HYDERABAD: At the recently held WAVES Summit 2025 at Mumbai, a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI) and the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC- set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India), marking a significant milestone in promoting collaboration, innovation, and growth in India’s rapidly evolving gaming and esports ecosystem.

This strategic partnership is designed to enhance cooperation between the GDAI and SEPC across key industry dimensions, including investment facilitation, international promotion, industry engagement, skill development, and global market access.

As part of the MoU, GDAI and SEPC have committed to promote bilateral investment opportunities, joint ventures, and business delegations to stimulate economic and technological collaboration; build a consortium of companies to amplify India’s gaming and esports export capabilities; foster technological advancement in areas such as AR/VR, gamification, AI, metaverse, animation, and visual effects; drive skill development and training initiatives to strengthen India’s talent pipeline and industry readiness amongst other goals to showcase India’s potential in video gaming, esports, and related emerging technologies.

Speaking about the MoU, Dr. Abhay Kumar Sinha, Director General, SEPC,  “This partnership is a key step towards boosting India’s services exports in the high-growth gaming and esports sector. By aligning with GDAI, we aim to unlock global market opportunities and strengthen India’s position as a leading exporter of creative and digital services.”

Sharing his views on the association with SEPC, Sridhar Muppidi, Chairperson,  GDAI, said, “This MoU is a major step toward positioning India as a global player in the gaming and esports sector. By working together, GDAI and SEPC aim to unlock new economic opportunities and help Indian developers, designers, and entrepreneurs reach new heights.”

Sridhar further added, “This partnership also reflects the government’s growing interest in recognising gaming and esports not just as entertainment avenues but as significant contributors to India’s digital economy and export potential.”

The MoU further encourages cooperation in software development, internet technologies, data analytics, and immersive technologies to empower start-ups, creators, and enterprises.

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MUMBAI: Dream Sports, India’s leading sports technology company, today announced a gaming collaboration with Microsoft at the inaugural edition of World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025 (WAVES), Mumbai. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the event saw the two companies unite to further India’s gaming market and build for future gaming innovations.

The collaboration aims to explore opportunities to publish Microsoft’s gaming portfolio in the Indian region and offer more AI-powered experiences to Indian gamers.

Together, Dream Sports and Microsoft will unlock the full potential of India’s gaming market, fueled by Dream Sports’ deep understanding of the young, tech-savvy gaming community.

Commenting on the partnership, Harsh Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, Dream Sports said: “We are eager to build innovative & future-ready experiences by leveraging Microsoft’s deep technical & AI expertise along with our base of 250 million Indian users. We look forward to working together to redefine the future of online gaming in India.”

“We are excited to explore a collaboration with Dream Sports, leveraging their vast ecosystem of 250 million users. Together, Microsoft and Dream Sports aim to elevate the Indian gaming landscape by tailoring it to local needs and delivering transformative AI-driven experiences,” by Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia.

At a time when the Indian gaming industry is at the helm of a revolution, such efforts will help leverage new-age tech and resources for more interactive experiences, and a better developer’s infrastructure. Both companies highlighted the significance of concerted action, and believe this is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration focused on innovation, access, and building for India’s next billion gamers.

Fueling this vision is a rapidly evolving digital infrastructure and the emergence of India as the second-largest mobile gaming market. By hitting the $3.8 Bn mark in FY24, India’s gaming market has developed into a massive ecosystem of close to 600 million gamers (Leveling up: State of India Interactive).

With enablers such as seamless internet access, smart-phone penetration and greater catalysts of support within the public, investor, policy, and academia sphere, the share of gamers has increased manifold across diverse segments, with 66% gamers from non-metro cities and 44% female gamers (Leveling up: State of India Interactive). 

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PUNE: SuperGaming, India’s leading game developer, is set to host the grand LAN Finale of the Indus International Tournament (IIT) on May 18, 2025, at Drome Arena, Pune. The finale marks the culmination of one of India’s biggest esports tournaments, celebrating the journey of grassroots talent, national contenders, and global esports teams in Indus Battle Royale, India’s homegrown Indo-futuristic battle royale title.

With a total prize pool of  ₹2.5 crore, Indus International Tournament has been designed to spotlight Indian talent on the global esports map. The finale will see 15 top teams from the Homegrown, National, Powerplay, and International phases battle it out for glory and a ₹2 crore championship prize.

Adding to the stakes, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the LAN finale will be awarded a custom Mahindra Thar, making it one of the most aspirational rewards in Indian esports.

