MAM
Sachin Tendulkar announces ‘Cricket Carnival’ at Smaaash, India
BENGALURU: Smaaash Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., launched the Smaaash Sachin Virat Cricket Carnival in association with its brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar at its new outlet at the DLF Mall of India, Noida. Smaaash is a world-class sports-centric immersive and interactiv entertainment center that offers unmatched range of games – covering sports like cricket, football, ten-pinbowling besides a superlative virtual-reality experience. The launch of Smaaash Noida also commemorates the launch of Mighty Small Café & Bar in NCR. Mighty Small at Smaaash is the new concept café being launched at all Smaaash properties across the country.
The ‘Smaaash Sachin Virat Cricket Carnival’is presented by legendary cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, who are associated with Smaaash – India’s leading sports and entertainment zone. The carnival with nationwide presence is designed to be a fun-filled cricket tournament that will bring together 2000 teams across the nation to compete against each other. The tournament will be played across five Smaaash centers and the finals will be held in Mumbai. The highlight of this tournament will be the grand finale where the prizes will be awarded by both the cricket luminaries, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, at a glittering event in Mumbai.
Brain child of the multi-faceted entrepreneur Shripal Morakhia, Smaaash combines the best of sports, music and dining into a highly immersive, interactive, innovative and involved entertainment experience. At the launch of the ‘Smaaash Sachin Virat Cricket Carnival’, the founder said, “Smaaash is the only brand that has the support of two cricketing legends – Sachin and Virat. The glorious presence of these stalwarts will surely make the this carnival an event to remember for cricket enthusiasts all over the country.”
Sachin Tendulkar, the brand ambassador of Smaaash addressed his fans at the launch event and said: “The exciting and unique concept of Smaaash provides the avenue to enjoy the pleasures of life. With the kind of stressful lives we lead, it’s imperative to play sports and relax our minds. This Cricket Carnival is designed to bring the excitement of real sports into your lives with incredible precision, modern equipment and real life experience. I look forward to this tournament connecting cricket lovers from across the country.”
On the other hand, Virat Kohli, Smaaash Youth Icon, added: “All that cricket lovers want is entertainment. Not a war or a fight. This Cricket Carnival is a larger-than-life sports festival that will be a perfect platform for all cricket enthusiasts to showcase their skills. The aim of this fun fiesta is to engage youth in thrilling activities and social interaction with their peers. Of course, the pulsating energy of a real-like cricket pitch will make this tournament a memorable experience for all. I am so excited to be a part of this one-of-its-kind cricket fest.”
The legendary sportstar Sachin Tendulkar has been an integral part of the Smaaash family since its inception in 2012. In his own words, “The advanced simulators at Smaaash are fascinating and are very close to the real match experience.” On the other hand, one of the world’s leading batsmen, Virat Kohli was signed as the Smaaash Youth Icon in early 2015. Thus Smaaash is the only brand that has the support of two cricketing legends, and the glorious presence of these stalwarts will surely make the Smaaash Cricket Carnival an event to remember for cricket enthusiasts all over the country.
Cricket lovers can start registering their entries for the tournament that will be conducted across Smaaash centers, in Mumbai, Gurgaon, Noida, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Each six member team will play in the Smaaash cricket lanes and face a selected bowling line up. The Smaaash Sachin Virat Cricket Carnival will have five Categories- Under 16 (School), Under-25 (College), Open, Corporate and Women’s Category. The Open Category winners from each city will be eligible to come to Mumbai and will face off as Team Sachin and Team Virat.
This tournament will be played at Smaaash’s one-of-its-kind 360-degree cricket simulator at each center where cricketing legends like Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Kieron Pollard, Sachin Tendulkar and many others bowl to you.
The precise technology of Smaaash Cricket not only replicates the bowler’s action perfectly, but also the cricket simulator is the only one of its kind which can bowl spin and swing balls with variations of line and length. The laser tracking and the high-tech cameras track every move and even offer replays and wagon wheels of the score.
Thus cricketing teams, who’re used to playing in apartment compounds and neighbourhood parks, will now get the experience of playing at the packed Lord’s stadium.
There is a nominal registration fee and the interested teams can register on the official website of Smaaash i.ewww.smaaash.in. The registration process will begin on May 20th, 2016 at all five Smaaash centres. The winners across categories can take home the Smaaash Sachin Virat Cricket Carnival Cup along with memories of being mentored by a legend. That’s not all, the national winner and runner-up in the Open category will get Rs. 5 lakhs and Rs.3 lakhs respectively.
This is a press release.
Starting a business is one of the most financially demanding transitions a person can make. In the early months, expenses are immediate and often unpredictable, while revenue streams may take time to stabilise. For first-time entrepreneurs, securing small business loans can feel like a paradox: lenders expect a clean financial track-record before approving a loan, but the business cannot establish that track record without funding. Understanding the start-up lending environment in India and knowing the realistic funding options make this process far less daunting, allowing entrepreneurs to plan strategically.
