Tag: Sports

Agilitas Sports obtains exclusive long-term license of Lotto for Indian, Australian and South African markets

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Agilitas Sports has acquired Italian sports brand Lotto from WHP Global, thus bagging the exclusive rights to design, promote, and distribute the Lotto brand in India, Australia, and soon in South Africa. Agilitas will be forming a company to look after the complete supply chain, right from manufacturing to retail.

“We are excited to launch our first consumer brand license, Lotto. Through this 40-year license agreement, we will build and implement state-of-the-art manufacturing, cutting-edge technology, and design innovation for Lotto for its product development, in addition to marketing and retailing of the brand,” Agilitas Sports Co-founder & CEO Abhishek Ganguly said.

“Agilitas will invest in a dedicated management team to grow the Lotto brand through product creation, design innovation, supply chain, branding,
marketing, and channels of distribution. Our Design & Development team in Bangalore brings together a wealth of experience in established global brands, enabling us to create relevant products that resonate with Indian
consumers,” he added.

Ganguly further said that they are aiming to create an agile production creation cycle and supply chain that will be vertically integrated from manufacturing to retail. He explained that it would encourage them to respond quickly to the insights derived from consumer behaviour and accordingly work on the latest trends in an agile and nimble manner.

Ganguly said that Agilitas Sports follows a model of profitable and sustainable growth, and hence explained that this collaboration is made to ensure significant impact on their business and the consumer markets under the license.

“We are delighted to embark on this journey with Agilitas Sports. We are impressed by the expertise of the company’s founders in the sportswear and athleisure market, along with the comprehensive business model they have crafted at Agilitas. Their dedicated focus on the sportswear industry, and a profound belief in India’s promising future as well as other markets like Australia and South Africa, is in line with our core mission of growing the Lotto brand globally,” WHP Global Chief Commerical Officer Stanley Silverstein touched upon this partnership.

Agilitas will be distributing Lotto products via different D2C channels, Brand EBOs, shop in shops with retail partners, and online marketplaces from its first year of launch. They will be pursuing an objective of strengthening Lotto’s presence with the help of consumer engagement, marketing, and also partnerships with clubs and athletes. Agilitas will also be nurturing grassroots talent by teaming up with designers, artists, and musicians.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024: All you need to know

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Sports has always been a platform to unite people of different nationalities, races and ethnicities. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is celebrated every year on April 6 to stress the significance of unity of people from various communities.

Let’s take a look closer at the history, significance, and the theme of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2024:

Sports has always played a significant role in promoting peace, development, and well-being across the globe. In August 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution to declare April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. The date highlights the historical link between sports and global unity as the Modern Olympic games in 1896 started on April 6. In 2014, the first official celebration was conducted.

Significance of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace:

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is not just a mere celebration. The day talks about teamwork and unity to achieve better results. Physical activity and participation in sports also contribute to an individual’s mental well-being. The day celebrates unity and the importance of physical and mental health.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace:

Every year the United Nations announces a theme that promotes sports with unity and humanity. The theme for 2024 is “Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”.

As the world prepares to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6, it also reminds us that sports can bridge social divisions and empower communities.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

How Raadhika Khetarpal-led Radiant Sports Management is batting for India’s para athletes

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Raadhika Khetarpal, Founder of Radiant Sports Management, is dedicated to bridging the gap between para athletes and the world, providing a platform for their talents to recognised. Her mission is to support and empower para athletes to reach their full potential in sports and life by providing equal opportunities to everyone. The Radiant team, comprising experienced professionals, believes in total inclusivity and works closely with each athlete to provide comprehensive support, including training and competition resources, as well as personal and professional development opportunities.

In an interview with CNBCTV-18, Khetarpal talks at length about how Radiant Sports Management came into existence, what motivates her and her organisation to work in the field of para athletics, the needs of the para athletes, and a lot more.

How did Radiant Sports Management come into existence?

