MAM
TCM Sports hits a six with Nobel Dhingra as new chief operating officer
MUMBAI: It’s not just athletes making headlines this time, it’s the boardroom getting the spotlight. TCM Sports, one of India’s most seasoned sports marketing companies, has roped in Nobel Dhingra as its new chief operating officer, signalling a bold step toward global expansion and digital reinvention.
With over 20 years of experience in steering powerhouse brands like Dabur Red, Pepsico’s 7Up and Quaker Oats, Nestlé, and Makemytrip, Nobel now brings his marketing mojo to the high-energy world of sports. A graduate of FMS Delhi and a former youth cricketer from Chandigarh, he’s no stranger to competition or teamwork qualities that TCM is banking on as it eyes a broader international playbook.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nobel Dhingra to theTCM family,”said TCM Sports managing director Lokesh Sharma. “His proven track record at marketing iconic brands, scaling digital businesses, and entrepreneurial acumen will be instrumental as we chart our next phase of growth and expand TCM’s global footprint. His values and passion for sports mirror the very ethos of TCM.”
From the pitch to the corporate suite, Nobel’s journey has blended strategy and sport. Most recently, he co-founded Vansaar, a fast-growing health and personal care startup, where he helped build the brand from scratch. Prior to that, his transition from traditional brand marketing to driving digital strategy at Makemytrip marked a shift in approach one that TCM now hopes to leverage as the company deepens its presence in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and international sports circuits.
With three decades of legacy and a renewed leadership bench, TCM Sports is gearing up for its next innings and with Dhingra at the helm, it looks like they’re aiming for a global sixer.
Brands
Funskool India crosses US$40 million turnover in FY 2025-26
Toy manufacturer posts steady growth despite global headwinds.
MUMBAI: Funskool India has played its cards well turning challenges into steady growth while keeping the fun alive in the toy business. The country’s leading toy manufacturer has reported a turnover of $40 million in FY 2025-26, demonstrating resilience in a difficult global environment. The company recorded an average growth of 14 per cent over the past two years, with exports growing at a healthy 19% year-on-year.
While domestic business grew at a modest single-digit pace, Funskool saw encouraging traction in key categories such as Fundough (dough) and Handycrafts (arts & crafts).
Funskool India Ltd. CEO K.A. Shabir said, “We successfully navigated the challenges posed by US tariffs last year and continued to grow both our export and domestic businesses. Given the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia, we are currently working with a moderate growth outlook of 12–15 per cent, with plans to revisit our targets after Q1 once the situation stabilises.”
He highlighted strengthened partnerships with global companies including Spin Master (Canada), Moose Toys (Australia), Melissa & Doug (USA), Asmodee (France), Learning Resources (USA), and Buffalo Games (USA). The expansion of the company’s Goa plant is progressing and is expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year.
Looking ahead, Funskool expects a significant shift in domestic growth momentum for FY 2026-27, driven by new categories such as friction vehicles under the brand “BlazeTrix”, remote-control cars under “VoltRush”, and the addition of popular licences like Paw Patrol.
In an industry where playtime never stops, Funskool has shown that even in turbulent times, a smart strategy and strong partnerships can keep the business ticking along nicely. As it gears up for the next financial year, the company appears well-positioned to build on its solid foundation and bring even more joy to children worldwide.
