Raman Raheja

Nine-member RevSportz team for Boxing Day and New Year Tests – Can we break new ground? RevSportz Global already has three reporters on ground for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. That number will triple to nine for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests as we make an effort to document fan tales, both inside the stadium and away from it. Less than 24 hours ahead of the pink-ball Test, we had our own game in the studio. Clearly, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has captured public attention and India’s performance in Perth was evidence that the series could go down to the wire. Three of our reporters are already in Australia and the coverage has been extremely well received. The engagement and quality are out there for people to see. Interest in the series is expected to peak in Melbourne and Sydney. With World Test Championship (WTC) qualification still a very real possibility for both teams, every Test match is relevant. Boxing Day is expected to see a record turnout at the MCG, with the crowd touching 100,000. Christmas and New Year holidays in India means the TV and online audience will be at its highest. All of this serves as the backdrop. While coverage has so far centred the teams and the players, the question is: what about the fans? Why does a supporter spend lakhs travelling to Australia to watch a Boxing Day Test? Why is it part of ritual? While all of us say the fan is central to this, do we really cover the fan or understand how they are well and truly part of the ecosystem? Why is it that money saved for a honeymoon is spent travelling to Sydney to watch a New Year Test? None of this is really narrated because reporters are always busy covering practice and press conferences and, of course, the game itself. There is always a pattern and it is tough to break the mould. That’s where the decision came from. Fans need to be celebrated and their journeys documented. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is not just about the match at the MCG. It is also about watching Test cricket in Australia around Boxing Day and New Year being considered part of a ritual. It is about sports tourism and understanding the ecosystem better. There is always a story beyond the stadium, and understanding it is as important as the tale unfolding across the 22 yards. All of this said to me that we needed more people in Australia to understand and document the series better. We need to be in the stands to understand fan behaviour. And hence, our three reporters will now be joined by six more to make it a nine-member team Down Under for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests. It hasn’t happened in Indian media before, and we will go beyond the stadium and explore new ground. Prantik Mazumdar, Sharmistha Gooptu, Agnijit Sen, Trisha Ghosal and Gargi Raut will join me as we travel to Australia to see if we can break new ground in sports coverage. It is an experiment, but one that could indeed create a template for the future. Or so we would like to believe.

64

1 Comment

A RevSportz Exclusive “I enjoy the pressure that comes with the job” – Nicholas Pooran on being retained for 21 crores Shashwat Goenka, who will lead the Lucknow franchise at the upcoming IPL auction, and Nicholas Pooran, who has been retained at a cost of 21 crores, talk to me about auction plans and the pressure of the price tag. Excerpts from the conversation: Boria: Shashwat, I will start with you. Why Nicholas Pooran for a whopping amount of 21 crores? Shashwat: As you mentioned before we started, he is currently one of the best T20 batters in the world, and arguably the most destructive. Look at his strike-rate and you will know. Someone who scores at 190 [162 in the IPL] is special. Against RCB, he had a strike-rate last year of over 300. He can change the game within overs and can hit sixes from ball one. In modern T20 cricket, that’s what you will need. Our cricket think tank, Justin [Langer] and Zaheer [Khan] both mentioned this, and there was never any debate who would be our top retention. Boria: Nicholas, 21 crores is a hell of a lot of money. Thoughts on being LSG’s top retention and does it add to the pressure? Pooran: The best part about this franchise is they have never put me under pressure. When you are paid a lot of money, there is always pressure. Not so much from outside but from within. You know you need to justify this price tag. You need to deliver for the franchise and stand up and be counted. You know you have to make a difference. And that’s what you need to enjoy. I have always wanted to be the best T20 batter in the world. Make a difference for my team. Be the best version of myself and do justice to the talent and ability I have. Having been through an accident and seen what it is like when you are down, I cherish every moment of the opportunity that has come my way, and that’s why I have managed to enjoy the pressure that comes with the job. Boria: Nicholas, the entire world has come to associate you with big hits. It isn’t easy to start hitting from all one and yet you have been consistently doing this for some years now. Tell me about this level of consistency and for a change do you think of the bowlers when you keep hitting? Pooran: (Smiles). When you are hitting sixes, there is often a sense of fright on the face of the bowler. You want to see them scared! But yes, it is not easy. Never easy to go out and hit the first ball for a six, or keep hitting at a strike-rate of 200. But then, that’s why you are being chosen. So you need to master it, and keep practicing. Think of ways you can improve, evolve better and be the best version of yourself. I know things will not always go your way. I know you could be laid low. That’s why you need to make the most of every opportunity. I want to win the IPL with LSG in the next few years and that’s the goal. We need to pursue it consistently and it can happen. Boria: Have you tried Kolkata mishti? Pooran: Too much sugar! (Points to his abs) Will get fat!