Raadhika Khetarpal: Growing up, Radiant Sports Management was a household name for me, founded by my father in the 80s. He was a pioneer in the sports industry, known for integrating celebrities with sports, bringing international events to light, and helping athletes gain international recognition at a time when media exposure was scarce. However, following a major controversy in the 90s, despite emerging victorious, my father lost interest in the sports industry and shifted his focus to spirituality and film production.

My own journey took me through fashion media, marketing and the hospitality business. In 2021, a chance encounter with a sports journalist who revered my father reignited my passion for sports management. This led me to purchase a tennis team franchise, Team Radiant, in the Pro Tennis League in Delhi. Miraculously, Team Radiant’s success symbolised a potential revival for Radiant Sports Management.

Motivated by my father’s philanthropic efforts in support of para athletes since 2016, I decided to relaunch Radiant with a focus on niche sports with growth potential. Leveraging the network and experience gained from working with para athletes, I embarked on a journey to re-establish Radiant, highlighting its legacy and my father’s impact on the sports industry.

How did Pearl Academy shape your journey?

Raadhika Khetarpal:  Pearl Academy played a pivotal role in shaping my journey by instilling in me a relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond the mere submissions and project reports, it was the iterative process, the multiple revisions, and the demand for excellence from the faculty that truly refined my approach. Learning to embrace the necessity of redoing until it matched the vision, or even exceeded it, became ingrained in my creative process. Pearl Academy provided the fertile ground for this mindset to flourish, teaching me not to settle until I had explored the creative depths of my potential. Through invaluable industry collaborations, Pearl Academy equipped me with the tools and resilience needed to thrive in the demanding landscape of the creative industry.

You have worked very closely with para athletes and people with disabilities. What specifically was your motivation to connect with them?

Raadhika Khetarpal: Growing up in Vrindavan and witnessing the empathy-driven culture there, I developed a strong sense of empathy myself. This aspect of my upbringing became evident in my interactions with para athletes while working alongside my father’s foundation. Regular, informal meetings with these athletes, away from the spotlight, deepened my understanding of their challenges and aspirations, igniting a desire to support their community more significantly.

This empathy, rooted in my early experiences, guided my decision to focus on the differently-abled community within the sports industry. Without a detailed plan initially, I felt a strong pull towards this cause. This intuition has proven successful, leading to the launch of six intellectual properties in just two years, including a television show, Mission Made Possible, dedicated to para athletes. This initiative has gained national media attention, marking a significant milestone in my journey to support and uplift the differently-abled sports community.

How is Radiant Sports Management helping para athletes?

Raadhika Khetarpal: In the last two years, Radiant has shifted its focus to amplifying the achievements and stories of para athletes and the differently-abled community, moving beyond traditional sports management functions. Our aim is to create an ecosystem that inspires and educates the general public about the courage, determination, and resilience of these athletes, fostering a sense of equality.

A significant milestone in our journey was the launch of the Radiant Differently Abled Sports Awards in December 2023. This saw collaboration with over 20 para federations and celebrated the achievements of more than 220 athletes from a variety of sports disciplines, including those less recognised like different forms of cricket, in addition to the more common ones like chess, badminton, and track and field.

Additionally, our television show Mission Made Possible is a docuseries highlighting the triumphs of para athletes, set to continue with its second season. This initiative, alongside our efforts to produce a film on para cricketers and our work, Voice of Differently Abled, aims to provide a platform for sharing stories, challenges, and successes within the differently-abled sports community.

Through these diverse projects, Radiant leverages its network and expertise to raise awareness and support for the differently-abled community. Our goal is to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive society where the achievements of all athletes are celebrated, leading to increased employment and economic growth for the differently-abled community.

What are the issues with para athletes in India?

Raadhika Khetarpal: When interacting with the differently-abled community, it’s crucial to approach them with empathy rather than sympathy. They carry themselves with pride and self-respect, seeking understanding and genuine connection over pity. Recognising and respecting this attitude can lead to more meaningful and supportive interactions.

