Tag: Sports

Former Indian pacer opens up about struggles, sacrifices, mental health, and life beyond cricket in a candid conversation with host Manoj Jagyasi

New Delhi [India], April 10: The latest episode of Game Changers with MJ, hosted by Manoj Jagyasi, features former Indian fast bowler Praveen Kumar in an emotionally powerful and deeply personal conversation. The episode offers a rare glimpse into the life and journeyof one of India’s most gifted yet often underappreciated swing bowlers, tracing his remarkable rise from the streets of Meerut to representing the nation on the international stage, including at iconic venues such as Lord’s.

In this candid interaction, Praveen Kumar reflects on his early struggles, the pressure of fulfilling family expectations, and the immense pride of representing both his state and the country. Praveen Kumar courageously opened up about his darkest period, revealing his struggle with depression and a suicide attempt. With raw honesty, he shared how he fought his way through the pain and emerged stronger. Renowned for his exceptional ability to swing the ball both ways, he carved a unique identity for himself during an era dominated by aggressive batting. Between 2007 and 2012, he represented India across all formats, claiming 112 wickets and forming a formidable pace attack alongside Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra.

A significant part of the conversation also focuses on the off-field challenges that affected his career. Praveen candidly addresses the criticism and misrepresentation he faced, stating that several narratives surrounding his personal conduct were misleading. He emphasizes that those who truly know him understand his character and values, and that he chose to maintain his dignity despite public scrutiny.

The interview further sheds light on his decision to retire from professional cricket in 2018. Praveen reveals that his decision was driven not by a lack of ability, but by a selfless desire to create opportunities for younger players from Uttar Pradesh— a testament to his commitment to the growth of the sport. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association.

Overall, the episode captures Praveen Kumar’s resilience, honesty, and enduring love for cricket. It stands as a heartfelt and inspiring account of both the triumphs and trials of a cricketer whose contributions to Indian cricket deserve far greater recognition.

The episode featuring Praveen Kumar is available on YouTube.

Watch The Full Interview

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113-km high-altitude Himalayan challenge set to bring together athletes, armed forces and civilians on a single national platform

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], April 10: The Indian Army, in strategic partnership with IconMetrix and supported by Uttarakhand Tourism, has officially opened registrations for the second edition of the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge 2.0. This premier high-altitude endurance event is set to become a landmark on India’s fitness calendar, inviting athletes from every corner of the country to test their limits in the majestic Uttarakhand Himalayas from April 16 to 20, 2026.

Vikramm Sanas, Co-Founder and Chief Strategist of IconMetrix, has emphasized that this initiative is designed to bridge the gap between urban fitness enthusiasts and the rugged reality of India’s border regions. The 113-kilometre Himalayan trail run traverses the sacred Badrinath-Kedarnath corridor, offering a unique digital and physical platform for national integration. IconMetrix is providing the strategic framework to ensure the event reaches a pan-India demographic, from the running clubs of Ahmedabad to the trail communities in Kolkata.

“We are building a credible endurance property that resonates with the aspirations of a fit and resilient India,” said Vikramm Sanas. “Through the collaboration between the Indian Army and IconMetrix, we are creating a structured platform for tourism and community engagement. Our mission is to ensure this Surya Devbhoomi Challenge event becomes a staple for athletes who seek purpose alongside performance, all while being bolstered by the administrative excellence of Uttarakhand Tourism.”

Major Pushpendra Singh Rathod, a senior Indian Army officer, noted that the challenge is “endurance with purpose,” testing both mental and physical resilience. The event kicks off with an Expo on April 16 at Badrinath, inaugurated by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan. Participants will engage in three days of grueling stages, passing through remote habitations that rarely see such high-profile athletic engagement.

The closing ceremony on April 20 is expected to be attended by the Chief Minister and senior military officials, marking a successful fusion of sports, defense, and regional advocacy. For those looking to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the nation’s heroes, registration details are available at the official portal, This initiative represents a new era in digital-first fitness engagement for the Indian Himalayas.

The 4.7 update comes with 7 officially licensed T20 franchises, Irfan Pathan’s voice in the commentary box, RCPL and Season-Long Community Experience

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 09: As India’s T20 season reaches fever pitch, Real Cricket is bringing the party to every player’s phone.KRAFTON India and Nautilus Mobile have launched the 4.7 update – the most ambitious content drop in the franchise’s history. Seven officially licensed IPL franchises are playable in the game, complete with authentic jerseys and real player faces. Irfan Pathan brings his voice to the commentary box. Twenty international cricketers get their real bowling actions. Two new global stadiums join the roster. And a season-long community tournament gives every player a team to fight for.

For fans who live and breathe T20 cricket, this update is personal. Seven of India’s most iconic franchises – Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad – are officially inside the game with licensed kits and real player faces, making Real Cricket the most authentic domestic league experience ever brought to mobile.

Anuj Sahani, Head – KIGI and Director of Publishing, KRAFTON India, said: “The 4.7 update represents a significant step in Real Cricket’s journey as India’s home of cricket gaming. All these additions are something our community has been asking for. But what excites us most is the RCPL Community Event, because it captures what cricket truly is: picking a side, fighting for it every day, and feeling every run as your own. The T20 season is one of India’s biggest shared sporting moment, and with this update, we want every Real Cricket player to feel truly at the centre of it.”