169

What do you have to overcome in life in terms of perspective when viewing this post? Without in anyway minimising anything other people might be facing in life, this must in many case reset our perspectives on our own challenges, and our journeys in regard to life’s hurdles and how we endeavour to overcome adversity. Incredible resilience and strength displayed by Steetal Devi.

7

1 Comment

India’s Sports Infrastructure: A Bold Leap Towards 2036 and Beyond! India is gearing up to bid for the 2036 Olympics, sparking a transformative era for the sports and venue infrastructure industry. With the market projected to hit INR 2,00,000 Crore / USD 24 billion by 2036, this is a golden opportunity for industry pioneers to step in and shape the future. From cutting-edge stadiums and smart city developments to sustainable venues and tech innovations, the race to elevate India’s infrastructure to global standards is on! Key players in construction, technology, design, sustainability, and investments should be at the forefront of this revolution. Are you ready to be a part of this growth? Developers, architects, investors, tech innovators, and sports facility managers—now is the time to engage and lead. Don’t miss ArenaX 2025—the platform where business leaders and industry experts will connect, collaborate, and seize these emerging opportunities. For more info on the event, contact Suhas Pushkarny @ +91 9158989628, [email protected] #FutureOfSports #India2036 #ArenaX2025 #InfrastructureInnovation #SmartCities #SportsTech #IndustryOpportunities #SustainableVenues

2

Dive into our latest YouTube video! Unveiling our fitness special with expert tips and workouts to revitalize your routine. Don't miss out, hit play now! 💪 #FitnessGoals #YouTubeFitness #scoreboardstories

3

Had a great conversation with Barkha Kumari about the rise of Pickleball in India and Bangalore. This sport is picking up steam, and I have no doubt that it will become quite popular across the country. At Sprentzo Sports , we're excited to be part of this journey, supporting players through our #SweatFam #community, our mission is to make sports accessible and fun for everyone, and we’re just getting started! #Pickleball #SweatFam #DaDink #SportsInIndia #SPRENTZO #Deccanherald Piyush Jain AKASH K SAM Samyukth Hemanth

13

As #WPL winds off with a great second year, data from The Ormax Sports Audience Report: 2024 shows that female sportspersons still have a long way to go in occupying mind-space and becoming 'favorites' of sports viewers in India. Tarukh Kaul and I analyse if female sportspersons have it better in the more gender-developed nations, and what can be done to foster gender equity in the Indian sports arena. #WomenInSports #GenderEquality