Why Traditional Business Loans Are Harder for Start-ups
Most financial institutions require a minimum business vintage of 2 to 3 years before approving a term loan. This is because the first two years of operations carry the highest risk of failure. For start-ups less than 12 months old, traditional loan options are limited, and lenders often ask for substantial collateral to mitigate risk.
The vintage requirement is not arbitrary. Businesses that have survived their first two operating cycles demonstrate market viability, which significantly lowers the lender’s risk. Until this milestone is reached, entrepreneurs often rely on bootstrapping, personal savings, or alternative financing to build a stable business foundation. Understanding this reality helps first-time entrepreneurs set practical expectations when seeking funding.
Government-Linked Schemes for Startups
India offers several government-backed schemes to support first-time entrepreneurs. One such scheme is the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), which provides collateral-free loans for micro and small enterprises in three categories:
● Shishu: up to Rs. 50,000
● Kishore: Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 lakh
● Tarun: Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh
These loans are available through eligible lending institutions, making them suitable for early-stage businesses. For first-time entrepreneurs, a Mudra loan not only provides initial working capital but also helps establish a credit history. Repaying a Mudra loan on time strengthens the entrepreneur’s profile and increases the chances of securing larger loans in the future.
Using Personal Loans to Fund Early-Stage Needs
When business loan eligibility is not yet established, a personal loan can serve as bridge funding. These loans are assessed on the individual’s credit profile and income rather than the business’s financial history, making them accessible to salaried individuals or those with a strong personal credit record.
Personal loans have limitations: the loan amount is capped based on personal income, and the interest rate is typically higher than secured business loans. Nevertheless, taking out a personal loan during the first 12 to 18 months can provide crucial support as the start-up builds its financial profile. It is especially useful for covering immediate expenses such as inventory, marketing, or office setup costs.
Alternative Financing Options for Startups
For start-ups that are not yet eligible for traditional business loans, other financing options are available through financial institutions. Many lenders offer startup-focused or small-business loans designed for early-stage businesses. These loans evaluate the entrepreneur’s personal credit profile, business plan, and projected revenue rather than relying solely on business vintage. Financial institutions such as Tata Capital provide these loans with minimal documentation and fast disbursal, enabling entrepreneurs to manage operational expenses, purchase equipment, or fund early growth initiatives without pledging collateral.
Some lenders also offer flexible loan amounts, quicker approvals, and streamlined processes, making them well-suited for first-time entrepreneurs. Exploring these options early allows start-ups to access working capital while gradually building a credit history that will support larger loans in the future.
Building the Right Financial Profile Before Applying
For entrepreneurs planning to apply for a business loan in 12 to 18 months, the preparation period is critical. Key steps include:
● Filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) consistently and accurately from the first year
● Maintaining a clean current account with regular deposits and no overdraft patterns
● Keeping the promoter’s CIBIL score above 750
Lenders assess start-ups by examining these signals. Entrepreneurs who maintain financial discipline from the start will have stronger loan applications after two years. Additionally, tracking cash flow and avoiding irregular withdrawals can further enhance the business’s credibility.
Collateral-Based Options for Larger Requirements
Startups requiring larger amounts beyond government schemes can consider loans against property. These loans allow entrepreneurs to access larger amounts of funding at lower interest rates, as the property secures the lender’s risk.
This option carries significant risk: using personal or family assets as collateral can result in a loss if the business does not perform as expected. Such loans should be considered only when the business plan is validated, the entrepreneur has clear cash flow projections, and the repayment strategy is realistic. Careful assessment of risk versus reward is essential before pledging assets.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Loan Application
To maximise the chances of approval, entrepreneurs should:
● Maintain accurate financial statements, bank records, and GST returns.
● Avoid over-borrowing; apply for realistic amounts that match business needs.
● Keep personal and business credit profiles in good standing.
● Explore lenders that offer startup-friendly products.
● Be transparent and complete in all documentation.
Taking these steps early ensures a smoother and faster loan process when the business is ready for formal financing. A well-prepared application reduces processing delays and demonstrates professionalism to the lender.
Conclusion
First-time entrepreneurs often face a funding gap in the early stages, but it is usually smaller than it appears. Maintaining clean banking records, filing ITRs consistently, and exploring personal loans, government schemes, and alternative financing options help build a strong financial profile. Entrepreneurs who plan systematically from day one are better positioned to access formal credit sooner, giving their start-ups financial stability through small business loans.
The ideal time to start building a credit-worthy business profile is the very first month of operations, not when applying for a loan. By understanding available funding options and acting proactively, first-time entrepreneurs can confidently apply for a business loan and set their businesses on a path to long-term growth.