Irfan Pathan Commentary – A Legend Joins the Booth

One of India’s most beloved all-rounders is now in the commentary box. Players who have the Irfan Pathan commentary card will hear Pathan’s voice calling the action live in matches – bringing a layer of authenticity and cricketing personality to every delivery. It is the kind of addition that makes a match feel less like a game and more like a broadcast.

Irfan Pathan, Cricket Commentator and Former India All-Rounder, said: “Cricket has always been about emotion – the pressure of a big over, the feeling of being right in the middle of the action. When Real Cricket approached me to bring my voice into the game, I saw it as an extension of that. If my voice can make even one match feel a little more alive for a fan playing on their phone – that is something I am genuinely proud to be part of.”

RCPL 2026 Tournament – The Real Franchises, Now Playable

The biggest names in Indian T20 cricket are officially in the game. The RCPL 2026 Tournament lets players step into the dugout of their favourite franchise – donning their authentic licensed jersey, fielding a roster featuring real player faces, and going up against rival teams in true-to-life matchups. Whether playing as Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, or Sunrisers Hyderabad, every match now carries the weight and identity of real franchise cricket.

This is not just a cosmetic update. It is a statement: Real Cricket is the home of authentic domestic T20 gaming on mobile.

RCPL Quick Match – Play Your Way

Players can now also jump into custom quick matches with their favourite licensed teams at any time. From April 3 to April 6, 2026, RCPL Quick Match can be played entirely for free by watching an ad – giving every player, regardless of spend, the chance to gear up in their franchise’s colours and take the field.

RCPL Community Event – Fight for Your Franchise

This is where the T20 season becomes a shared mission. The RCPL Community Event – a 60-day in-game experience – lets players pledge their loyalty to a licensed franchise and fight for it, every single day. Every run scored contributes to the team’s collective total. Each day brings a new community match where players pick their franchise, score runs, and push their side to victory.

Rewards are earned both individually and collectively – based on personal engagement as well as how the wider community performs each day. Players who show up consistently will also unlock high-value attendance rewards over the course of the event. In a season where every run counts, this feature brings that spirit straight to mobile.

RC Pass Season 5 – RCPL Themed

Running from March 26 to April 25, RC Pass Season 5 is fully themed around the RCPL and the T20 season. Players progress through the pass by competing across different game modes, unlocking milestone rewards as they go. Those looking for deeper rewards can upgrade to the Elite or Premium Pass for an expanded unlock track throughout the season.

Anuj Mankar, Director and CEO, Nautilus Mobile, said: “For more than a decade, our focus has been on building the most authentic cricket simulation on mobile. The 4.7 update is a reflection of that commitment. Real bowling actions for 20 international cricketers, two new global stadiums in Dhaka and Johannesburg, and the Daily Strike challenge are all designed to deepen the gameplay experience and give our community more reasons to engage every day. Every addition in this update is built around one question: does it make the game feel more like real cricket? With 4.7, we believe the answer is yes – more than ever before.”

Daily Strike – 14 Days of High-Stakes Challenges

Adding a fresh daily dimension to the season is Daily Strike, a 14-day limited-time challenge mode. Every day, players get one free attempt to hit a target score within 6 legal balls. Hit it, and the reward is yours. Miss it, and the day resets – though players can purchase up to 3 additional attempts per day. It is the kind of edge-of-the-seat mini-challenge that mirrors the pressure of a real T20 finish, condensed into a daily ritual.

20 New Bowling Animations – Real Actions, Real Cricketers

Real Cricket has always been built on authenticity, and the 4.7 update raises that bar significantly with real bowling actions for 20 international cricketers. Players will now see the distinct, true-to-life bowling mechanics of some of the game’s most recognisable names, including Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakravarthy, Mitchell Santner, Sam Curran, Lockie Ferguson, and more. Each action has been captured and recreated to mirror what fans see on the field – making every over feel genuinely different depending on who is bowling.

New Stadiums – Dhaka & Johannesburg

Real Cricket’s world gets bigger with the 4.7 update. Two new stadiums join the roster: Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Johannesburg (South Africa) — expanding the game’s global footprint and giving players fresh, distinctive venues to compete in. Whether under Dhaka’s floodlights or in Johannesburg’s high-altitude air, every ground now tells its own story.

All content from the 4.7 update went live on March 27, 2026.

About Real Cricket

Real Cricket is one of India’s longest-running mobile cricket simulation franchises, developed by Nautilus Mobile and published by KRAFTON India. Known for its realism, depth, and season-aligned content, the game offers players an immersive cricket experience that mirrors real-world tournament structures, licensed teams, and competitive intensity.

About Nautilus Mobile

Nautilus Mobile is a Pune-based game development studio best known for creating Real Cricket, India’s leading mobile cricket gaming franchise. Celebrated for its authentic gameplay, strategic depth, and highly engaged community, Real Cricket has grown into one of the country’s most successful homegrown gaming IPs. Following KRAFTON’s majority acquisition of the studio in 2025, Nautilus continues to scale the franchise with enhanced publishing support and long-term investment focused on strengthening India-built gaming experiences for global audiences. The Real Cricket franchise features multiple competitive game modes, official IPL team licenses, upgraded visual and gameplay systems, and new engagement features such as the RC Pass and the Real Rewards T20 Series. Nautilus Mobile remains committed to delivering high-quality, player-first cricket gaming experiences for fans in India and emerging international markets. For more information, visit https://www.nautilusmobile.com/

About KRAFTON India

KRAFTON India is responsible for delivering premier mobile gaming experiences in the country, led by its flagship title BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), which has surpassed 260 million downloads. Its diverse portfolio also includes titles such as Bullet Echo India, Road To Valor: Empires, CookieRun India, and Real Cricket, catering to a wide spectrum of Indian gamers. KRAFTON India has also played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s esports landscape through marquee tournaments such as BGIS and BMPS, setting new benchmarks for development of grassroot talent, competitiveness, and fan engagement, while helping establish esports as a mainstream sporting and entertainment category in India. Beyond publishing games, KRAFTON India is committed to strengthening the digital entertainment ecosystem. Since 2021, the company has invested over $250 million in Indian startups across interactive entertainment, gaming, esports, and technology. The company also actively supports game development talent through the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), enabling emerging developers with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance.

