Brands
Hyderabad Vikings, Delhi Snipers triumph at Global Sports Pickleball finale
MUMBAI: Global Sports Pickleball (GSPB) has wrapped up a landmark week in Mumbai with the successful conclusion of Season 2 of the Pro and Challenger Pickleball League, alongside India’s Biggest Pickleball Grand Slam 2025, cementing its position as the largest pickleball event ever held in India and Asia.
Hosted at the TSG x Global Sports Pickleball Center at Andheri Sports Complex, the week-long spectacle drew players, team owners, partners and fans for a packed schedule of high-intensity matches. In the Pro League final, Hyderabad Vikings staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Bengaluru Blazers 3–2 after trailing 0–2, while Ahmedabad Olympians finished third. In the Challenger League, Delhi Snipers edged past Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors 3–2 to lift the title, with Jaipur Stallions taking third place.
The finals culminated in a grand closing ceremony, where Randy Blanco of Hyderabad Vikings was named most valuable player of the Global Sports Pro League, and Asmi Sapra of Delhi Snipers took the MVP honour in the Challenger League.
The tournament carried a festival-like atmosphere, with Bollywood actors, dignitaries and league founders, including filmmaker Shashank Khaitan, engaging with players and spectators. Khaitan said the event showcased pickleball as a sport rooted in community and inclusivity, bringing together international players, Indian talent, families and fans across age groups.
Global Sports Pickleball chief architect – pickleball growth Hemal Jain, said Season 2 reflected the sport’s rapid evolution in India, marked by competitive depth, strong fan enthusiasm and seamless integration of Indian and international players.
The Grand Slam alone featured more than 3,600 matches, with 1,500 players from over 16 countries and representation from 26 Indian states. Winners in the pro categories included Quang Duong and Harsh Mehta (men’s doubles), Megan Fudge and Roos Van Reek (women’s doubles), Sofia Sewing and Casey Diamond (mixed doubles), Sofia Sewing (women’s singles) and Ronan Jack Camron (men’s singles).
The Global Sports Pro and Challenger Pickleball League featured 100 players from nine countries and was broadcast nationally on Zee5, Zee Café and &flix, with global live-streaming on YouTube, helping drive strong fan engagement and packed stands throughout the tournament.
Headquartered in Mumbai, Global Sports Pickleball is a full-stack pickleball solutions provider, managing 82 courts across India and Dubai, and running marquee events including the Monsoon Pickleball Championship, the Pro and Challenger League with Grand Slam, and the upcoming Indian Open 2026.
Brands
KITKAT India teams up with One Piece for anime-led campaign push
On-pack characters and digital film tap into India’s fast-growing anime wave
MUMBAI: KITKAT India has joined forces with the globally popular anime One Piece, rolling out a new campaign that brings fan-favourite characters onto its packaging in a bid to connect with India’s rapidly expanding anime audience.
The collaboration sees iconic characters from the series featured on KITKAT packs, adding a playful twist to the brand’s long-standing “take a break” proposition. By blending pop culture with confectionery, the campaign aims to make everyday breaks feel a little more adventurous.
The launch is anchored by a digital-first film released across YouTube and Meta platforms, supported by a broader push spanning outdoor media and interactive social content. The multi-platform rollout reflects a clear attempt to meet younger audiences where they already spend their time.
Nestlé India head confectionery business Gopichandar Jagatheesan said, “Anime is a rapidly growing genre in India, and we are excited to collaborate with one of the most popular shows, One Piece. Having championed breaks for decades, KITKAT now takes them to the next level, making every break more epic with the world of One Piece.”
The move comes at a time when anime is shifting from niche interest to mainstream entertainment in India, with brands increasingly tapping into its cultural currency to stay relevant with younger consumers.
By pairing a globally loved anime with an equally recognisable chocolate brand, KITKAT’s latest outing signals a simple idea with strong appeal. In a crowded market, even a small break can turn into a big moment when it comes with a side of fandom.