Differently-abled individuals face several challenges, with inadequate infrastructure being a significant barrier. The lack of accessible facilities like lifts, ramps, and suitable training venues hampers their daily activities and athletic pursuits. While there is some governmental recognition of these issues, the implementation of supportive policies, including financial assistance and employment opportunities, often lacks speed and efficiency. Many athletes from this community come from modest backgrounds, making financial support crucial for their training and progression in sports.

As members of the wider community, our role is to offer support and encouragement. Engaging with their stories on social media, acknowledging their achievements, and advocating for more inclusive policies and practices can make a difference. Small gestures of recognition can lift their spirits and contribute to a more inclusive society that values and celebrates diversity and resilience.

How can India become a more inclusive society in terms of para athletes?

Raadhika Khetarpal: Embracing empathy and recognising differently-abled individuals as equals are foundational steps towards fostering an inclusive society. This perspective shift can significantly impact how we interact and support the differently-abled community, emphasising their strengths and contributions rather than focusing on limitations.

Listening to and amplifying their voices can lead to meaningful changes, not just for them but for society as a whole. By giving them space to share their insights and experiences, we can uncover solutions to many of life’s challenges. Advocacy and empathetic acknowledgment are vital in promoting inclusivity, suggesting that recognising their equal place in society is not just beneficial for them but enriches the entire community.

What is your message for the para athletes?

Raadhika Khetarpal: Your spirit, your courage is an inspiration for us. We grow looking at your spirit. We seek our courage and resilience through your examples.

If you wish to reach out to us, please do so. There are enough opportunities. Just find the courage to stand up, whatever your medical situation may be.., and the victory is yours.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Mumbai Meteors exit Prime Volleyball League on a high note after win against Delhi Toofans

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Mumbai Meteors bowed out of the third season of RuPay Prime Volleyball League with a solid 15-11, 12-15, 15-12, 17-15 win over the Delhi Toofans in the Super 5s stage at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai on Sunday. Shameem was named the Player of the Match.

Mumbai got off to a jittery start, but quickly picked themselves up to fight back. Delhi relied on Aayush’s blocks to counter Mumbai’s attacking threat.

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Delhi began to attack through Santhosh, but unforced errors from both the teams kept the game level until Ajith Lal’s super serve pushed the Meteors ahead. A miscommunication cost Delhi and the Meteors took an early lead.

Dodic started finding his rhythm in attacks but service errors kept hurting Delhi’s momentum.

All eyes on Eliminator #DilSeToofan #DelhiToofans #RuPayPrimeVolley #PVL #PrismCement pic.twitter.com/LPwCVCuehC

— Delhi Toofans (@DelhiToofans) March 17, 2024

While Aponza struggled on the night, Aayush and Shameem made a series of impressive blocks to test shackle attackers, helping Delhi find their way back into the contest. The game of small margins saw both teams using their reviews smartly. Amit’s powerful smash earned Mumbai a super point, helping them to a 2-1 lead.

Set 3️⃣ to Mumbai

The hunt is on 🏹#MMvDT #DilSeToofan #DelhiToofans #RuPayPrimeVolley #PrismCement pic.twitter.com/J8pCntT2JX

— Delhi Toofans (@DelhiToofans) March 17, 2024

Anand’s impressive passing helped Santhosh launch quick attacks to give Delhi an opening. Saurabh Maan’s blocks proved key to counter Delhi’s attacks, while Amit’s super served inspired the Meteors. Delhi’s errors from the service line continued to haunt them throughout the night and Mumbai picked up the win with Amit’s spike.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Hyderabad Black Hawks stuns Mumbai Meteors with comeback win in Prime Volleyball League

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Hyderabad Black Hawks picked an unbelievable comeback win in the third season of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League, defeating the Mumbai Meteors 7-15, 12-15, 15-10, 15-11, 20-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Monday. Ashamat Ullah was named the Player of the Match.

Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development for Government of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, was also in attendance and greeted the players before the start of play.

🦅🧡 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲! Ashamatullah & Sahil Kumar teamed up to take the team across the line yesterday.