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New Delhi [India], April 06: India’s expanding competitive chess circuit is set to witness another significant addition this summer, as the Rai Sahab Council for Sports and Education prepares to host the Shri Dhanpat Rai Sachdeva Memorial Classical Chess Festival in May 2026. The upcoming championship has drawn early attention within the chess fraternity after receiving endorsement from Pravin Thipsay, Arjuna Awardee and widely recognised as India’s third Grandmaster — a development that has added credibility and anticipation around the tournament.

Scheduled to be conducted at the centrally located Marina Dreams Banquets, Delhi, the event will unfold in two competitive segments. The Open category will take place from 17th to 21st May, followed by the B-1800 rating category from 22nd to 24th May, offering structured opportunities for both seasoned competitors and emerging rated players.

With a total prize fund of ₹27,22,000 and 514 prizes on offer, organisers are positioning the championship as one of the more substantial grassroots competitive platforms on the regional calendar. The tournament will follow classical time controls of 90 minutes plus 30-second increment in the Open section, while the B-1800 segment will be played with a 30 minutes plus 30-second increment format, ensuring competitive integrity alongside accessibility for a wider player base.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of the Council’s steadily growing tournament footprint. Its previous editions in 2024 and 2025 recorded encouraging participation trends, drawing players across multiple age groups and rating brackets. Those events not only facilitated competitive exposure but also contributed to structured recognition pathways, with several performers progressing to higher-level district and national circuits.

Observers noted that beyond player participation, the championships demonstrated increasing institutional engagement. Families, schools, and chess academies were actively involved, contributing to consistent footfall and sustained event-day vibrancy. Supporting organisations and partners associated with earlier editions benefitted from visible brand integration across venue touchpoints, official communication assets, and participant engagement formats — factors that have contributed to the event’s growing reputation as an organised and credible sporting platform.

The endorsement from Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay is being viewed within the chess community as a strong validation of the tournament’s intent to maintain professional standards while expanding its reach. His association underscores the broader movement within Indian chess to strengthen competitive ecosystems beyond elite circuits by nurturing well-managed open platforms.

Upon commencement of registrations, 7 Chess Masters have already registered for the event with more than 50 Grandmasters/International Masters expected to register for the event. With past execution records, an enhanced prize structure, and growing community awareness, the 2026 Delhi edition of the International Chess Festival is likely to attract robust participation while reinforcing the Council’s role in shaping accessible yet professionally curated chess experiences.

The directors of the Council, Capt Dhaval Sachdeva(Retd) and Pulkit Sachdeva are confident that in a country witnessing a renewed chess boom, tournaments that combine competitive seriousness with inclusive outreach are increasingly becoming focal points for talent discovery, institutional collaboration, and ecosystem growth. The forthcoming festival appears poised to build on that momentum — quietly strengthening both participation pipelines and stakeholder confidence.

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New Delhi [India], March 30: Indian cricket has always produced extraordinary numbers. Billions of viewers. Record-breaking audiences. Unmatched commercial value. What it has never had, until now, is a dedicated artificial intelligence platform built specifically to analyse, predict, and explain the game at the level the sport deserves. CricMind.ai changes that — and it has arrived at precisely the moment it is needed most.

Launching in full during the opening week of IPL 2026, CricMind.ai is India’s first purpose-built AI cricket prediction and sports analytics platform. Free to access for the entire IPL 2026 season, the platform gives every Indian cricket fan — from the casual viewer to the devoted analyst — access to the same quality of data-driven intelligence that has transformed fan engagement with football and basketball across the world. It is available now, without registration, without download, and without cost, at www.cricmind.ai.

The Oracle Engine: A New Standard for Cricket Prediction in India

The centrepiece of CricMind.ai is the Oracle Engine — a proprietary AI prediction model that represents a fundamental departure from how cricket forecasting has worked until now. Where conventional cricket prediction apps apply broad historical averages or rely on recent form alone, the Oracle Engine evaluates seventeen distinct performance variables simultaneously before generating a single match prediction.

Those variables span every dimension of match-day reality — recent team form, historical head-to-head records, venue conditions, pitch behaviour, toss advantage, player availability, and the kind of granular in-match factors that television pundits discuss but rarely quantify. Drawing on a database of over 278,000 ball records across every IPL season since 2008, the Oracle Engine runs 10,000 simulated versions of each match before arriving at a single prediction — complete with win probabilities and confidence ranges that tell fans not just who is likely to win, but how certain that verdict really is.

What makes the Oracle Engine genuinely different is accountability. Every prediction is published before the first ball is bowled and permanently logged in CricMind.ai’s public Accuracy Tracker — a live, unedited record of every call the engine has made and every result that followed. In IPL 2026’s opening two matches — RCB vs SRH on March 27 and MI vs KKR on March 28 — the Oracle Engine predicted both results correctly. No retrospective adjustments. No hidden methodology. The record is public, permanent, and growing with every match.

