Gaming
Bollywood Icon Sherlyn Chopra signed on MelBet as brand ambassador
Mumbai: MelBet has announced the appointment of Bollywood legend Sherlyn Chopra as its brand ambassador. Known for her fearless approach and dynamic career in film and television, Chopra will promote MelBet in international markets while creating exclusive content for the brand.
Chopra’s success in the entertainment industry, including her breakout role in the psychological thriller “Red Swastik”, has made her a household name in India. She continues to make waves with her web series, music albums, short films, and other creative ventures. As the first Indian to appear in Playboy magazine, Sherlyn’s ability to challenge conventions and embrace bold choices aligns perfectly with MelBet’s innovative spirit.
“I am incredibly excited to become a part of the MelBet family,” Chopra shared. “Sports are more than just games or competitions as they unequivocally bring people together. I am proud to contribute to its popularisation with such a reliable partner. MelBet is not just about gaming, casinos, or sports. It is about team spirit towards involvement in the games, followed by highs and lows which are inevitable in the pursuit of success and victory. MelBet is an experience that brings us closer as a community and in setting our goals and achieving them. I am looking forward to starting our collaborative journey and the opportunities that we can create and explore for our growing game lovers!”
A MelBet representative expressed excitement about the collaboration: “We are very pleased that Sherlyn Chopra has joined our team! She is not only a talented actress, but also a person who is not afraid to push the boundaries. This quality is crucial because we always strive for innovation and development at MelBet. We are confident that our collaboration will open up new opportunities for our clients and make the MelBet brand even more special for sports lovers, gamers, and those who share an undying passion for the game!”
Gaming
Formula 1 and Mumbai Falcons launch India’s first official F1 sim racing championship
Nationwide competition creates pathway from virtual racing to pro motorsport
MUMBAI: Formula 1 has teamed up with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited to launch India’s first officially sanctioned F1 sim racing competition, marking a new step in the country’s growing motorsport ecosystem.
The championship, titled F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, will offer a structured national platform for sim racers, with participants competing on the official F1 25 across multiple stages. The competition will begin with online qualifiers, followed by city-based simulator rounds, before culminating in a national final in Mumbai this November.
Open to players across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox, registrations for the event will begin on 30 April via the Mumbai Falcons app. The format mirrors real-world racing, featuring official circuits, team liveries and competitive structures aligned with the global series.
Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan said the initiative arrives at a time when interest in the sport is surging in India, adding that a structured sim racing platform could help identify and nurture the next generation of talent.
Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited managing director Ameet Gadhoke noted that the championship aligns with the team’s long-term goal of building a strong motorsport pipeline in the country and placing Indian talent on the global stage.
The launch also reflects broader momentum in esports, especially after its recognition under India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. By bridging gaming and real-world racing, the initiative aims to offer aspiring drivers a credible entry point into professional motorsport.
With interest in Formula 1 steadily rising and conversations around its return to India gaining pace, the new championship could become a proving ground for future racing stars.