Key Highlights So Far:

• Over 1000 teams participated across Homegrown, National, Powerplay, and International phases.
• A total of 946 Matches were played across the 4 phases of the Tournament, including the Last Chance Qualifiers.
• The Indus International Tournament has seen fierce competition across all phases. The Qualifying teams are Team Rogue, DGE, Moggers, Esports Battleground, 4Magic (Brazil), Kadiliman Esports (Philippines), Zero Gravity, Marcos Gaming, Likitha Esports, Heatbeast, Golden Hornet, 4Ever, Autobotz, and Blind Esports—rounding off a truly global and competitive lineup.

SuperGaming’s Co-founder and CEO, Roby John, said,  “The Indus International Tournament is our way of building the future of Indian esports from the ground up. It’s not just about the pros — it’s about giving grassroots talent a real platform to compete, grow, and turn their passion into a profession. We want Indus to be the starting point for the next wave of esports stars to rise — from every corner of the country to the global stage.”

The LAN Finale is expected to draw fans, creators, and esports enthusiasts from across the country for a one-of-a-kind celebration of Indian esports excellence. Alongside the championship showdown, the event will also offer immersive experiences, creator meet-and-greets, and live music performances, making it a landmark moment for India’s gaming ecosystem.

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Thaikkudam Bridge, known for its genre-defying fusion of folk, classical, and rock, has performed over 650 shows, including more than 100 international concerts across 25 countries. During their electrifying live show in Pune, the band partnered with SuperGaming to unveil Agni Raagam, a character inspired by the grandeur and storytelling prowess of Kathakali, one of India’s most iconic art forms.

Indus Battle Royale has carved a unique identity in the competitive battle royale space with its Indo-futuristic setting, and Agni Raagam continues that tradition. With over 6M+ downloads, the made-in-India-for-the-world battle royale game draws inspiration from Indian music, art, and storytelling. This character reflects the theatrical intensity of Kathakali as a digital vigilante protecting its cultural identity in Virlok.

A defining moment of this collaboration was the inclusion of Navarasam, Thaikkudam Bridge’s iconic track, in Indus’ latest trailer. This track, a powerful tribute to the nine emotions of classical Indian storytelling, serves as the perfect backdrop for Agni Raagam’s reveal. With this, SuperGaming aims to revive the lost art of Kathakali by giving it a new digital life through gaming, ensuring that its legacy reaches younger generations in an interactive and immersive way.

“Kathakali is a powerful storytelling tradition that is slowly fading. Navarasam by Thaikkudam Bridge revived it through music, and now, with Indus Battle Royale, we’re bringing it to gaming. Agni Raagam is our tribute to this rich legacy—a warrior carrying the fire of Kathakali into the future. By integrating Navarasam, we aim to ensure that our culture is not just preserved but reimagined for a new generation to experience and embrace.,” said Roby John, CEO & Co-founder of SuperGaming.

Vian Fernandes, Bassist and Rapper of Thaikkudam Bridge added “Kathakali is a treasure of Indian culture, but like many traditional art forms, it risks being forgotten. When we made Navarasam, we wanted to bring its story to life through music, and now, seeing it take shape in Indus Battle Royale is incredible. Our concert in Pune was a bridge between past and future, ensuring that the artform of Kathakali continues to inspire, whether on stage, through sound, or in the digital world of gaming.”

More than just entertainment, this collaboration is a bold statement—proving that India’s artistic heritage isn’t just something to be remembered but something to be reinvented. As Kathakali found a new home in Indo-futurism, Indus ensured that Indian culture wasn’t just remembered—it was reimagined for the future.

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The world of Information Technology (IT) security has been under constant evolution, facing growing threats as cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated. From ransomware to data breaches, the need for more robust security solutions has never been greater. Amid this rising demand, Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative force, offering innovative solutions to safeguard digital assets, transactions, and data. But how exactly is blockchain shaping the future of IT security?

Understanding Blockchain in the Context of IT Security

Blockchain, often associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, is a decentralized and distributed ledger technology. At its core, it’s a system for securely recording transactions across a network of computers (or nodes) in such a way that it is virtually impossible to alter or tamper with the recorded data. Each “block” in the chain contains a list of transactions, and every block is linked to the previous one, forming an immutable chain.