18

Grassroots Football Carnival time. RevSportz takes it to North Bengal to give talent opportunity. We run a sports company. When we say this, what exactly do we mean? Are we here to cover sport and give athletes, both able-bodied and para, a voice? Are we here to cover cricket and jump on the bandwagon to make some money? Are we here to cover every sport and try and make a difference to the Indian sporting ecosystem? Why are we here? This is the question we asked of ourselves in 2022 ahead of the FIFA World Cup. While it is all very glamorous to cover major events like the World Cup and the Olympics, would we be able to make a difference at the grassroots? And that’s when the idea came. We must do a grassroots football tournament for men and women, with equal prize money, in an attempt to empower talent. Football is just a start. We aim to get into every sport possible as we grow as a company. The football carnival we did in year 1, 2002-23, had 32 men’s and 16 women’s teams. Locals told us we won’t get as many women’s teams, so we shouldn’t try for more. They were wrong. Once we closed entries, we realised there were many more waiting in the wings to participate. In 2023 rectified our mistake. We still had 48 teams, for more would be difficult to manage. But we had 24 men’s and 24 women’s teams. Moreover, the prize money stayed equal and will always be. The truth is that the women’s tournament in year one was far more competitive, and two of the girls went on to secure club contracts. That’s real legacy and something we are immensely proud of. In year one, we were told that equal prize money hadn’t happened at the local level much in Bengal and we were perhaps taking an unwarranted step. For us, it is the most fundamental step. And when we announced it during the final, we were surprised to see the reactions that followed. Two of the girls, members of the winning team, were in tears and had this to say, “We have never been given equal prize money. This feels good. It is not about the amount of money. That too is good, but for us, it is more about the respect.” For us too, it is about respect. About trying to do something for sport. About encouraging young men and women to play, and giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent. As we complete our third year –RevSportz turns 3 on December 1 – this is one initiative we are seriously proud of. And this year, we have added much to the carnival as we move to North Bengal. We have teams from all the neighbouring states like Sikkim as well. This is why we do sport. There is no ROI for this. However it will help local talent to come up. That’s why we invest lacs of rupees. Now in its third year, so far the experience has been humbling. We seek your support. Join us and support the cause. This is about sport, about physical literacy, and giving people at every level an opportunity. It’s time for the football carnival. Bigger and better.

24

1 Comment

Critical Issues Plaguing Indian Women's Football. We are hurling downwards into an abyss. The writer raises pertinent concerns regarding the state of women's football in India. Additionally, my views. 1. Lack of stringent regulations and enforcement. 2. Substandard teams being recommended by District and State FAs for State qualifiers and IWL. 3. States and Districts without women's leagues still get to recommend teams for the final round. Additional concerns: 1. Conflicts of interest: Clubs like Bacaim participating in multiple districts without consequences. 2. Result manipulation: Districts and States favoring specific clubs, compromising fairness. 3. Inadequate oversight: Allowing unqualified teams to participate, undermining competition integrity. These issues undermine the development of women's football in India, compromising: 1. Fair competition 2. Player development 3. League credibility Urgent reforms are needed to address these concerns, ensure transparency, and promote a level playing field." Some suggested solutions: 1. Standardize league structures and qualification criteria. 2. Implement robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. 3. Introduce penalties for non-compliance and manipulation. 4. Promote transparency in team selection and recommendation processes. 5. Encourage States and Districts to develop women's leagues. 6. Ensure all Districts and State have a Women’s Committee. https://lnkd.in/ds4TmfEc Thank you Sharan Parikh for sharing the article. Indian Women's Football Alliance All India Football Federation AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Khel Now

3

1 Comment

Of dreams and passion - RevSportz breaking new ground with its sports coverage In the year gone by, RevSportz elevated its sports coverage to another level. As we step into 2025, the vision is to enrich Indian sport and in doing so make the fraternity better. As we step into 2025, it is time to look back at the year we had at Revsportz in 2024 and also the way ahead. We completed 3 years on December 1, 2024. From negotiating a personal ban, which could have impacted the company’s fortunes to breaking new ground with coverage, Revsportz has come a long way. Here in Sydney, we have 9 of us reporting on the Border Gavaskar Trophy, doing English, Hindi and Bengali coverage simultaneously. Our website is now recognised as one of the go-to platforms for quality sports writing. We will soon foray into documentary work and the March 2025 conclave will be India’s biggest sports congregation. Our core values, however, are still the same. It will always remain a platform for journalists and by journalists. Men and women who have been a part of the profession and aspire to be a part, are the cornerstone of Revsportz. And we report what we see. No masquerading as cheerleaders. Call it as things are. ROI yes, but passion for multi-sport is as important. Giving young people opportunities will always be a mission and we will do so with purpose going forward. In 2024, we grew exponentially. We are now a team of 45 and we plan to be 50 by the first half of this year. Our new state of the art studio, which will help us showcase multilingual content 24/7, is almost ready. It will be inaugurated in March and will become fully operational in the second half of the year. Yesterday, at the airport, on the way to Sydney, we had an interesting experience. A group of fans, who we have never seen, walked up to us and said “We are from Dallas, Dubai and Singapore. We met up to come to Australia to watch the Border Gavaskar Trophy. We were in Paris for the Olympics. We have to tell you Revsportz is such a breath of fresh air in sports journalism.” That’s what it is all about. Catering to a serious constituency of sports fans who want to engage with proper content. Discuss, debate, disagree. Each reporter, we have all agreed, will go beyond their sport of choice and follow and cover a new sport in 2025. It is not just about cricket and will never be. Covering the Para World Championships, for example, is of huge importance. It will tell us where we stand as a society in terms of becoming more sensitive towards men and women with disabilities. We are all living the Revsportz dream - one which aims to enrich Indian sport and in doing so make the fraternity better and more resilient. We take a lot of pride in backing each other up and learn in the process. Even the junior most member in the team is as much a contributor in our edit meets. That’s the story- make Revsportz a platform we are all proud to be a part of. And make a difference to sport. That’s real legacy.

32

2 Comments

Why is India Winning More Medals at the Paralympics than the Olympics? 20 medals already compared to 6 in the Olympics 2024! Help me with your insight 1) Is it the Enhanced Support Systems? Tailored coaching, improved facilities, and focused government initiatives have played a significant role in para-athletes' success. 2) Is it the Unwavering Determination? Para-athletes often display extraordinary resilience, transforming personal challenges into powerful motivation to excel on the global stage. 3) Is it the Growing Recognition? The increased visibility and recognition of Paralympic sports have created a positive cycle of support and participation. 4) Is it the Specialized Training Programs? Dedicated training and personalized support have been more accessible to para-athletes, allowing them to reach their full potential. 5) Is it the Inspiring Role Models? Successful Paralympians serve as powerful role models, motivating more athletes with disabilities to pursue sports and achieve greatness. I believe it's a mix of all these factors, but one thing is certain—the Indian sports industry has never been prouder. This is a moment of immense pride and inspiration for the entire nation. India now needs a dedicated Paralympic practise centres and Centres of Excellence. Our athletes are definitely showing a great promise to end in top 5 in coming years. Dr (Maj) Ameya Kagali #sports #sportsbiz #india #paralympics

70

21 Comments

IPL retention a red herring, when the real culprit is India getting trapped in a spin cycle The next 10 Tests India play will all be away from home, with the team having no say over the surfaces prepared. After the self-inflicted pain of this New Zealand series – nothing to do with the IPL – that could just be a blessing in disguise. Amid all the anger, the IPL is always a soft target. India have lost a home series – emphatically so – and hence it is time to blame the IPL. Blame the retention process, for that’s what must have occupied the players mind space’ before this Test. Nothing could be more wrong. Let’s deep dive to explore this a little. For a second, assume that the IPL retention was on the players’ minds. The one who was deeply involved in the retention drama and who decided at the last to put himself into the auction was Rishabh Pant. And needless to say, Pant was India’s best batter by a country mile in Mumbai. Clearly, it wasn’t about retention or any such thing. Rohit Sharma’s retention was never in doubt. Mumbai had taken these calls weeks earlier, and never was there any doubt over it. The same can be said of Virat Kohli. That RCB would retain him was never up for debate, so to say his mind was on the retention is pure nonsense. I would argue the same for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who form the new core of India’s batting. And Sarfaraz Khan was never going to be retained, so he would also not have been influenced by the drama playing out in the background. To target the IPL retention is the easy way out. And by doing so, we are actually not addressing the elephant in the room. Had it been retention, it was a short-term thing. Now that the retention is done, the problem should also be sorted. This series could be passed off as an aberration. The truth is, it isn’t. Rather, this series is further evidence that India’s Test match batting is in decline and needs urgent correction. And that’s not because of the IPL retentions. The solution is staring us in the face. Prepare good batting wickets to get your confidence back. These slow turners or rank turners, however you want to describe them, aren’t helping. You are mentally scarred at the moment, and by repeating the same mistakes over and over again, you are only adding to your misery. Interestingly, India play the next 10 Tests away from home – five in Australia and five in England. In both cases, India don’t prepare the decks and it is good that there will not be focus on such issues. Rather, they will have to play on the surfaces that are on offer, and that might just bring Jasprit Bumrah into play. Cricket is the most individual of all team sports, and that’s what India will need to bank on at the moment. Just like Ajinkya Rahane’s 116 in Melbourne in 2020, we need an inspirational effort from someone to make things happen. Sport always gives you a second chance, and now, the challenge for Rohit and Gambhir will be to forget this humiliation and move ahead.