👏 Keep up the good work, boys!#HawkAttack #HyderabadBlackHawks #TeluguSwag #RupayPrimeVolley #AsliVolleyball #Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/NRSac6kUM2

— Hyderabad Black Hawks (@blackhawkshyd) February 20, 2024

Amit Gulia began well, taking Mumbai Meteors ahead with sensational pipe attacks. Hyderabad relied on setter Lal Sujan MV to play to the middle.

But the Hawks made a few unforced errors early on to put themselves in a sticky spot. Shubham Chaudhary became involved in the zone 5, and with his powerful smashes, put Meteors in control.

Also Read: Ahmedabad Defenders beats Kolkata Thunderbolts in straight sets in table toppers tussle

Riding on Hemanth’s attacking spikes, the Hawks found an opening into the contest. Stefan Kovacevic started finding his footing with the attacks from the middle and Hyderabad began clawing their way back.

But the trio of Amit, Ajith Lal, and Shubham proved to be triple effective and Mumbai regained their momentum.

The middle blocker Shameem came on strong for Meteors in the middle to stop Hyderabad’s attacks. Hemanth kept having his moments in the attack and he once again managed to put a halt to Mumbai’s momentum.

Mumbai’s service errors became a concern as the game progressed, and Ashamat Ullah started having a say in the match for Hyderabad. With aggressive play from the service, Ashamat revived the Hawks.

Watch our team train, sweat and bond as we gear up for our debut season. @PrimeVolley Here we come! 🔥🏐@TorpedoesBLR @KolThunderBolts @CalicutHeroes @ChennaiBlitz @joybhattacharj @_sameernigam @tuhinmishra75 @RuPay_npci @blackhawkshyd @rahulchari9 @FarOutAkhtar pic.twitter.com/FORvrbZVpl

— Mumbai_Meteors (@Mumbai_Meteors) January 8, 2023

As the game went to the fifth set, Mumbai looked to reduce errors, while Hyderabad kept attacking from the middle to stay in control. Shubham’s aggressive serves from the base line threatened Hawks, but Mumbai’s risky Super Point move did not pay off, and Hyderabad came out the victors in this epic thriller.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Ahmedabad Defenders beats Kolkata Thunderbolts in straight sets in table toppers tussle

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Ahmedabad Defenders won the battle of champions on Sunday, defeating the Season 1 winners Kolkata Thunderbolts 15-13, 15-9, 15-6 in the third season of RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Nandhagopal was named the Player of the match.

Muthusamy led his side with solid passing, and Max Senica and Nandha contributed with solid spikes to give the Defenders a strong start.

Also Read: Mumbai City FC overcomes Bengaluru FC challenge after Vikram Pratap Singh brace

With Vinit Kumar’s consistent attacks on the lines, Kolkata played to their strengths to keep the game in balance. Including middle blocker Ashwal Rai, Kolkata tried to inch ahead. But a couple of unforced errors from Thunderbolts, and a powerful smash from Angamuthu allowed Ahmedabad to get in front.

Muthu’s fingers work like magic, setting the ball with precision every time. 🏐

That’s why he’s known as the Mastermind! 💡#Ahmedabaddefenders #AD #damdaardefenders #TodiNakh #RuPayPrimeVolley #AsliVolleyball #PVL #AbMachegiDhoom @PrimeVolley pic.twitter.com/ro4oMSMHgm

— Ahmedabad Defenders (@Amd_Defenders) February 19, 2024

Muthu’s passing only kept improving as the game progressed as he kept providing plenty of attacking options to his side. The pipe attacks from Nandha only added more pressure on Kolkata. Onur Cukur’s aggressive passing presented a challenge for Defenders, but middle blocker LM Manoj took responsibility on him to close down the play.

𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐚 on the move 👊

The @Amd_Defenders attacker put up a phenomenal #AsliVolleyball display with 8⃣ attack points to earn the #RuPayPOTM 🏆 in #ADvKTB 👏#RuPayPrimeVolley #PVL #AbMachegiDhoom pic.twitter.com/Nfh8bWa8wk

— Prime Volleyball (@PrimeVolley) February 18, 2024

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Angamuthu, who had been quiet for most of the game came alive in the final few minutes, and showcased variations in attack to help his side.