This feature of immutability, combined with decentralized consensus mechanisms, makes blockchain a powerful tool for enhancing IT security. Let’s dive deeper into how blockchain is making waves in the IT security landscape.

1. Enhancing Data Integrity and Transparency

One of the primary benefits of blockchain technology is its ability to provide data integrity. Once information is recorded in a blockchain, it becomes incredibly difficult to change or erase, due to its cryptographic and consensus-based mechanisms.

In the context of IT security, this ensures that data cannot be tampered with or falsified. Whether it’s personal data, financial records, or critical system logs, blockchain provides an immutable trail that can be audited and verified. For enterprises, this reduces the risk of data manipulation and provides transparency in the handling of sensitive information.

Use Case: Secure Document Storage and Verification

Blockchain can be used for storing sensitive documents, such as contracts, intellectual property, or regulatory compliance records. When a document is uploaded onto a blockchain, it is hashed (a form of encryption), and the hash is stored on the blockchain. This ensures that any future attempts to alter the document will be immediately apparent, as the hash will no longer match the original.

2. Decentralized Identity Management

Identity theft and unauthorized access to systems are among the most common forms of cyberattacks today. Traditional identity management systems rely on centralized authorities, such as government agencies or corporations, to verify and authenticate users. However, these centralized systems present a single point of failure, making them vulnerable to hacking or insider threats.

Blockchain offers a decentralized alternative for identity management, where individuals have control over their own identity data, stored securely on the blockchain. This decentralized approach eliminates the need for intermediaries and provides users with self-sovereign identity (SSI), ensuring greater privacy and security.

Use Case: Blockchain-based Authentication

Blockchain can provide a secure, cryptographic-based method for verifying user identities. Instead of relying on passwords or centralized databases, a user could authenticate themselves with a cryptographic key stored on the blockchain. This method, often known as “public key infrastructure” (PKI), is much more secure because the private key never leaves the user’s device, and the blockchain’s decentralized nature ensures no central authority is responsible for managing the identity.

3. Secure Transactions and Smart Contracts

Blockchain is widely known for its role in cryptocurrency transactions, where it ensures the authenticity and integrity of financial transfers. However, beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions, blockchain also supports more advanced features like smart contracts—self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement written directly into code.

Smart contracts operate autonomously and ensure that the terms of a contract are met before any action occurs. In terms of IT security, this means that processes and transactions can be automated in a way that reduces human intervention, limits errors, and ensures that all actions are traceable and secure.

Use Case: Supply Chain Security

Blockchain-based smart contracts can play a pivotal role in securing supply chains. Each step in the supply chain can be recorded on the blockchain, from manufacturing to delivery. A smart contract can automatically trigger a payment once a certain condition is met, such as delivery confirmation, eliminating the possibility of fraud or disputes.

4. Protection Against Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks are one of the most common types of cyberattacks, wherein an attacker overloads a target system or network with a flood of traffic to make it unavailable to legitimate users. Blockchain can help mitigate these attacks by distributing the network load across a decentralized structure, making it harder for malicious actors to overwhelm a single point of failure.

Use Case: Blockchain-based Web Hosting

Decentralized cloud computing platforms, powered by blockchain, can help mitigate DDoS attacks by using a distributed network of nodes to host web applications and services. The redundancy provided by blockchain’s decentralized architecture ensures that if one node is attacked or compromised, others can continue to function, thereby minimizing downtime and service disruption.

5. Enhancing Security in Internet of Things (IoT) Networks

The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has introduced a host of new vulnerabilities into IT environments. Each IoT device is a potential entry point for cybercriminals, and ensuring the security of these devices is a major challenge.

Blockchain can play a significant role in securing IoT networks by providing a decentralized and tamper-proof method of device authentication, data exchange, and access control. By recording device interactions and transactions on a blockchain, the network becomes more resilient to unauthorized access and cyberattacks.

Use Case: Blockchain for IoT Device Authentication

In IoT environments, blockchain can be used to store and authenticate the credentials of devices. A blockchain-based authentication system ensures that only verified devices can connect to the network, and each transaction or data exchange between devices is logged securely on the blockchain, making it more difficult for hackers to manipulate or intercept communication.

6. Blockchain for Secure Voting Systems

Traditional electronic voting systems have been subject to security concerns, such as voter fraud, tampering with results, or hacking. Blockchain technology offers a solution by providing a secure, transparent, and verifiable voting process.