A Platform Built for Every Dimension of Cricket Intelligence

CricMind.ai is designed around the understanding that cricket fans are not a monolithic audience. The platform serves the supporter who wants a quick pre-match prediction as naturally as it serves the analyst who wants a granular breakdown of a bowler’s performance across specific venue types and match phases.

The Live Dashboard delivers real-time match intelligence as each game unfolds. The Deep Analysis module provides comprehensive post-match breakdowns drawing on the platform’s full historical dataset. The AI Terminal allows users to pose natural language questions about any player, team, match, or scenario and receive data-backed responses generated by the platform’s AI engine. A dedicated Argument Settler feature uses the same engine to resolve cricket debates with statistical evidence rather than opinion — addressing one of the most pervasive and entertaining dimensions of Indian cricket culture.

CricMind Pro — available free throughout IPL 2026 — extends the platform further with a Live Predictor for in-match AI forecasting, a Player Scout tool for detailed individual performance profiling across conditions and opposition, and a Match Simulator that allows users to model hypothetical match scenarios against real historical data. The complete IPL history archive, covering all eighteen seasons from 2008 through 2025, underpins every feature on the platform.

“Cricket analytics in India has been shaped by opinion for too long. The Oracle Engine was built on a single principle: show the work. Every factor, every probability, every prediction — published before the match, tracked after it, accountable to the result. We are not asking fans to trust a number. We are giving them every reason to scrutinise one.” — CricMind.ai Team

Addressing a Gap That Has Persisted Too Long

Cricket is the most watched sport in the world’s most populous democracy. Its commercial value runs to tens of billions of dollars annually. Its cultural penetration in India — across language, geography, generation, and social class — is without parallel in global sport. And yet the analytical infrastructure available to Indian cricket fans has consistently lagged behind what audiences for football in Europe or basketball in North America have access to as standard.

CricMind.ai is a direct and deliberate response to that gap — bringing to Indian cricket the same data-driven engagement model that transformed how supporters of other sports interact with the game. The platform is engineered and operated by QX137 (www.qx137.com), a specialist AI and technology studio whose work spans artificial intelligence, sports analytics, and high-performance digital products.

Available Free for the Entire IPL 2026 Season

CricMind.ai is completely free for the full duration of IPL 2026 — no subscription, no registration, and no download required. Every feature on the platform including the Oracle Engine’s predictions for all 74 matches, the Live Dashboard, AI Terminal, Deep Analysis tools, Match Simulator, Player Scout, and the complete IPL historical archive is available to every fan at zero cost throughout the season at www.cricmind.ai.

With 72 matches of IPL 2026 still ahead and the Oracle Engine’s season-long accuracy record building publicly with every result, there has never been a more compelling moment to experience Indian cricket through the lens of genuine, transparent, auditable artificial intelligence.

About CricMind.ai

CricMind.ai is India’s first AI-powered cricket prediction and sports analytics platform. Built on a proprietary 17-factor Oracle Engine and a dataset spanning 18 IPL seasons, 1,169 matches, 925 players, and over 278,000 ball records, the platform delivers auditable AI match predictions, real-time cricket intelligence, and deep analytical tools to cricket fans across India and the world. CricMind.ai is engineered and operated by QX137 (www.qx137.com), a specialist technology studio building high-performance AI products. CricMind.ai is free to access throughout IPL 2026 at www.cricmind.ai.

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 30: In the end, it came down to the last points of the last match – and more than 600,000 people watched it happen live. iQOO Soul left the Chennai Trade Centre tonight as the BGIS 2026 Champions, but not before Genesis Esports pushed them to the absolute limit in one of the most breathtaking title finishes in Indian esports history. The margin was razor-thin. The crowd was on its feet. And when the final numbers were confirmed, Soul had done what they had done across every stage of this tournament – found a way to win.

• Team Soul holds off a relentless Genesis Esports in a nerve-shredding finish to claim the ₹1 Crore prize and the BGIS 2026 trophy; 550,000+ peak concurrent viewers set a new record as Indian mobile esports reach an unprecedented scale

HunterZ from Genesis Esports was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals, earning ₹3 lakhs for his exceptional performance throughout the tournament. LEGIT from iQOO Soul was awarded the Grand Finals MVP, taking home ₹1.5 lakhs for his standout gameplay in the Grand Finals. Additional honours included Best IGL awarded to NakuL (₹2 lakhs), Emerging Star going to Detrox (₹1 lakh), and Best Clutch secured by Termi (₹1 lakh). The Fan Favourite Team award was presented to iQOO Soul, who received ₹1 lakh.

Team Soul emerged as the champions of the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals, taking home ₹1 crore in prize money. Genesis Esports finished as the 1st Runner-up with ₹50 lakhs, while Orangutan secured the 2nd Runner-up position with ₹35 lakhs. Following them in the standings, Victores Sumus secured fourth place while Godlike Esports rounded out the top five.

Speaking on the occasion, Karan Pathak, Associate Director – Esports, Krafton India said: “Congratulations to iQOO Soul – they were the best team in India across every stage of this competition, and they proved it again today when it mattered most. But if I’m being honest, today everyone won. The players who competed on that stage, the fans who filled the Chennai Trade Centre, the 6,00,000+ people who were watching live on Day 3, the community that unlocked INR 2 Crore of its own prize pool – this was theirs as much as it was Soul’s. BGIS 2026 has shown us what Indian mobile esports looks like when everything comes together. We’re incredibly proud of what this community has built, and we’re already thinking about what comes next.”

HOW SOUL WON IT

The story of BGIS 2026 will be told in two halves. The first was Soul’s dominance – methodical, relentless, suffocating. The second was Genesis’s refusal to accept it.

Soul had topped the Semifinals with 172 points, 116 eliminations, and three Chicken Dinners – arriving in Chennai as the team everyone else had to beat. They lived up to that billing across Days 1 and 2, ending Day 2 in first place with 117 points and two Chicken Dinners, winning the final match of the day with 19 points in a moment that felt like a champion planting a flag.

But Genesis was not done. Just three points separated the two sides going into Day 3 – a gap so thin that a single Chicken Dinner, a single clutch elimination, could have rewritten the result entirely. What followed across Day 3’s six matches was the kind of tournament chess that fans will be talking about for years: two teams playing not just for points, but playing against each other – every rotation, every zone, every engagement carrying championship weight.

Soul held. Genesis pushed until the very last circle. When the final standings were confirmed, the margin between champion and runner-up was the smallest it has ever been in a BGIS Grand Final – a fitting end to a tournament that deserved exactly this kind of finish.

THE NUMBERS THAT REWROTE HISTORY — TWICE IN TWO DAYS

BGIS 2026 broke its own viewership record on back-to-back days. Day 2 had already set an all-time high with a peak of 550,000+ concurrent viewers on the KRAFTON India Esports YouTube channel. Then came Day 3 – the championship day – and the audience surged again, peaking at over 600,000 concurrent viewers as Soul and Genesis played out their extraordinary finale. India was not just watching. India was holding its breath. The fan favourite Team GodLike fought hard and finished in 5^th position.

The INR 4 Crore prize pool – the largest in BGIS history – told its own story about where this community stands. It comprised an INR 2 Crore base pool and an additional INR 2 Crore unlocked entirely by BGMI players through the in-game Discovery Island initiative, where every Classic Mode match contributed toward a shared server-wide tracker. Every milestone was cleared before the first match in Chennai was played.

The live broadcast was available in Hindi, English, and multiple regional languages, making BGIS 2026 the most accessible – and most watched – edition in the tournament’s history.

Final Day 3 Rankings

Prize	Winning Team/Player	Prize Amount(in Rupees)
Champions	iQOO Soul	1,00,00,000
1st Runner Up	Genesis Esports	50,00,000
2nd Runner Up	Orangutan	35,00,000
MVP	HunterZ	3,00,000
Finals MVP	LEGIT	1,50,000
Best IGL	Nakul	2,00,000
Emerging Star	Detrox	1,00,000
Best Clutch	Termi	1,00,000
Fan Favourite Team	iQOO Soul	1,00,000

For highlights and full results, follow KRAFTON India’s official YouTube channel.

About KRAFTON, Inc.

Headquartered in Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is a global game developer and publisher dedicated to pioneering unforgettable worlds for players everywhere. Founded in 2007, KRAFTON brings together a diverse portfolio of studios including PUBG STUDIOS, Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montréal Studio, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, 5minlab, Dreamotion, ReLU Games, Flyway Games, Tango Gameworks, inZOI Studio, JOFSOFT, Eleventh Hour Games, OmniCraft Labs, Olivetree Games, Loonshot Games, and 9B STUDIO. Each is united by a commitment to bold imagination and breakthrough game-making.

KRAFTON’s franchises and titles include PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG MOBILE, PUBG: BLINDSPOT, inZOI, Subnautica, MIMESIS, Hi-Fi Rush, Dinkum, TERA, My Little Puppy, and more. Guided by its vision to pioneer the path to players’ dreams, KRAFTON is focused on building franchises that last and delivering experiences that resonate with players around the world.

For more information, visit www.KRAFTON.com.

About KRAFTON India

KRAFTON India is responsible for delivering premier mobile gaming experiences in the country, led by its flagship title BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), which has surpassed 260 million downloads. Its diverse portfolio also includes titles such as Bullet Echo India, Road To Valor: Empires, CookieRun India, and Real Cricket, catering to a wide spectrum of Indian gamers. KRAFTON India has also played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s esports landscape through marquee tournaments such as BGIS and BMPS, setting new benchmarks for development of grassroot talent, competitiveness, and fan engagement, while helping establish esports as a mainstream sporting and entertainment category in India. Beyond publishing games, KRAFTON India is committed to strengthening the digital entertainment ecosystem. Since 2021, the company has invested over $250 million in Indian startups across interactive entertainment, gaming, esports, and technology. The company also actively supports game development talent through the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), enabling emerging developers with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance.

If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at pr.error.rectification@gmail.com. We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.

India’s biggest BGMI LAN event opens at the Chennai Trade Centre with six matches across Rondo, Erangel, and Miramar: 16 teams battle for a INR 4 Crore prize pool

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 27: The fifth edition of the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA SERIES (BGIS) 2026 Grand Finals officially commenced today at the Chennai Trade Centre, marking the most anticipated date on India’s competitive BGMI calendar. Day 1 featured six matches across three maps – Rondo, Erangel, and Miramar – with all 16 qualified teams in action before a packed live audience and viewers tuning in across the KRAFTON India Esports YouTube channel.

