MAM
Ultimate Kho Kho on-boards Odisha govt to own fifth franchise
Mumbai: The Odisha government has acquired ownership of a team in the soon-to-be-launched professional league, which can be viewed as a major boost for the Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK).
It will be the Odisha government’s second direct sports endeavour; in 2013, it also owned a team—the Kalinga Lancers—in the Hockey India League. Days before the announcement, Odisha earned silver medals in the boys’ and girls’ Kho Kho competitions in the Khelo India Youth Games 2022.
The Odisha Sports Development and Promotion Company (OSDPC)-owned team will be the fifth franchise in the league. OSDPC is collaborating with leading steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) and will be working closely in Ultimate Kho Kho.
Sports and Youth Services minister Tusharkanti Behera said, “Kho Kho is very popular in many parts of Odisha. In the recent Khelo India Youth Games, our boys and girls played well and won the silver medals. Since it’s a traditional game, we have huge scope to develop it further in the state. Therefore, we have decided to participate in the Kho Kho league. This is part of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik’s vision for sports in Odisha.”
Ultimate Kho Kho CEO Tenzing Niyogi said, “Sports Odisha has been one of the key factors in the sporting revolution of India. Their focussed approach in developing a sport has been impressive. They have created an environment that has encouraged many corporate investments to create access for grassroots development and future champions. And now their association with Ultimate Kho Kho, is a great sign for the development of the sport.”
Four franchises were previously declared by Ultimate Kho Kho. While Capri Global and KLO Sports are the owners of the Rajasthan and Chennai teams, respectively, corporate giants ADANI Group and GMR Group secured the Gujarat and Telangana franchises.
With an exclusive multi-year contract, Ultimate Kho Kho has chosen Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) as its broadcast partner. The action from the league will be aired in English and other regional languages on Sony’s sports channels as well as on the OTT service SonyLIV.
MAM
L’Atelier 1664 returns to Lakmé Fashion Week with Abraham & Thakore
Design platform showcases ‘The Sari’torial’ blending tailoring and drapes.
MUMBAI: When couture meets craft, even a sari can learn a few new tricks. L’Atelier 1664 is returning to Lakmé Fashion Week 2026 in Mumbai, continuing its design led partnership with one of India’s most influential fashion platforms. The cultural platform will once again spotlight the intersection of fashion, craftsmanship and contemporary lifestyle, this time through a special runway collaboration with design house Abraham & Thakore.
Titled “The Sari’torial,” the curated showcase reimagines the sari through a conversation between structured tailoring and fluid draping. Drawing inspiration from the relaxed elegance of French style and the rich heritage of Indian textiles, the collection explores everyday silhouettes refined with signature fabrics, subtle detailing and a restrained colour palette highlighted by L’Atelier 1664’s distinctive house blue.
The collaboration marks a continuation of L’Atelier 1664’s presence at Lakmé Fashion Week after its debut association last year, reinforcing the platform’s growing engagement with India’s creative and fashion ecosystem.
Beyond the runway, the brand will also host its signature lounge at the fashion week venue, creating an immersive experiential space designed to bring together design, culture and contemporary lifestyle in one setting.
Carlsberg India vice president for marketing Partha Sarathi Jha said the association reflects the brand’s interest in supporting creative expression. “Lakmé Fashion Week is one of the most important platforms for fashion and creative expression in India. Through L’Atelier 1664, we aim to celebrate this intersection of culture, design and contemporary lifestyle. We are excited to continue our association with Lakmé Fashion Week and collaborate with Abraham & Thakore to bring this vision to life on the runway,” he said.
Designers David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore added that the collection explores a cross cultural design dialogue. “With Sari’torial, we wanted to explore a conversation between French ease and Indian craftsmanship. Our collaboration with L’Atelier 1664 blends a relaxed French sensibility with the richness of Indian textiles, reinterpreting traditional crafts through a modern lens,” they said.
L’Atelier 1664 is part of the portfolio of Carlsberg Group, the Denmark headquartered beverages company whose Indian arm has operated in the country since 2007. Today, Carlsberg India runs 14 breweries across the country, including eight company owned facilities and six contract manufacturers, supporting a portfolio that includes brands such as Carlsberg Smooth, Carlsberg Elephant, Tuborg Green, Tuborg Strong, Tuborg Ice Draft, Tuborg Classic and 1664 Blanc.
Through its continued presence at Lakmé Fashion Week, L’Atelier 1664 is positioning itself not just as a sponsor but as a cultural platform connecting fashion, design and lifestyle conversations in India’s evolving creative landscape.