A smart review call earned Ahmedabad a super point, and the defending champions followed it with a super serve to register a statement-making win over the Thunderbolts.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Anahat Singh, Rathika Suthanthira Seelan cruise into semis of JSW-Willingdon Squash Open

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Anahat Singh and Rathika Suthanthira Seelan won their respective quarter-final matches to set a clash in the women’s semi-finals of the JSW-Willingdon Little Masters and Senior Squash Open, at the Willingdon Sports Club, Worli. This 4-star tournament is being conducted in association with the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI).

The top seed Anahat defeated Sri Lanka’s unseeded Dewmini Gallage 11-3, 11-5, and 11-3, while fourth seed Rathika got the better of seventh seed Yeheni Kuruppu also from Sri Lanka by a 11-8, 11-3, 7-11, and 11-4 game scores.

Asian Games mixed doubles bronze medal winners Abhay Singh of Tamil Nadu and Anahat Singh of Delhi are the men’s and women’s top seeds in the Willingdon Little Masters and Senior Squash Open scheduled to begin here from Saturday.#AbhaySingh #AnahatSingh #SeniorSquashOpen pic.twitter.com/RCPnCq6WH5

— India Sports News (@IndiaSportNews) January 11, 2024

Meanwhile, top-seeded Dev Sharma suffered a shock straight game defeat against joint third-fourth seed Udit Mishra in a boys’ under-17 semi-final. Mishra after winning a tense opening game over extra points comfortably won the next two to secure a 12-10, 11-5, and 11-1 win to book his place in the final.

Second-seeded Yusha Nafees hardly faced much of resistance from joint third-fourth seed Vedant Chheda and cruised to an 11-7, 11-5, and 11-2 win.

Also Read: India Open: HS Prannoy enters the second round

In the girls’ under-17 semi-finals, the top two seeds, Navya Sundararajan and Chhavi Saran stormed into the summit round. The number one seed Sundararajan defeated Eesha Shrivastava 11-3, 11-5, and 11-8, while second seed Saran fought hard to overcome Vyomika Khandelwal 11-9, 9-11, 11-2, 9-11, and 11-5 in five tough games.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Snooker Pro Ishpreet Singh to challenge for NSCI crown in Mumbai

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India’s Ishpreet Singh Chadha, a former National champion, who is currently testing his skills in the highly competitive demanding professional circuit in the United Kingdom and overseas, returns to Mumbai to challenge for the top honors in the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) organized ‘Baulkline 3.0’, an All India Snooker Open 2024, which boasts of an impressive prize purse of ₹18.5 lakhs.

The Mumbai cueist Ishpreet, vastly talented from the rise of his illustrious career, turned professional for the first time following the 2023 Asia-Oceania Q School event after he successfully qualified at Event Two. He will face stiff competition from a galaxy of illustrious snooker stars from across India in the main 64-player draw, which will commence at the NSCI billiards hall in Worli, from Saturday, January 13.

The leading contenders include National champion Saurav Kothari, who reigned supreme in the inaugural edition in 2022, last year’s champion Laxman Rawat, runners-up Aditya Mehta, and multiple-time world champion Pankaj Advani, who will be making his debut in this event.

Also Read: Lallianzuala Chhangte: We represent 1.4 billion Indians, fight for each other and the entire nation

‘Baulkline 3.0’ stands out as a pinnacle in the realm of All India Open 15-Red Snooker championships. Boasting an enhanced total prize pool of ₹18.5 lakhs, makes it one of the richest prize-money tournaments in the country. The third edition promises a winner’s purse of ₹5 lakhs, with the runner-up receiving ₹2.5 lakhs.

The losing semi-finalists will each pocket ₹1 lakh, while the four losing quarter-finalists will claim ₹50,000 each. Cash prizes will cascade down to earlier rounds, with ₹5,000 awarded to the 32 qualifiers. Additionally, the organizing committee will present a substantial prize of Rs 1.47 lakh for achieving the maximum break of 147.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow