-one platform for both individual and community-based play.
For Hyderabad, this is more than just a facility launch it’s a statement about what modern cities must offer: open, inclusive, and professionally managed play spaces that integrate health, habit, and happiness.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
-
Moneyboxx Finance Bats Big for Bharat: T20 Sponsorship Redefines Grassroots Financial Empowerment
Cricket and credit converge as Moneyboxx Finance steps onto the T20 pitch with purpose, bridging aspiration and access in rural India.
National, June 13, 2025 , In a strategic move underscoring its grassroots vision, Moneyboxx Finance Ltd., a BSE-listed NBFC specializing in micro-entrepreneur lending, has entered the sports sponsorship arena by partnering with two regional cricket franchises: Anmol Kings Halar (Saurashtra Pro T20 League) and Sobisco Smashers Malda (Bengal Pro T20 League).
The campaigns, which run from June 7 to 20, mark a bold departure from traditional branding approaches. Rather than focusing solely on visibility, Moneyboxx’s initiative is rooted in emotional relevance, embedding its brand alongside dreams taking shape on the cricket field and in India’s heartland bazaars.
“Cricket and credit may seem like distant worlds, but they share a common theme: belief, opportunity, and breakthrough, ” says Mr. Mayur Modi, Co-Founder of Moneyboxx Finance Ltd. “We’re not just advertising, we’re amplifying ambition where it matters most.”Tapping into Regional Passion
By investing in Saurashtra and Bengal’s rising T20 circuits, Moneyboxx isn’t chasing eyeballs, it’s nurturing loyalty. These regional teams command fierce local followings, and aligning with them puts Moneyboxx in direct touch with its primary demographic: small-town entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
The trouser branding on both teams provides Moneyboxx with not just visual placement but cultural participation. Cricket is more than a game in India; it is an emotional epicenter. This strategic convergence allows the company to embed its mission into the passions of Bharat’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
A Purpose-Driven Campaign
Moneyboxx Finance serves micro and small enterprises, livestock owners, kirana shopkeepers, rural artisans, who are often outside the radar of traditional banking. With loans ranging from INR 1–10 lakh, the company has disbursed growth capital across 12 states, including Gujarat, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
As of June 2025, Moneyboxx operates 163 branches in semi-urban and rural regions, enabling a deep physical footprint that resonates with the local cricketing fervor. The T20 campaign furthers this presence not just in a marketing sense but as a trust-building initiative.Sport as a Platform for Inclusion
India’s T20 leagues are no longer just about competition, they’re about representation. Much like micro-entrepreneurship, cricket at the regional level is fueled by hustle, grit, and community pride. Both reflect India’s everyday aspirations.
Moneyboxx’s choice to sponsor these teams sends a strong signal: financial inclusion is not a boardroom narrative, it’s a grassroots action plan. The move is especially significant at a time when India is striving to formalize its vast informal economy.
From Brand Exposure to Brand Experience
Instead of traditional mass media campaigns, this partnership allows Moneyboxx to engage authentically. Viewers in Gujarat and West Bengal aren’t just seeing a logo, they’re experiencing a brand that champions their story.
This shift from exposure to experience is critical in an era of attention fatigue. Emotional connections now drive consumer trust more than frequency of ad impressions.Financial Empowerment: On and Off the Field
Moneyboxx believes that talent and tenacity deserve a platform, whether it’s a batsman in Halar or a weaver in Malda. The slogan “Dreams deserve a chance, whether on the cricket field or in the bustling marketplace” encapsulates the company’s dual vision: sports as inspiration, finance as enabler.
As grassroots cricket produces India’s future stars, Moneyboxx continues funding future business leaders from the same regions.
Moneyboxx Finance Ltd. is a non-deposit-taking, base-layer NBFC listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. With a mission to transform credit access in underserved India, it provides secured and unsecured business loans to micro-entrepreneurs across agriculture, retail, manufacturing, and services sectors.
Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, its operational strength lies in its deep market understanding, data-backed underwriting models, and a human-first lending approach.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
-
Mindspeak Series: Madiba, The Forgiving Leader
Niranjan Gidwani reflects on how Nelson Mandela’s courage, character, and forgiveness reshaped a nation and redefined ethical leadership
In the vocabulary of leadership, few names command as much reverence as Nelson Mandela. Universally known as the man who liberated South Africa, Madiba, as he was fondly called, gave the world a new blueprint of power built on restraint, empathy, and unity.
In this edition of Mindspeak Series, veteran strategist and board director Niranjan Gidwani, explores the timeless lessons in leadership that Mandela personified.
A President Who Unified a Divided Nation with Sport
Mandela’s story is often retold through the iconic 1995 Rugby World Cup. Just a year into the country’s post-apartheid transition, racial tensions ran deep. Black South Africans saw the Springboks, the nation’s rugby team, as a symbol of oppression. Mandela saw an opportunity.