Each vote can be recorded as a transaction on the blockchain, creating an immutable record that is visible to all stakeholders, ensuring transparency. Blockchain’s inherent security features make it nearly impossible to alter voting results once they are recorded, improving the overall trustworthiness of the electoral process.

Use Case: Blockchain-based Voting in Elections

In blockchain-based voting systems, each voter’s identity is verified using blockchain-based digital credentials, and their vote is recorded as a transaction on the blockchain. Once the vote is cast, it cannot be altered or deleted, and the final tally can be publicly audited in real-time, offering an unprecedented level of security and transparency.

Conclusion: Blockchain’s Future in IT Security

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, traditional security measures alone may no longer be sufficient. Blockchain is offering a new paradigm for IT security, characterized by decentralization, immutability, and transparency. From data integrity and identity management to secure transactions and DDoS protection, blockchain has the potential to significantly transform how organizations approach cybersecurity.

While blockchain is still an emerging technology, its application in IT security is poised to grow in the coming years. As more industries adopt blockchain-based solutions, we can expect a future where IT security is not only more robust but also more transparent and user-centric. The decentralized nature of blockchain is already making it a cornerstone of next-generation security frameworks, and its influence is only set to expand.

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MUMBAI: In a landmark partnership, that bridges the worlds of gaming and automotive innovation, KRAFTON India and Mahindra have joined hands to bring Mahindra’s Electric Origin SUV- BE 6 into the dynamic universe of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI). This unique partnership offers consumers an immersive experience, aiming to captivate the aspirations of India’s young, tech-savvy audience. 

With this first-of-its-kind collaboration, starting January 16, 2025, BGMI players will be able to interact with the sporty and performance-driven Mahindra BE 6 within the game, bringing a new level of realism and excitement to the virtual battleground. Players can unlock a range of exclusive items inspired by the BE 6, including Suits like Quantum and Chrono Charge, and gameplay tools like Volt Tracer Gun, Neon Drop BE6 Parachute, Flashvault BE 6 Backpack, SparkStrike Pan, and more. Special missions during the collaboration will also reward players with unique prizes such as Mahindra Event Crates, Gifts, and a chance to win real Mahindra BE 6.

“This collaboration marks a major milestone in KRAFTON India’s efforts to deliver truly immersive and localized experiences for Indian gamers”, said Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development at KRAFTON India. “Mahindra, an iconic Indian brand known for innovation, and the BE 6 with its sporty and high-end tech, was a natural fit for BGMI’s futuristic and immersive universe. By integrating the BE 6 into BGMI, we’re not only bringing culturally resonant content to the game but also creating unique opportunities for our players to engage with the best of India’s innovation. Henceforth, setting a new benchmark in consumer engagement, captivating automotive and gaming enthusiasts alike. It further paves the way for many more groundbreaking updates as we continue to explore new ways to captivate our community.”

Veejay Nakra, President – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited added, “At Mahindra, we are redefining electric mobility with the BE 6. Built on our revolutionary INGLO architecture and powered by MAIA, the fastest automotive mind in the world, the BE 6 is crafted for those who thrive on the thrill of adventure and innovation. Our collaboration with KRAFTON India brings the BE 6 into the virtual realm of BGMI. By merging automotive excellence with gaming innovation, we aim to engage India’s vibrant, tech-savvy audience, delivering thrilling experiences.”

In a move that takes collaboration beyond the virtual world, KRAFTON and Mahindra are offering players a chance to win a real Mahindra BE 6 eSUV. Participants can enter by first completing the Mahindra BE 6 Exchange Centre missions to collect the “Nitro Wheel” & redeem the “Mahindra Event Crate” followed by creating a short video (10–30 seconds) showcasing the BE 6 in BGMI and posting it on Instagram or YouTube. To qualify, players must tag BGMI’s and Mahindra Electric’s official accounts and use the hashtags #BGMIxMahindra and #UnleashTheCharge. This contest offers a thrilling opportunity for one lucky gamer to take home the electric SUV. Terms and conditions apply.

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• Built for students who require high-performance machines for gaming, work, and creativity
  • Equipped with GeForce RTX Laptop GPUs, featuring specialized AI Tensor Cores, DLSS, and Max-Q technologies for great gaming and optimized system performance, power, battery life, and acoustics

NEW DELHI: HP has unveiled its new Victus Special Edition laptops, tailored for students. These PCs are equipped with the powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050A 4GB Laptop GPUs, making them ideal for a wide range of tasks. Whether students are engaged in data analysis, creating design projects, or indulging in popular games, the HP Victus Special Edition PCs are built to deliver a great experience.

The design and functionality of the HP Victus Special Edition laptops are driven by HP’s understanding of the diverse requirements of today’s students. These PCs are equipped with GeForce RTX  3050 A 4GB graphics, making them great for a wide range of demanding tasks.

“We are excited to introduce the HP Victus Special Edition laptops, crafted to empower students in India with the performance and versatility they need for both academic and recreational pursuits. By partnering with NVIDIA, we can deliver a powerful and immersive computing experience. This launch is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the Indian market and our mission to equip the next generation of innovators with the tools they need to excel,” said Vineet Gehani, Senior Director – Personal Systems, HP India. 

“Students need innovative, advanced computing tools that can boost academic and creative excellence while increasing productivity. The dedicated NVIDIA GPUs with AI Tensor Cores inside these HP Victus laptops help unlock captivating visuals and creative possibilities, empowering India’s students to shape the future,” said Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director, Asia-South, NVIDIA.

HP Victus 16: High-Performance Productivity and Gaming

The new HP Victus Special Edition laptops deliver high performance for a varied range of activities. They come with 12^th Gen Intel® Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 A 4GB Laptop GPUs for strong performance. Elevated through OMEN Dynamic Power, users can enable flexibility for schoolwork, content creation, and entertainment. 

• Play with Ray Tracing and AI: NVIDIA GeForce RTX is the most advanced platform for ray tracing and AI technologies that are changing the way users play and create. Over 600 top games and applications use RTX to deliver realistic graphics, fast performance, and AI features like DLSS that boost performance.
• Work and Play Hard: With a 15.6-inch screen, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 A 4GB Laptop GPU, and up to 16 GB system RAM, users will experience quick load times, great gaming performance, and creator capabilities.
• Seamless productivity: Weighing 2.29kg, the new HP Victus comes with a full-size, backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad.
• Clear visuals: Every pixel is rendered on up to an FHD 144Hz display with a 7ms response time for true-to-life visuals.
• Chill Out: HPVictus now features HP’s robust OMEN Tempest Cooling solution as well as an IR thermopile sensor to accurately manage temperatures.
• Peace of Mind: With 70WHR battery backup, this PC is crafted for long usage.

The new HP Victus Special Edition laptops will enable free-of-cost access to HP Gaming Garage, an online professional certificate program on esports management and game development. Access the page here: Esports Management and Game Development Professional Certificate | edX.

Pricing & Availability:

• The HP Victus Special Edition laptop is available in HP World Stores, HP Online stores, and multi-brand outlets at a starting price of Rs. 65,999 or Rs. 3,999 per month in Atmospheric Blue color. 
• Consumers can purchase a HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 headset, worth INR 6097/-, for just Rs. 499 on the purchase of HP Victus Special Edition laptops from HP World Stores, HP Online stores, and multi-brand outlets.

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NEW DELHI: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and SP Jain Institute of Management & Research recently published a joint report, which objectively concludes that the effect of the user’s skill is significantly more than that of chance, in determining the winnability in a fantasy sports contest. The study, “Decision Support System for Policy-Making: Quantifying Skill and Chance in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)”, further proposes a data-driven approach to determine, through empirical evidence, whether any game is a game of skill or chance.

This is the second paper by Professor U Dinesh Kumar, which focuses on studying the statistical aspects of online games. This study goes beyond measuring the effect of skill and chance on a user’s performance. Also, it focuses on quantifying several other indicators of skill, such as the effect of user’s past performance, experience, and recent participation, which have not been studied previously.

This peer-reviewed study offers an integrated decision support framework that:

• Evaluates the relative importance of skill and chance,
• Studies a contestant’s observed and unobserved characteristics,
• Tests for other indicators of skill,
• It can be replicated in other games, subject to data availability.

The framework proposed in the study can help policymakers adopt a more science-oriented and quantitative approach to resolving the ongoing debate on skill and chance. The lack of such a standardized and objective approach to evaluating online games has led to inconsistencies in regulation and hurt the ease of doing business for legitimate gaming companies in India.

By analyzing performance data, the study helps identify how much of a player’s success is due to their skill and how much depends on chance, providing a clear picture of what drives success in fantasy sports. By analyzing users’ performances across 2,951 matches and 160,000 contests, the study concludes that the effect of users’ skill is significantly more than that of chance in determining winnability in fantasy sports. The study also quantifies other indicators of skill, like user’s past performance, experience, and recent participation, and finds that these significantly affect their performance in fantasy sports contests.

U. Dinesh Kumar, Professor, IIMB, emphasized the significance of these findings: “Thisresearchprovidesadecisionsupportsystemthatcanallowpolicymakerstoobjectivelyandquantitativelydifferentiatebetweengamesofskillandchance. The framework proposed in the study can be replicated for any online game, subject to data availability. We believe that such frameworks are key to formulating regulations based on data science and better suited to address the challenges stemming from emerging technologies and new age sectors, such as online gaming.”

Key findings from the study include:

• Experience improves winnability: There is a positive correlation between users’ experience and winning consistency, i.e., users with more experience exhibit higher winnability in fantasy sports contests.
  • This indicates that users learn from experience and improve their future performances. In a game of chance, on the other hand, experience will not affect a user’s winnability. 
• Consistent high-performers fare better: Users who consistently performed well in the past also perform better in the current fantasy sports contests.
  • This indicates that users’ capabilities matter in fantasy sports contests. In a game of chance, on the other hand, past performances would not determine a user’s present performance.
• Recency positively affects winnability: Users who participated recently in fantasy sports contests exhibit higher winnability.
  • This indicates that the score gap increases with an increasing number of days since the users’ last participation, i.e., users who participated recently exhibit higher winnability. This is also consistent with the concept of skill depreciation used in human capital theory.
• Choice of contest influences relative performance
• The variance of unobserved skill is higher than the variance of chance: The study found that the unobserved components of skill play a far greater role in determining winnability than pure random shocks.

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BIRMINGHAM, UK: The Next Generation Cup 2024 campaign began with Indian clubs Punjab FC and Muthoot FA giving a tough run to their opponents Aston Villa FC and Everton FC respectively. The Toffees had to wait till the second half to find a way past a disciplined Muthoot FA team for their 1-0 victory. On the other hand, Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 champions Punjab FC put up an impressive fight before going down 3-2 in front of Aston Villa FC on the opening day of the tournament.

The two games were arguably of stark contrast, with there being a fair bit of flair in the Punjab FC encounter, thanks to the two teams constantly going back and forth against each other. Muthoot FA’s style of play drew praise from Everton FC coach and ex-England player Leighton Baines as well. Here’s a brief rundown of the concerned fixtures. 

Muthoot FA vs Everton FC

Muthoot FA produced a fitting contest against Everton with the Toffees scoring the only goal of the match in the 34th minute.

The third-place winners of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 were neatly organized at the back and didn’t offer their Premier League opponents many clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities in the opening half of the contest.

Eventually, it took a concerted team effort on their behalf to break through the Muthoot FA backline.

Jacob Beaumont-Clark pierced through the defense of the Indian side with a dazzling run through the center. He released the ball to an onrushing Callum Bales on the right flank.

Bales received the ball with a deft first touch, before setting up Kean Wren with a squared-up pass that the latter comfortably tapped in to break the deadlock after a gripping passage of play.

“It was a tough game. It was a different challenge for our lads to play against well-organised opponents. I am hoping that they learn something from it and it came across as a big challenge for us. Muthoot FA came in with a clear idea of how they might get success out of this game. They’ve got a good idea of when they have the ball, and what they would want to do in those moments. We don’t always get to practice in such situations, which is good for our lads and for the overall development of players,” Everton FC coach Leighton Baines said after the game.

Brief Scores

Everton FC 1 (Kean Wren 34’) – 0 Muthoot FA

Punjab FC vs Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa FC triumphed over Punjab FC by 3-2 in a closely contested game, with the English outfit taking the lead through their forward Rory Wilson in the 12th minute of the match.

In a template that was visible throughout the encounter, both sides ensured that they didn’t allow their opponents ample space to work with the ball outside of the 18-yard box.

It resulted in an overcrowding of the penalty area, but players from the two ends delivered a high-scoring clash.

Wilson complemented his opening goal with another strike in the 33rd minute, with almost identical goals coming as a result of his ability to put the ball into the back of the net from close spaces.

But before that, Omang Dodum from Punjab FC equalized the scores in the 22nd minute, collecting a ball on the run in the left flank and depositing it past Aston Villa FC goalkeeper Sam Lewis. Travis Patterson and Mason Cotcher joined hands at the 40th-minute mark to add another goal to Aston Villa FC’s tally.