33

6 Comments

Media has to follow BCCI’s lead and stop ignoring women’s cricket. Compared to the full press pack that accompanied Rohit Sharma and team to the USA and the Caribbean, hardly anyone seems to have turned up to watch Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad. When will the excuses stop? The Women’s T20 World Cup is upon us. India will start their campaign against New Zealand tomorrow and go into the competition as one of the favourites. When Rohit Sharma led the Indian men’s team to the USA and the Caribbean in June, the number of media who accompanied them was huge. We all remember how many media people came back on the special charter flight from Barbados thanks to Jay Shah and the BCCI. The question is, how many of our media colleagues will be in Dubai and Sharjah for the women’s World Cup? If the captains meet was an index, the number of Indian media present was minuscule. How we cover this event is clearly an index of how we see the women’s game, and if we have moved to embracing it with equal passion and verve. For the longest time, the BCCI was criticised for not doing enough for the women’s game. Now, it has launched the Women’s Premier League (WPL), given the team enough and more facilities, and left few stones unturned. But has the media done enough? The many sports platforms who were all there in the US and Caribbean have conveniently stayed away. Some will cite budget issues, while others will say the shows would not get enough eyeballs. Both are lies. Just like many tried to make up for not covering the Paralympics by interviewing athletes after they returned to India – to show how much they ostensibly support para sport – many will sit in their armchairs and start giving expert opinions on the women’s World Cup. This is where we in the media go wrong. We continue to discriminate even if we don’t want to. Our actions are contrary to what we say, and that’s where we fail to serve the sport well. That’s where we at RevSportz are committed to making a difference. We had sent two of our reporters – Debasis Sen and Ishaan Shahane – to the USA and the Caribbean. We have sent two of our reporters, Bharath Ramaraj and Snehashish Mukherjee, to Dubai and Sharjah. It is a World Cup, and the most important tournament our women have played in a while. A win could transform the sport forever, and be the 1983 moment for the women’s game. To not cover it on ground would be a huge failure. It is indicative of what we stand for. That we love spectacles and not sport. The men’s game is a spectacle, while the women’s game still isn’t seen as such, and that’s why we stay away citing budgets. For the men’s World Cup, the total number of scribes was more than 50. In Dubai, it is not even 10 at the moment. It is no longer the BCCI that is failing the women’s game. Rather, the BCCI is doing enough and more. It is the media that is not doing justice to the sport. The faster we come to terms with this reality, the better.

93

5 Comments

This is going to be Khelo India's one of the biggest initiatives. [ Khelo India, SAI, Sports Authority Of India, India, Sports News, Sports Updates, Sports, News, Updates ] #KheloIndia #SAI #SportsAuthorityOfIndia #India #SportsNews #SportsUpdates #Sports #News #Updates

4

1 Comment

The Shami mystery- Brisbane Test result could decide whether India draft in Shami. The mystery around Mohammed Shami is intriguing. Is he fit or not? Will he travel to Australia or won’t he? When will he get a fitness clearance from the NCA, which is the last requirement for the team management in Australia? For the record, Shami has played multiple Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) matches in the last two weeks. In all of these games, he has bowled his quota of four overs, and in almost all of them, he was on the ground for the full 20 overs. So, on the face of it, his body is able to hold up. But does he still need physio support to get ready for the next game? Is that something that will worry the management in Australia, because bowling 4 overs in SMAT and bowling 15 in a day in Test match are like chalk and cheese? What are the realistic chances of seeing Shami in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT)? Sources say he will join the team ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne only if things don’t go well for India in Brisbane. He could be given his fitness clearance in the next few days, and once that happens, he will be ready to travel. But all will depend on the Gabba Test. If India win in Brisbane, will Shami be called in? That’s the question we still don’t have an answer for. While a plan seems to be in place, the intrigue surrounding the whole issue is puzzling. Shami himself had said to me at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) annual function in October that he would not be rushing himself back and would bide his time to be fully fit. While he was hopeful that he’d have a role to play in the BGT, at no point did he commit to a timeframe. Also, he said clearly that he had played the 2023 World Cup in pain. “The question I asked of myself was: will I break down or can I do the job for the team?” he said. “That’s what I asked the doctors. The World Cup was a massive opportunity to make a difference for the team and I was willing to do anything to be there for India.” With Shami, he does have the pedigree, and he wouldn’t want to say anything or claim fitness if he isn’t ready. And the truth is, you can’t hide things in this day and age. If you aren’t fit, you will be caught out. If such a thing happens to a senior cricketer like Shami, it will inevitably dent his credibility. Quality-wise, there is no debate about how important Shami is. And if the NCA clears him, it should be the end of the debate. On Monday as well, he bowled his four overs for Bengal, for 25 runs and a wicket. “No he did not feel any discomfort,” said someone from the Bengal camp on condition of anonymity. “He was in rhythm and he is consistently working on his fitness. Make no mistake, he can go.” Having said that, it all depends on what happens in Brisbane. If things go to plan and India are able to get their mojo back, it could just be that Shami isn’t called upon. A reversal in Brisbane, and I see him on the flight to Australia for the Boxing Day Test.

