MAM
Havas PLAY launches TATA.ev Pickleball Weekend Fiesta 2024
Mumbai: In a bid to bring unique and fresh sports formats to India, Havas Play India, the activation arm of Havas Media Network, is launching the TATA.ev Pickleball Weekend Fiesta. Nearly 200 Picklers from across Delhi & NCR will participate in this open team-format tournament that blends fun, food, live music, and play for a unique experience that celebrates one of the fastest-growing sports in India and across the world.
The Pickleball Weekend Fiesta will commence on Sunday, 22 September 2024 at one of Delhi’s most premium venues – the Vasant Vihar Club, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. This event will feature an open team-format tournament with gender-neutral doubles, catering to both beginner and advanced players. Pickleball communities from across the country will be joining this day-long tournament, participating in competitions and activities curated by the Havas Play team in association with Aditya Oberoi, a sports marketing consultant and a seasoned Pickleball player, bringing insights from the game and ensuring a world-class experience.
TATA.ev joins as the title sponsor, aligning with the event’s focus on sustainability. The event is powered by Realme Mobile and supported by partners such as ICICI Direct (Associate Sponsor), Eldeco (Real Estate Partner), Storia (Hydration Partner), Stay Vista (Luxury & Hospitality Partner), Fans Play (Fan Engagement Partner), Fittestclub (Sports Accessory Partner), Hudle (Community and Ticketing Partner), Franklin (Ball Partner), Medulance (Medical Partner), Fan To Park (Sports Experience Partner), Radio City (Radio Partner), Republic TV (News Partner) and Vasant Vihar Club (Venue Partner).
Globally, nearly 80+ countries play Pickleball and in India, there are over 15,000 registered players, with 21 states that have registered Pickleball Associations across the country. The sport is hugely popular in cities including Delhi & NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru and has a growing footprint in cities including Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Indore & Bhopal, with new ranking systems, leagues, tournaments & events proliferating across India.
Commenting on their association with the TATA.ev Pickleball Weekend Fiesta 2024, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. chief commercial officer Vivek Srivatsa, said, “For TATA.ev, the Pickleball Weekend Fiesta perfectly embodies the blend of community, sustainability, and technology—values that lie at the heart of our mission. As one of the fastest-growing sports globally, Pickleball is gaining remarkable traction in India, with over 10,000 active players and an impressive annual growth rate of more than 30%, both in participation and court development. The sport’s unique blend of accessibility, low environmental footprint, and emphasis on inclusivity deeply resonates with our commitment to a greener, more inclusive future. By supporting events like this, we not only foster healthy, active communities but also promote collaboration that drives meaningful progress for both society and the planet.”
“Havas Play is committed to creating content and experiences that are intertwined with consumer passions and activate in the spaces that matter most to people,” shared Havas Play global managing director Charlie Farrant. “The growing passion for Pickle Ball in India demonstrates the untapped potential for brands, and we are excited to partner with TATA.ev for this event that will both provide a forum for enthusiasts to connect with fellow sports lovers and demonstrate to brands the untapped potential in this area.”
Brands
Hyundai Venue crosses 1 lakh bookings, adds HX8 Diesel AT variant
New top-spec automatic diesel trim brings ventilated seats, OTA updates and paddle shifters.
MUMBAI: Hyundai Venue just hit the jackpot and upgraded the prize because when you cross 1 lakh bookings, you don’t just celebrate, you throw in paddle shifters and ventilated seats for the ride. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced that the all-new Hyundai Venue has achieved 1 lakh bookings, cementing its strong position in the compact SUV segment. To mark the milestone and further enhance customer choice, the company introduced the new HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant.
The HX8 Diesel AT is powered by the proven U2 1.5L CRDi diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It adds a host of premium comfort, safety and convenience features, including:
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-tone leatherette seats with VENUE branding
- Electric 4-way driver seat adjust
- Controller Over-the-Air (OTA) updates
- Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Rear disc brakes
- Ambient lighting on crash pad and central console
- Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
- Traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow)
- Paddle shifters
HMIL, managing director & CEO Tarun Garg said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 1 lakh bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience.”
Backed by Hyundai’s extensive sales and service network, the Venue continues to appeal to buyers seeking a feature-rich, comfortable and future-ready compact SUV. The new variant reinforces HMIL’s focus on delivering advanced technology, safety, comfort and value while adapting to evolving customer preferences.
In a segment where bookings are the real horsepower, Hyundai isn’t just counting milestones, it’s handing drivers an automatic upgrade that makes every journey feel like the victory lap.