The Grand Finals bring together eight teams that topped the Semifinals in Hyderabad (March 12-15) and eight more who forced their way through the high-pressure Survival Stage (March 16-17). Notable squads in the field include iQOO Soul, GodLike Esports, Orangutan, Revenant XSpark, Genesis, Welt Esports, Nebula, Team Tamilas, and Wyld Fangs, among others.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Karan Pathak, Associate Director – Esports, KRAFTON India, said, “BGIS 2026 reflects where BGMI Esports stands today – and more importantly, where it is headed. When a community unlocks an additional INR 2 Crore of its own tournament prize pool through in-game

participation, it tells you something fundamental about the depth of engagement this ecosystem has built. Combine that with 2 million subscribers on our Esports channel and the country’s top 16 teams heading to Chennai, and the picture is clear: BGIS is no longer just a tournament. It is the centerpiece of a competitive gaming culture that India is building for itself.”

With the tournament now underway, the coming days are set to deliver tighter competition, standout performances, and crucial moments that will shape the outcome for India’s leading BGMI teams. All matches from BGIS 2026 will be streamed live on the KRAFTON India Esports YouTube channel, with coverage available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil, Mizo, and Malayalam. The Grand Finals also hold regional significance for Tamil Nadu, with local sides iQOO Team Tamilas and Troy Tamilan Esports competing in front of a home crowd.

DAY 1 STANDINGS – AFTER 6 MATCHES

The tournament opened with a series of closely contested matches, as teams showcased consistency and strategic gameplay to secure early advantage in the standings. TEAM SOUL finished the day at the top with 66 points, while GODLIKE and VICTORES SUMUS followed closely, building early momentum in the race for the title.

POSITION	TEAM	TOTAL POINTS
1	SOUL	66
2	GODL	63
3	VS	57
4	WF	55
5	GENS	54
6	VE	48
7	RGE	42
8	RNTX	35
9	OG	28
10	NINZ	26
11	K9	24
12	MYTH	24
13	WELT	21
14	TT	20
15	LEFP	16
16	NBE	14

BGIS stands as a significant step in KRAFTON India’s broader Esports vision, highlighting the country’s rapid progress as a competitive gaming ecosystem. By creating a structured platform for top BGMI teams to compete, the tournament encourages skill refinement and sustained competitive growth. Beyond the scale of rewards, it reflects a maturing landscape shaped by visibility, opportunity, and performance.

Catch all the action live on our official YouTube channel as the tournament unfolds. Day 2 action resumes tomorrow, 28 March 2026, from approximately 1:00 pm.

About KRAFTON, Inc.

Headquartered in Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is a global game developer and publisher dedicated to pioneering unforgettable worlds for players everywhere. Founded in 2007, KRAFTON brings together a diverse portfolio of studios including PUBG STUDIOS, Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montréal Studio, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, 5minlab, Dreamotion, ReLU Games, Flyway Games, Tango Gameworks, inZOI Studio, JOFSOFT, Eleventh Hour Games, OmniCraft Labs, Olivetree Games, Loonshot Games, and 9B STUDIO. Each is united by a commitment to bold imagination and breakthrough game-making. KRAFTON’s franchises and titles include PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG MOBILE, PUBG: BLINDSPOT, inZOI, Subnautica, MIMESIS, Hi-Fi Rush, Dinkum, TERA, My Little Puppy, and more. Guided by its vision to pioneer the path to players’ dreams, KRAFTON is focused on building franchises that last and delivering experiences that resonate with players around the world.

For more information, visit www.KRAFTON.com.

About KRAFTON India

KRAFTON India is responsible for delivering premier mobile gaming experiences in the country, led by its flagship title BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), which has surpassed 260 million downloads. Its diverse portfolio also includes titles such as Bullet Echo India, Road To Valor: Empires, CookieRun India, and Real Cricket, catering to a wide spectrum of Indian gamers. KRAFTON India has also played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s esports landscape through marquee tournaments such as BGIS and BMPS, setting new benchmarks for development of grassroot talent, competitiveness, and fan engagement, while helping establish esports as a mainstream sporting and entertainment category in India. Beyond publishing games, KRAFTON India is committed to strengthening the digital entertainment ecosystem. Since 2021, the company has invested over $250 million in Indian startups across interactive entertainment, gaming, esports, and technology. The company also actively supports game development talent through the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), enabling emerging developers with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance.

If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at pr.error.rectification@gmail.com. We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.

Collaboration to feature in BGMI 4.3 update, starting 21st March with exclusive Chennai Super Kings collectables

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 17: KRAFTON India today announced a landmark collaboration between BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI) and Chennai Super Kings as part of the upcoming BGMI 4.3 update, bringing one of the league’s most iconic teams directly into the game as part of the upcoming BGMI 4.3 update, going live on 21 March. The collaboration introduces exclusive Chennai Super Kings -themed gameplay content, collectables, and a mechanic that has never been seen in BGMI before.

What Players Get

• The update brings two exclusive Chennai Super Kings-branded items into the game: the Thala Legacy Set (outfit) and the Thala Monster Truck (vehicle skin), letting players carry the spirit of the franchise into every match.

• A First for BGMI: The centrepiece of the collaboration is the introduction of dedicated Chennai Super Kings Photo Booth Points of Interest (POIs) across Erangel and Livik – marking the first time Photo Booth POIs have appeared in BGMI. At these locations, players can step into the battleground alongside Chennai Super Kings players and capture in-game moments, creating a fan experience that goes well beyond a standard cosmetics drop.

Talking about the partnership, Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, KRAFTON India, said: “Chennai Super Kings has one of the most devoted fan bases in world cricket, and BGMI has one of the most engaged gaming communities in India. Bringing them together had to feel meaningful for both – not just as a visual crossover, but as a genuine expression of that shared passion. We wanted fans to represent their team identity from inside the game, not just on the surface of it. The Photo Booth POIs are the fullest expression of that intent – something BGMI players have simply never experienced before inside the battleground.”