39

3 Comments

5 Years of Fit India- Success or Failure? Launched on August 29, 2019, the Fit India Movement was envisioned as a transformative initiative to make fitness a priority for our nation. Yet, five years later, where do we stand? Surveys and media reports offer little to celebrate—there’s no discernible positive trend in our nation’s fitness levels. Why do such programs fail? The immediate response is often to blame the government: "It’s their responsibility, and they’ve fallen short." But let’s pause and reflect—initiatives like Fit India are "participative programs". They rely on the active involvement of people, communities, and institutions. Here’s the reality: -For a program like this to succeed, citizens must step forward, participate, and demand more from the government. -As public engagement grows, so does the scrutiny and importance of related policies. Imagine a scenario where the annual budget allocation to Fit India becomes a matter of national debate, eagerly tracked and discussed. So, my analysis? This is not a failure of the initiative or the government—it’s a failure that reflects our societal apathy toward fitness and well-being. Fitness is not just a policy—it’s a mindset.

134

22 Comments

🚀 Big News: The Merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into JioHotstar! 🚀 Reliance Industries Limited has announced a game-changing merger that’s set to transform India’s OTT landscape. JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar are merging to create JioHotstar, a super-streaming platform! Here’s everything you need to know: 1. 💰 $8.5 Billion Deal Announced in February 2024, this major merger brings together two powerful platforms, aligning them to dominate India’s growing digital content market. 2. 🏗️ Better Tech, Bigger Impact It seems JioCinema will merge into Disney+ Hotstar, likely due to Hotstar’s superior tech, especially in live sports streaming. Hotstar’s robust infrastructure will enable a smoother and more dynamic user experience. 3. 🎬 Unified Sports Hub Starting January 2025, all sports content, including the IPL, will be hosted on JioHotstar. This makes the platform the go-to destination for sports enthusiasts across India! 4. 💸 Pricing Changes? While no changes in pricing have been announced yet, currently Hotstar plans start at ₹149 and JioCinema at ₹29. Why this merger matters: Jio's Vision for Digital Content Since its launch in 2016, Reliance Jio has been revolutionizing India’s telecom industry by offering affordable data, leading to a boom in online video consumption. This merger helps Jio strengthen its position by offering a seamless content experience to its vast user base. Hotstar’s Key Role: Hotstar, owned by Disney, is already a leader in the OTT space, known for its live sports streaming (like IPL) and diverse content library. This merger allows Hotstar to leverage Jio’s vast network reach, giving it access to an even larger audience. Strategic Synergy: By combining Jio’s telecom services with Hotstar’s content, this deal will provide Jio customers even more value. It also strengthens their competition against Netflix and AMAZON PRIME Video in India. The future looks exciting as JioHotstar emerges as a powerful player in India's digital streaming space, offering high-quality content and affordable pricing. #JioHotstar #OTT #Streaming #DigitalTransformation #SportsStreaming #Entertainment #Media Mukesh Ambani Sajith Sivanandan Reed Hastings Andy Jassy NMIMS Indore

19