Rather than dismantling the team, Mandela invited them to become a symbol of unity. He met with captain Francois Pienaar and shared the poem Invictus, which had inspired him during 27 years in prison. He wore the team’s jersey at the finals, bearing the number of the captain.
South Africa won against the odds. But it was Mandela who triumphed, using rugby to stitch together a fractured national spirit.The Strength to Forgive a Tormentor
Another powerful moment came not from a stadium but a restaurant. Mandela, as president, once invited a man to his table during lunch with his security team. The man trembled through the meal. He had been a prison guard, one who had routinely humiliated Mandela.
Now seated next to the most powerful man in the country, he expected retaliation. Mandela offered grace. “This is not part of my character,” he told his security team. It was not weakness but strength that allowed him to forgive.Not Always Popular, But Always Principled
Gidwani reflects on his visits to Johannesburg, where some still labeled Mandela a traitor for not seeking vengeance. But Mandela never sought applause. He chose what he believed was right, even if it meant being misunderstood.
True leadership, as Gidwani writes, is about moral courage, not popularity.Leadership in Our Times
The Madiba model stands in contrast to today’s leadership environment. In a world quick to judge and slow to forgive, Mandela’s legacy reminds us that unity is built on dialogue, not division.
Forgiveness does not erase the past. It empowers the future.
Niranjan Gidwani is a Certified Board Director, ESG Strategist, and Board Member on multiple platforms. He serves as a member of the UAE Superbrands Council and the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. A thought leader in ethics and enterprise transformation, he brings decades of leadership insight to Prittle Prattle News.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
-
Beyond Cricket: TOISA 2025 Showcases India’s Rise as a Multi-Sport Powerhouse with Champions from Every Discipline
Yogi Adityanath, Kapil Dev, Suniel Shetty, Abhinav Bindra, and top athletes grace TOISA 2025 as Neeraj Chopra, Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana, Gukesh D, and Manu Bhaker lead the list of honorees.
The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 was a grand celebration of Indian sports, bringing together champions from 36 different sporting disciplines. Held in Lucknow, the event honored both legendary athletes and rising stars, showing how Indian sports is growing beyond cricket and reaching new heights.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the state’s commitment to sports, saying that small towns are now producing world-class athletes. Sharing the stage with legends like Kapil Dev, Suniel Shetty, and Abhinav Bindra, he highlighted the role of TOISA in inspiring young athletes across the country.
Cricket stars Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana won the top honors in their category, while Neeraj Chopra and Jyothi Yarraji dominated the athletics category. Chess prodigy Gukesh D and shooting star Manu Bhaker were jointly awarded Sportsperson of the Year, reflecting India’s success in multiple sports.Indian Men’s Hockey Team Wins Team of the Year as Paralympic Stars Shine
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team, led by Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, was awarded Team of the Year for its consistent performance on the international stage. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team, with Savita Punia as the backbone, was also honored for its impressive achievements.
Paralympic sports received well-deserved recognition, with Sumit Antil winning Para Sportsperson of the Year. Organizations supporting sports were also honored, with Hockey India and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) sharing the Federation of the Year award for their role in developing Indian sports.Kapil Dev Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award, Abhinav Bindra Named Mentor of the Year
Cricket legend Kapil Dev, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, spoke about how much Indian sports has changed. “Back in the day, cricket dominated everything. But now, we see champions in kabaddi, wrestling, para-sports, and even chess. This is the new India. To the young athletes here today, you are not just winning medals, you are changing how the world sees us.”
Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra was named Mentor of the Year for his efforts in training and supporting young Indian athletes. Actor Suniel Shetty received TOISA Ambassador of the Year for his contribution to promoting sports and fitness culture in India. IAS officer Suhas LY, a former Paralympic medalist, was recognized as Change Agent of Sports for his work in improving sports administration.Young Athletes Take Center Stage
TOISA 2025 was not just about legends—it also celebrated India’s rising stars. Wrestler Aman Sehrawat, long jumper Shaili Singh, and javelin thrower Annu Rani were recognized for their achievements. Athletes from archery, badminton, and shooting were also honored, including Lakshya Sen, Anmol Kharb, Dhiraj Bommadevara, and Aditi Swami.
Para-sports received equal focus, with Sheetal Devi and Avani Lekhara recognized for their achievements.TOISA 2025: A New Chapter for Indian Sports
Puneet Gupt, COO of Times Internet, highlighted TOISA’s growing importance. “This is no longer just an awards ceremony. TOISA is a movement that celebrates India’s rise as a multi-sport powerhouse. From cricket to shooting, chess, and para sports, we are proving that India’s sporting future is bright.”
With athletes from both metro cities and small towns receiving recognition, TOISA 2025 has set new benchmarks in how sports excellence is celebrated in India. The event proved that India is ready to compete with the best in the world across multiple sports.At Prittle Prattle News, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.