KS Viswanathan,Managing Director, Chennai Super Kings, added: “Chennai Super Kings has always shared an extraordinary connection with its fans. Bringing that connection into BGMI allows supporters to celebrate their team in a completely new format where the excitement of cricket meets the thrill of competitive gameplay.”

Launching right before 2026 season, the Chennai Super Kings integration is designed to position BGMI as a parallel fan engagement platform for India’s mobile-first generation – one where cricket fandom doesn’t end at the stadium or the television screen, but continues inside the battleground itself. With cricket deeply embedded in the country’s cultural fabric and gaming continuing to grow as a mainstream digital pastime, the partnership creates a new way for fans to express their team loyalty inside the BGMI battlegrounds.

The collaboration also reflects BGMI’s growing role as a platform where gaming culture intersects with sports fandom, creating new formats for participation and engagement for India’s digital-first audiences.

About KRAFTON, Inc:

Headquartered in Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is dedicated to discovering and publishing captivating games that offer fun and unique experiences. Established in 2007, KRAFTON is built on a global network of 21 creative studios that include PUBG Studios, Bluehole, RisingWings, Striking Distance Studios, Dreamotion, Unknown Worlds, 5minlab, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montreal Studio, OVERDARE, ReLU Games, Flyway Games, Tango Gameworks, inZOI Studio, Neptune, JOFSoft, ADK, Eleventh Hour Games, Omnicraft Labs, Olive Tree Games, and Moonshot Games.

Each independent studio strives to continuously take on new challenges and leverage innovative technologies. Their goal is to win over more fans by broadening KRAFTON’s platforms and services.

KRAFTON is responsible for premier game IPs, including PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG MOBILE, PUBG: BLINDSPOT, inZOI, Subnautica, MIMESIS, Hi-Fi Rush, Dinkum, TERA, My Little Puppy, and more. With a passionate and driven team across the globe, KRAFTON is a tech-forward company with world-class development capabilities, continuously exploring new possibilities that enhance the gameplay experience — including AI and other emerging technologies. For more information, visit www.krafton.com.

About KRAFTON India 

In India, KRAFTON is responsible for premier mobile games, including BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), which has surpassed 260 million downloads, Bullet Echo India, Road To Valor: Empires, and CookieRun India, among others. Committed to enhancing the start-up ecosystem in India, KRAFTON has invested over $170 million in several Indian startups across interactive entertainment, gaming, Esports, and technology, since 2021. KRAFTON actively supports India’s game development ecosystem through its KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) while strengthening the Esports ecosystem with flagship events like the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA SERIES (BGIS) and BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA PRO SERIES (BMPS). For more information, visit https://krafton.in/

If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at pr.error.rectification@gmail.com. We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.

Collaboration to feature in BGMI 4.3 update, starting 25th March with exclusive KKR -themed content and collectables

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 16: KRAFTON India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) today announced an exciting collaboration between BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI) and the iconic IPL franchise as part of the upcoming BGMI 4.3 update, bringing the three-time champions directly into the game, going live on 25 March. The collaboration introduces exclusive Kolkata Knight Riders-themed gameplay content, collectables, and fan engagement experiences designed to bring the Knight Riders’ identity into the battleground.

What Players Get

• The update brings two exclusive Kolkata Knight Riders -branded items into the game: the Knight Dominion Set (outfit) and the Eden Charge Buggy (vehicle skin), letting players carry the spirit of the franchise into every match.
• Photo Booth POIs in BGMI: The collaboration introduces dedicated Kolkata Knight Riders Photo Booth Points of Interest (POIs) across Erangel and Livik. At these locations, players can step into the battleground alongside Kolkata Knight Riders players and capture in-game moments, creating a fan experience that goes well beyond a standard cosmetics drop.

Commenting on the collaboration, Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, KRAFTON India, said:“ Kolkata Knight Riders brings fearless cricket. BGMI brings fearless competition. The DNA was always going to be compatible. What we’ve built with this collaboration goes beyond cosmetics – it puts the Knight Riders inside the battleground in a way our players can feel mid-match. That’s the standard we want to set for every sports partnership we build inside BGMI.”

Launching right before the 2026 IPL season, the Kolkata Knight Riders integration is designed to position BGMI as a parallel fan engagement platform for India’s mobile-first generation – one where cricket fandom doesn’t end at the stadium or the television screen, but continues inside the battleground itself. With cricket deeply embedded in the country’s cultural fabric and gaming continuing to grow as a mainstream digital pastime, the partnership creates a new way for fans to express their team loyalty inside the BGMI battleground.

Binda Dey, Chief Marketing Officer, Knight Riders Sports, added: “Kolkata Knight Riders has always shared a strong connection with its fans, built on energy, passion, and fearless cricket. Partnering with BGMI allows us to extend that relationship into the digital gaming world, where a large part of our fanbase actively engages today. It creates a new format for fans to experience and celebrate the Knight Riders’ spirit beyond the cricket field.”

The collaboration also reflects BGMI’s growing role as a platform where gaming culture intersects with sports fandom, creating new formats for participation and engagement for India’s digital-first audiences.

