iWorld
ZEEL consolidates digital biz, buys remainder in India Webportal for Rs 1.97 bn
MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) will be acquiring the remainder 49 per cent equity stake in India Webportal Pvt Ltd Rs 1.97 billion to consolidate the digital business. India Webportal distributes media content on digital platforms through websites such as Bollywoodlife.com, India.com, and Cricketcountry.com.
The company will also be acquiring 12.5 per cent stake in Tagos Design Innovations for Rs 160 million, PTI reported.
ZEEL said in a BSE filing: “In line with the strategy to consolidate digital businesses, the Board of Directors of the company…approved acquisition of balance 49 per cent equity stake in India Webportal, a 51 per cent subsidiary of the company.”
Zee agreed to buy the 49% holding from existing investors Ashok Kurien (5%) and MMC Investments (44%).
Gaming
Nations Cup names 700 plus coaches for 2026 debut
India joins via Nodwin Gaming, roster building begins ahead of 10 May deadline.
MUMBAI: Game on, but this time, it’s nations not just nicknames entering the lobby. The Esports Foundation has confirmed the appointment of over 700 game coaches representing National Team Partners across more than 100 nations and territories for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, set to take place in Riyadh from November 2 to 29, 2026. The scale signals a shift towards structured, nation-based esports, where flags matter as much as frags.
India is stepping into this global arena through Nodwin Gaming, its designated National Team Partner, which has now unveiled a multi-title coaching line-up effectively kickstarting the country’s campaign.
The roster reads like a mix of battle-tested veterans and rising strategists. Moin Ejaz (NO_Chanc3) will spearhead DOTA 2, bringing over a decade of experience, including a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022. Rahul (Ayogi) takes charge of Battlegrounds Mobile India, with a track record spanning titles such as BGMI Pro Series 2023 and BGIS 2026.
In Valorant, Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD) steps in with multiple championship wins across teams like Reckoning Esports and Velocity Esports, while Pankaj Upadhyay (KAKA), a familiar name in Indian League of Legends, will lead that front.
The line-up also reflects international collaboration. Steve Vitug (Dale) from the Philippines will coach MOBA Legends: 5v5!, while Indonesia’s Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt) joins for Honor of Kings. Other appointments include Pratik Mehra (Aurum) for PUBG: Battlegrounds, Ashrit Goyal (notyAshritB) for Rainbow Six Siege, and Nirjhar Mitra (jocse) for Rocket League.
This announcement marks more than just staffing, it signals the start of serious team-building. Coaches will now identify players, shape strategies, and assemble competitive squads ahead of the roster submission deadline on May 10, with team announcements expected from mid-May.
Globally, the coaching pool spans more than 90 esports organisations, blending world champions with emerging leaders effectively connecting grassroots talent pipelines to elite competition.
For India, the move reflects a broader attempt to formalise its esports ecosystem, creating structured pathways from local play to global representation. For the tournament itself, it is another building block in turning esports into something closer to traditional sport complete with national pride, coaching systems, and long-term development.
As the countdown to Riyadh begins, the focus shifts from selection rooms to server rooms. The teams are still forming but the stage is already set.
