MAM
ŠKODA AUTO India introduces ‘Single Wicket’: a unique nationwide hunt for the next gen cricketing stars
MUMBAI: ŠKODA AUTO India announced the commencement of its unique cricketing talent scouting programme – ŠKODA 'Single Wicket' – for the young and aspiring players in the ‘Under 12’ and ‘Under 14’ age categories. The first edition of this tournament will be organized between July 2019 and January 2020, and stands to witness the participation of 100,000 students, from 5,000 schools, across 50 cities nationwide.
ŠKODA Single Wicket is a six-ball/one-over cricket tournament played between two players alternatively, that is, each participant will get a chance to bat, bowl, and demonstrate their skill set to an independent panel of jury members/selectors during the ‘City Trials’. The top eight performers, from each category, would advance to the ‘City Finals’ whereas all the participants will take home the official ŠKODA Single Wicket jerseys. Meanwhile, the parents and the guardians accompanying their loved ones will be able to experience the Czech marque, at specially designed ŠKODA AUTO engagement zones.
The shortlisted 100 individuals, in the U-12 and the U-14 categories, will travel along with their parent to Mumbai, Maharashtra for the ‘National Finale’. Here, the national champions, across the two categories, will be awarded ₹ 10 lacs each while the runners up will take home ₹ 5 lacs each. An incredible pool of talent, technique and potential, the ‘City Winners’ from across the nation, will be awarded prizes worth ₹ 15,000 each.
Commenting on the introduction of the ŠKODA Single Wicket, Mr. Zac Hollis, Director – Sales, Service and Marketing, ŠKODA AUTO India said, “With Single Wicket, we celebrate the spirit of cricket and sportsmanship, in India. This first of its kind nationwide talent search programme is an innovative exercise to reach out to our customer, transcending geographies, and, who knows, in doing so we may discover India's next gen cricketing stars.”
Brands
Mana Projects names Ranbir Kapoor brand ambassador amid rebranding
Bengaluru developer unveils new identity focused on design and nature.
MUMBAI: When real estate meets reel star power, the foundation for a new brand story is often laid brick by brick. Mana Projects, the Bengaluru based real estate developer, has appointed actor Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador while unveiling a refreshed brand identity aimed at aligning the company with the evolving expectations of modern urban homebuyers.
The announcement marks a new phase for the developer, which has spent over two decades building residential communities in Bengaluru, particularly along emerging growth corridors such as Sarjapur Road.
The updated brand identity reflects the company’s emphasis on design led living and environmentally conscious development. According to the developer, the new positioning focuses on creating residential spaces where architecture, nature, engineering and lifestyle planning work together to shape meaningful living experiences.
Mana Projects chairman and managing director D. Kishore Reddy said the rebranding represents a natural progression as the company adapts to the expectations of a new generation of homeowners.
“This rebranding represents the natural evolution of Mana Projects as we align ourselves with the aspirations of a new generation of homeowners, particularly millennials who form the backbone of Bengaluru’s dynamic homebuyer community,” Reddy said.
He added that today’s buyers increasingly look beyond basic housing to spaces that combine design, sustainability and a strong sense of community.
“At Mana, our philosophy centres on creating homes where space is purposeful, design is intelligent, nature is respected and engineering ensures long term sustainability. Our association with Ranbir Kapoor reflects this new chapter as we continue to build communities that enable people to truly live brilliantly,” he said.
Kapoor, who has been associated with several lifestyle and consumer brands, said the partnership resonated with his own understanding of what makes a home meaningful.
“A home is one of the most meaningful investments people make in their lives, and it should reflect comfort, warmth and a sense of belonging,” Kapoor said.
“What impressed me about Mana Projects is the brilliance of their thought, the way design, nature and functionality come together to enhance everyday living. I’m delighted to be associated with Mana Projects as they continue to create homes that inspire modern urban families to truly live brilliantly.”
The collaboration will be introduced through a large scale integrated campaign spanning digital platforms, outdoor media and experiential activations, making it one of the developer’s most prominent branding initiatives in recent years.
Founded in Bengaluru, Mana Projects has built a portfolio of residential developments that emphasise thoughtful architecture, amenity rich neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive planning. The company’s projects often integrate open spaces, green landscapes and energy efficient engineering to support sustainable urban living.
With Bengaluru continuing to attract young professionals and technology workers, the developer believes the city’s housing market is increasingly being shaped by buyers seeking well planned communities that balance functionality with quality of life.
Looking ahead, Mana Projects plans to expand its presence across the city by developing future ready residential projects designed to accommodate emerging lifestyle trends such as hybrid work culture, community driven living and multigenerational households.
By combining a refreshed brand identity with a high profile ambassador, the company hopes to strengthen its position in Bengaluru’s competitive real estate market while appealing to a new generation of homeowners seeking homes that blend design, nature and modern living.