About KRAFTON, Inc

Headquartered in Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is dedicated to discovering and publishing captivating games that offer fun and unique experiences. Established in 2007, KRAFTON is built on a global network of 21 creative studios that include PUBG Studios, Bluehole, RisingWings, Striking Distance Studios, Dreamotion, Unknown Worlds, 5minlab, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montreal Studio, OVERDARE, ReLU Games, Flyway Games, Tango Gameworks, inZOI Studio, Neptune, JOFSoft, ADK, Eleventh Hour Games, Omnicraft Labs, Olive Tree Games, and Moonshot Games.

Each independent studio strives to continuously take on new challenges and leverage innovative technologies. Their goal is to win over more fans by broadening KRAFTON’s platforms and services.

KRAFTON is responsible for premier game IPs, including PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG MOBILE, PUBG: BLINDSPOT, inZOI, Subnautica, MIMESIS, Hi-Fi Rush, Dinkum, TERA, My Little Puppy, and more. With a passionate and driven team across the globe, KRAFTON is a tech-forward company with world-class development capabilities, continuously exploring new possibilities that enhance the gameplay experience — including AI and other emerging technologies. For more information, visit www.krafton.com.

About KRAFTON India 

In India, KRAFTON is responsible for premier mobile games, including BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), which has surpassed 260 million downloads, Bullet Echo India, Road To Valor: Empires, and CookieRun India, among others. Committed to enhancing the start-up ecosystem in India, KRAFTON has invested over $170 million in several Indian startups across interactive entertainment, gaming, Esports, and technology, since 2021. KRAFTON actively supports India’s game development ecosystem through its KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) while strengthening the Esports ecosystem with flagship events like the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA SERIES (BGIS) and BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA PRO SERIES (BMPS). For more information, visit https://krafton.in/

If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at pr.error.rectification@gmail.com. We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.

Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], March 16: The grand finale of the Sanatan Premier League (SPL), held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Indore, concluded amid excitement, energy, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. A large number of spectators gathered at the stadium to witness this unique event that combined cricket, culture, and social responsibility, enjoying the thrilling final match.

In the final match, a tough contest took place between AMG Madhya Pradesh and MPR Rajasthan. Batting first, AMG Madhya Pradesh set a target of 80 runs. In response, the MPR Rajasthan team delivered an excellent performance, winning the match by 34 runs and claiming the Sanatan Premier League title.

Awards for the Winners

The tournament winners, MPR Rajasthan, received a prize of ₹3.1 million (31 lakh), while the runners-up, AMG Madhya Pradesh, were awarded ₹1.5 million (15 lakh).

Players were also honored for their individual performances. Lakshmi Narayan was named Man of the Tournament and Man of the Series for his outstanding performance and was awarded a car as a prize. For his excellent bowling throughout the tournament, he also received the Purple Cap along with a motorcycle. Meanwhile, Rakesh Kumar Prajapati was honored with the Orange Cap (Best Batsman) for scoring the most runs.

Throughout the tournament, players displayed powerful batting, precise bowling, and excellent fielding, keeping the spectators in the stadium highly enthusiastic.

A Blend of Sports and Culture

One of the unique aspects of the Sanatan Premier League was that it combined competitive cricket with the cultural values of Sanatan Dharma. The successful organization of the tournament was made possible with the significant support of major sponsors H&S (Home & Soul) and Investors Clinic. Sunny Katyal, co-founder of Investors Clinic, was also associated with the event.

Earlier in the tournament, the first semifinal was played between Madhya Pradesh AMG and Gujarat SVPL, while the second semifinal featured Maharashtra CSW against Rajasthan MPR.

Special Attractions and Distinguished Presence

On the day of the final, a special friendly cricket match was also organized in which spiritual leaders and well-known personalities from the cricket world participated.

The event was graced by the presence of several respected spiritual leaders including Pujya Devkinandan Thakur Ji Maharaj, Pujya Pradeep Mishra Ji Maharaj, Pujya Indresh Upadhyay Ji Maharaj, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Shri Sadanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, Pujya Chinmayanand Bapu Ji Maharaj, Param Pujya Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Swami Shri Ram Dineshacharya Ji Maharaj, Sant Trilochan Darshan Das Ji, and Arpit Das Ji Maharaj.

Several well-known cricket personalities also attended the event to encourage the players, including Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla, Umesh Yadav, Praveen Kumar, Mohit Sharma, Chetan Sharma, Karsan Ghavri, Maninder Singh, Ajay Ratra, Pankaj Singh, and Parvinder Awana.

Actor Arpit Ranka, Pro Kabaddi player Rahul Chaudhari, and famous actor Arun Govil—who played Lord Ram in the television series Ramayan—were also present at the event.

Social Responsibility Initiatives

Social responsibility was also highlighted during the event. Financial assistance of ₹100,000 was given to the family of martyred soldier Hari Bhau Kate, while the family of Bhim Singh, who was martyred during Operation Takshak, also received ₹100,000.

Additionally, ₹100,000 was provided for the treatment of baby Anika Sharma, who is suffering from the rare disease SMA Type-2.

Through the social organization Chhanv Foundation, acid attack survivors Anshu Rajput, Preeti, Mousami Halder, and Shampa Mahato were given financial support of ₹250,000 for rehabilitation and empowerment.

On this occasion, Devkinandan Thakur Ji Maharaj expressed gratitude to all saints, players, guests, and supporters. He said that the tremendous support received by the Sanatan Premier League is highly inspiring and that in the future this platform will bring even greater opportunities for young players.

The successful organization of the Sanatan Premier League emerged as an inspiring example of the powerful blend of sports, culture, and social responsibility.

If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at pr.error.rectification@gmail.com. We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.