Patterson’s cross from the left flank was perfectly met and converted by Cotcher to get the scores to 3-1 up. However, Punjab FC struck quickly on the counter, with No. 10 Manglenthang Kipgen striking from a few yards away from the left flank a minute later to cut the deficit.

Eventually, Aston Villa FC held their nerves until the end to secure the win.

“We need to focus more on tactical decisions. We were intact for large portions but lost concentration for a bit and conceded the easiest of goals. We were having a good run of chances, but couldn’t capitalize on that and an unwanted error resulted in us going 1-0 down. The players are high on confidence but we need to address a bit in the execution part of things. We are lacking a bit of instinct and this is the best possible platform for us to work on things and learn a lot going forward,” Punjab FC coach Sankarlal Chakraborty said.

Brief Scores

Aston Villa FC 3 (Rory Wilson 12’ 33’, Mason Cotcher 40’) – 2 Punjab FC (Omang Dodum 22’, Manglenthang Kipgen 41’)

Schedule – August 2, 2024

Muthoot FA vs Crystal Palace FC – 2:30 PM IST

Aston Villa FC vs Stellenbosch FC – 2:30 PM IST

Everton FC vs East Bengal FC – 7:30 PM IST

Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Punjab FC – 7:30 PM IST

Where to Watch

The matches will be streamed live on the following platforms -:

Reliance Foundation Youth Sports: https://youtube.com/@RelianceFoundationYouthSports

Premier League: https://youtube.com/@premierleague

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PARIS, FRANCE: The JSW Group marked Olympic Day with the inauguration of an exhibition that celebrates the life and legacy of Pierre de Coubertin, the Founder of the Olympic Movement, along with commemorating 100 years of India’s presence at the Games, in the host city of Paris, on Sunday.

Chairperson of the JSW Foundation, Mrs. Sangita Jindal, and Inspire Institute of Sport Founder, Parth Jindal were joined by President of the IOC, Mr. Thomas Bach, Minister of Culture, Madame Rachida Dati, Ambassador of India to the Republic of France, His Excellency Jawed Ashraf and the President of the Pierre de Coubertin Family Association, Mrs. Alexandra de Navacelle to open the exhibition that will be hosted at the Town Hall of the 7th Arrondissement, Paris, and will go on till the end of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in September.

Speaking on the occasion, Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of the JSW Foundation said, “JSW Group is pleased to support the curation of ‘100 Years of India at Olympics’ at the Genius of Sport exhibition in Paris. Through this unique Exhibition, we celebrate the life and legacy of Pierre De Coubertin and 100 years of India’s remarkable Olympic journey and success. We share Pierre De Coubertin’s vision and belief that Sports can change the world differently by transcending borders and bringing people together in the spirit of peace and friendship. The 2024 Olympics is an important milestone for JSW Group. We are proud to support this exhibition as well as Team India in Paris.  Through these efforts, we reiterate our commitment to foster and nurture the sporting culture and talent in India.”

The exhibition, in association with the Pierre de Coubertin Family Association, comprises a detailed walkthrough of India’s Olympic journey over the last century, the success the country has enjoyed in the past, and its recent resurgence with an eye on the future.

Parth Jindal, Founder of the Inspire Institute of Sport said, “We are honored to partner with the Pierre de Coubertin family for what we believe is a special showcase of the Olympic movement and the part India has played in it. We are on the cusp of the greatest sporting event in the world, and it was our desire at JSW to do something more in the city of Paris. As a country, we want to take forward the ideals of Pierre de Coubertin. We want the world to be a peaceful place, and the role that sport could play in that regard is enormous.

It is our mission at JSW Sports to further the Olympic movement, not just in India, but in the world. The Inspire Institute of Sport will be represented by close to 30 athletes as part of Team India at the Games next month, and our effort is to keep increasing that number with every passing Olympic cycle. India’s rise as an economic power is evident. But it is through sport that a country’s soft power is truly showcased, and we will play our part in making this happen.“

Thomas Bach, President of the IOC said, “Thanks to this magnificent exhibition, the public will be able to discover and rediscover an astonishing and multi-faceted man and measure the extent of his work. France and the French people should be proud to have a compatriot like Pierre de Coubertin. A visionary whose message of a world united in peaceful competition through sport resonates even more strongly today.”

His Excellency Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to the Republic of France, thanked the JSW Group for putting together the exhibition that will be on until September 10 and will be open to the public.

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