Mathrubhumi rolls out multi-platform FIFA World Cup fan engagement drive

KOCHI: Football fever is getting a full-time media contract in Kerala. As excitement builds around the FIFA World Cup, Mathrubhumi Group has unveiled a wide-ranging engagement programme spanning print, digital, television, radio and magazine platforms, aiming to bring fans closer to the tournament while rewarding their predictions and participation.

The media group has launched a series of initiatives across its verticals, turning the month-long football spectacle into an interactive experience for readers, viewers and listeners.

At the heart of the campaign is “Panthattam”, a daily prediction contest in Mathrubhumi Daily. Readers can answer football-related questions published on the sports page, upload their entries through a QR-code-enabled portal, and compete for daily and weekly cash prizes. The overall winner of the contest will drive home a Tata EV car.

Meanwhile, Sports Masika has released a special 124-page FIFA World Cup edition packed with tournament history, expert analysis, team previews, probable line-ups and key players to watch. The one-off publication is designed as a comprehensive guide for football enthusiasts following the global tournament.

On the digital front, Mathrubhumi Online FIFA World Cup Hub features dedicated coverage including news updates, feature stories, match analysis and an interactive prediction contest that allows users to test their football instincts throughout the competition.

Television viewers are also getting a chance to join the action. Mathrubhumi News has introduced a daily prediction contest linked to a selected World Cup match. Participants can submit entries via SMS or WhatsApp, with winners announced every night on the channel’s news programme Varthakal Ithuvare. In cases where multiple viewers predict correctly, winners will be selected through a lucky draw.

Radio listeners have not been left out either. Club FM has launched an on-air prediction contest inviting audiences to forecast match winners each day. Participants can register through WhatsApp and submit predictions via a Google Form, with selected winners receiving cash prizes.

Speaking about the initiative, Mathrubhumi Group managing director M V Shreyams Kumar said football is a shared passion that connects people across countries, cultures and generations.

“Football is more than just a game; it is a shared passion woven with a rich tapestry of emotions that unites billions across the world. To harness the incredible energy and emotional intensity of the FIFA World Cup, the Mathrubhumi Group resonates deeply with this spirit and has launched a range of multi-platform initiatives designed not only to engage our readers but also to make their experience more immersive and meaningful,” he said.

With contests, special editorial content and interactive experiences spread across every major platform, Mathrubhumi is betting that the biggest tournament in football can also become one of the biggest audience engagement opportunities of the year.