Sports
Adani Group targets Formula 1 return to Greater Noida Circuit
Billionaire revs his engines to put India back on the racing map
NEW DELHI: The Adani Group is shifting into top gear with a bold plan to bring Formula 1 back to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). Having recently crossed the finish line on a massive deal to acquire the embattled Jaiprakash Associates, the conglomerate now finds itself in the driver’s seat of India’s only world-class racing facility.
Leading the charge is Karan Adani, managing director of Adani Cement and Adani Ports. For him, the circuit isn’t just a leftover asset from a corporate takeover; it is a golden opportunity to prove that India can compete on the global stage.
“I’m very excited,” Karan Adani noted during a recent briefing. “Obviously the Buddh circuit comes as part of the deal. I’m very personally engaged in terms of bringing Formula 1 back into India. I think India has a lot of potential.”
The vision is simple: why should Indian fans fly to Singapore or Abu Dhabi to smell the burning rubber when they could do it in their own backyard?
In the past, India’s F1 dreams hit a proverbial brick wall of bureaucracy. A long-standing row over whether racing was a sport or entertainment led to a tax headache that saw the engines fall silent after 2013. However, the government finally seems ready to wave the green flag.
Adani’s interest in the project is fuelled by a massive Rs 14,535-crore resolution plan for Jaiprakash Associates (Jal), which received the green light from lenders in late 2025. By taking the wheel at Jal, the Adani Group gains full control of the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, effectively clearing away the private-sector financial hurdles that had previously stalled the track’s maintenance and upkeep.
Despite the hiatus, the venue remains a heavyweight in the racing world; it still holds the prestigious FIA Grade 1 certification, the highest global standard required to host Formula 1. Having successfully hosted three Grands Prix between 2011 and 2013, the circuit proved it still has plenty of life in it by recently welcoming the MotoGP Bharat in 2023.
While the tarmac at Greater Noida is still in excellent shape, getting back on the official F1 calendar is no Sunday drive. With record demand for race slots globally, Adani will need to convince the powers that be in London and Monaco that India is ready for a second lap.
If successful, the move could transform the Yamuna Expressway into a high-speed hub of tourism and prestige, turning a dormant concrete giant back into a cathedral of speed.
Sports
KKR names Disha Eye Hospitals official vision partner
Three-time IPL champions partner with Kolkata-based chain for 2026 season.
MUMBAI: KKR just found the perfect partner to keep their vision sharp because when you’re chasing another IPL title, even the eyes need a champion behind them. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), three-time IPL winners, have announced Disha Eye Hospitals as their official vision partner for the 2026 Indian Premier League season. The collaboration unites the cricket franchise with one of East India’s leading ophthalmology chains, which operates 20 branches and has been delivering affordable, world-class eye care since 1997.
Headquartered in Kolkata, Disha Eye Hospitals aligns with KKR’s fan-first ethos and community commitment, aiming to make genuine eye health accessible across the City of Joy and beyond. The partnership reflects shared values of excellence, accessibility and relentless pursuit on the pitch and in patient care.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore said, “This partnership strengthens our commitment to Kolkata’s community through a collaboration rooted in shared values of excellence and accessibility. Our association with Disha Eye Hospitals will enable us to deliver meaningful impact for fans on and off the field.”
Disha Eye Hospitals chairman and managing director Debasish Bhattacharya added, “When we founded Disha Eye Hospitals in 1997, our vision was simple yet profound: to ensure that world-class, affordable eye care is a fundamental right for everyone. Partnering with a champion team like KKR feels like a natural extension of that ethos. KKR represents the passion of Bengal, and Disha represents its care.”
The announcement comes ahead of the 2026 IPL season, where KKR will once again look to defend their legacy while extending their community reach through eye health initiatives. In a tournament where every boundary counts, this partnership proves that clear vision isn’t just for batsmen, it’s for Bengal too.
