Sports
Dhawan steps up to bat for Delhi’s grassroots sports push
Cricket star named face of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh to fuel youth talent hunt.
MUMBAI: When sport meets state ambition, a familiar opener is walking out to the crease. Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed Brand Ambassador of the inaugural Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, a flagship grassroots initiative of the directorate of education and sports under the Government of NCT of Delhi.
Conceived as a city-wide sporting carnival with serious intent, the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh aims to widen participation, spot early talent and build structured pathways for young athletes across the capital. By bringing school and community-level sport under one competitive umbrella, the programme positions sport as a key pillar of youth development rather than an extracurricular afterthought.
Dhawan’s association adds instant visibility and resonance. One of India’s most recognisable sporting figures and an Arjuna Awardee, he has increasingly focused on nurturing talent beyond his playing career through his venture Da One Sports. His involvement aligns with the event’s ambition to give young athletes the exposure many careers hinge on.
Ashish Sood, Minister of Education and Sports, Government of Delhi, described the Mahakumbh as a “transformative platform” for sports development, noting that Dhawan’s presence brings credibility and inspiration while reinforcing the focus on grassroots participation and talent identification.
For Dhawan, the role strikes a personal chord. He said the initiative responds to a city “brimming with talent and seeking the right opportunity and exposure”, adding that his own journey underlines how decisive early platforms can be. He also linked the effort to a broader vision of strengthening Delhi’s sporting legacy and aspirations.
That ecosystem thinking is echoed by Da One Group CEO Anshita Gupta who said the Mahakumbh fills a crucial gap by offering structured development and high-performance avenues, creating clearer routes for aspiring athletes to progress.
The scale of the ambition is sizeable. The inaugural Delhi Khel Mahakumbh begins on 13 February, spanning 16 venues across the capital and drawing participation from all 12 districts of Delhi. Thousands of young athletes are set to compete across basketball, football, athletics, kabaddi, wrestling, squash and volleyball.
If the idea is to make sport feel accessible, aspirational and city-wide, Delhi has chosen a brand ambassador who knows a thing or two about seizing an opening and turning it into something bigger.
Sports
JK Lakshmi Cement named principal sponsor of Rajasthan Royals
Cement maker’s logo to feature on team jersey for the 2026 T20 season.
MUMBAI: When cricket meets concrete, the partnership is built to last. JK Lakshmi Cement Limited has signed on as the principal sponsor of Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 T20 season, marking a renewed collaboration between two organisations that share deep roots in Rajasthan. Under the agreement, the JK Lakshmi Cement logo will appear prominently on the back of the Rajasthan Royals’ match jersey throughout the season. The brand will also feature across team gear, in stadium signage and digital match day content, giving it strong visibility during one of India’s most watched sporting tournaments.
For JK Lakshmi Cement, the partnership reflects a long standing association with the state. The company has maintained a significant presence in Rajasthan for decades through its manufacturing facilities, distribution network and relationships with contractors, dealers and local communities.
JK Lakshmi Cement, deputy managing director Shrivats Singhania, at said the collaboration celebrates the shared heritage of both organisations. “Rajasthan has always been integral to our journey, shaping our identity and growth from our factories and logistics to the people and businesses that inspire us every day. This partnership with Rajasthan Royals deepens that connection, celebrating the shared values of entrepreneurship, performance and enduring commitment,” he said.
He added that the national reach of the T20 league offers an opportunity to showcase Rajasthan’s spirit on a larger stage.
Cricket continues to be one of India’s most powerful cultural connectors, drawing fans across regions and generations. JK Lakshmi Cement sees the association as a way to strengthen engagement with stakeholders ranging from homeowners and contractors to engineers, masons and dealers.
JK Lakshmi Cement president and director Arun Shukla noted that the journey of the brand and the team share striking similarities. “The journey of Rajasthan Royals is similar to ours strong roots in Rajasthan and a growing presence across the country. This partnership is also about honouring the people who work hard every day to build India, irrespective of the state they reside in,” he said.
He added that the association will help bring the brand closer to audiences, from individual homes in smaller towns to large infrastructure projects in major cities, while connecting them to the energy of the T20 season.
From the team’s perspective, the partnership strengthens its ties with homegrown brands.
Rajasthan Royals chief operating officer Alok Chitre said the team was pleased to welcome JK Lakshmi Cement as its principal sponsor. “We are happy to have JK Lakshmi Cement as our principal sponsor for the Rajasthan Royals 2026 season. It means a lot that a brand from Rajasthan is on the back of the Royals jersey. JK Lakshmi Cement is a natural partner because it has a strong presence in the state and beyond,” he said.
As India’s infrastructure and construction sectors continue to grow, JK Lakshmi Cement has been focusing on operational strength, innovation and long term expansion. Strategic collaborations such as this allow the brand to connect with wider audiences while reinforcing its presence in markets where it has long operated.
For Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, the deal adds another regional ally to its roster proving that sometimes, the strongest partnerships are the ones built close to home.
