Brands
India levels up as PUACL 2026 returns with $20,000 prize
NATIONAL: India is getting ready to catch ’em all, this time on the esports stage. The Pokémon Company has unveiled the 2026 Pokémon Unite Asia Champions League India League, a $20,000 online showdown that will decide which home-grown squad earns its ticket to the global finals in Yokohama’s Buntai Arena next year.
Executed by Skyesports, one of India’s leading esports operators, the league brings together ten of the country’s strongest organisations, including S8UL, GodLike Esports, Team Tamilas, Revenant XSpark and True Rippers. With Pokémon Unite’s competitive scene booming in the region, the tournament attempts to give Indian teams a clear route from local stardom to international contention.
The season begins with a five-day group stage running from late November to mid-January, followed by the King of the Hill playoffs on 31 January. The winner takes home the India League title, a share of the $20,000 prize pool and, more importantly, India’s lone berth at the PUACL 2026 offline finals in Japan, which will feature a far larger pot and teams from across Asia.
Skyesports founder and chief executive Shiva Nandy, said the league reflects the “strong and passionate competitive community” that has grown around the title in India. He added that the event gives players “a clear path to compete at the highest level in Asia,” while highlighting the quality of talent emerging from the domestic ecosystem.
The entire season will stream live on official Pokémon Unite and Skyesports channels, offering fans a ringside seat as established contenders and rising hopefuls jostle for supremacy. Last year’s champions, GodLike Esports, made it to the finals in Japan but were knocked out in the group stage. They will be eager to reclaim the crown and script a stronger international run in 2026.
With reputations, bragging rights and a shot at global glory on the line, India’s Pokémon Unite season promises high stakes, high drama and, if fans are lucky, a few super-effective surprises.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
