<ul><li>The platform has partnered with filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari to make the series.</li><li>Indian tennis icons <keyword id="6371098" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="leander-paes">Leander Paes</keyword> and <keyword id="6394569" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mahesh-bhupathi">Mahesh Bhupathi</keyword> to tell their story in a docuseriesPaes and Bhupati dropped a hint of the docuseries on July 4, marking the anniversary of their iconic <keyword id="6437049" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="wimbledon">Wimbledon</keyword> win of 1999.</li><li>The duo was one of the most feared doubles pairs back in the 1990s, and were top ranked in the year 1999.</li></ul>Indian tennis legends Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi will be opening up about their partnership and the seemingly bitter break-up on Zee5’s show ‘<keyword id="1300335" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Break-point">Break Point</keyword>’. The over-the-top (<keyword id="1245953" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="OTT">OTT</keyword>) platform has partnered with award-winning filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari to create the sports docu-drama based on the on-court and off-court relationship of these two sporting legends. The duo dropped a hint of the ‘Break Point’ on July 4 through a <keyword id="6354616" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Twitter">Twitter</keyword> banter. Coincidently, this also marked the 22nd anniversary of their iconic Wimbledon win in 1999. The latest docu-series will narrate the story of the duo’s friendship, passion for the sport, the intricacies of their relationships and the strains on it in the context of unparalleled success. The duo was one of the most feared doubles pairs back in the 1990s, and were top ranked in the year 1999. “Our 20-year journey has been a sensitive mix of achievement, conflict, success, disappointments, and friendship. There is no one better to document this than Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari. I look forward to seeing this unfold on ZEE5”, said Bhupathi. Meanwhile, Paes added, “I'm really excited to share our story with everyone. There's been a lot of talk about Leander and Mahesh over the years, but the idea of inspiring the next generation, and sharing the moments with those who have supported us through the years, by telling our story, is what persuaded me to say yes to Break Point.” SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indias-apex-court-says-delhi-government-can-seek-information-from-facebook-regarding-its-alleged-role-in-the-riots-that-rocked-indias-capital-last-year/articleshow/84232576.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">India's apex court says Delhi government can seek information from Facebook regarding its alleged role in the riots that rocked India's capital last year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/chinas-crypto-crackdown-is-not-with-bitcoin-mining-only-stablecoins-software-influencers-are-also-on-its-radar/articleshow/84229285.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">China’s crypto crackdown is not likely to stop with Bitcoin mining — stablecoins, software, influencers are also on its radar</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-confirms-slowing-down-popular-apps-on-oneplus-9-9-pro/articleshow/84234694.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">OnePlus confirms slowing down popular apps on OnePlus 9, 9 Pro</a>

Indian tennis icons Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi to tell their story in a docuseries

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/49949924.cms" /> 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Mahesh+Bhupathi">Mahesh Bhupathi</a> backed <keyword id="2979411" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sports365">Sports365</keyword> announced the acquisition of <keyword id="6356028" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Sports">sports</keyword> startup Tennishub.in in an undisclosed all—stock deal. The Tennishub team would join Sports365 with immediate effect. 
 
Tennishub is an exclusive tennis store co-founded by Tennis player and Olympian Vishnu Vardhan. The company also launched Runninghub.in, an online store that will cater exclusively to running enthusiasts. 
 
Chandra Sekhar, CEO, Sports 365 said, “The USP of the platform would be the ‘GAIT analysis’. Runners need to upload a small 20 seconds video of them, and a team of experts would analyze the same and recommend shoes best fit for each runner.” 
 
Speaking about the evolution of sports in India Tennis star <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Mahesh+Bhupathi">Mahesh Bhupathi</a> told BI India, “There is so much room for any sports that comes around. Two years ago who would have thought Kabaddi would have created the kind of buzz it has, or that 80,000 people would come watch a tennis match last year, or that wrestling would make it big. It’s just the beginning, and the potential is immense. We haven’t even started scratching the surface.” 
 When asked, about the billions being pumped into leading <keyword id="35621" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="e-commerce">e-commerce</keyword> rivals, Sekhar is nonchalant, “While there may be limitations in terms of capital and reach, there is a specific advantage verticals have. They are focused. In sports you need constant conversation with the customers. That’s exactly where sports-focused companies would be able to leverage their strengths.” 
 
Sports365 predicts that one-third of India’s Rs. 30,000 crore sports equipment market will be online in the next few years. The company plans another $4-5 million investment over the next 2-4 years. It’s also in talks with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Arsenal+">Arsenal </a>and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Liverpool">Liverpool</a> to exclusively bring their merchandise into India. It’ll also launch experience centres in top 4 cities. 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes

Mahesh Bhupathi backed Sports365 acquires
sports startup

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/31096351.cms" /><keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> beauties and <keyword id="6356028" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Sports">sports</keyword> stars have always been fascinated by each other! Their paths often cross; they fall for each other at times and also part ways. Here’s a look back at some of the most talked-about link-ups when Bollywood divas clean bowled the sports stars. 
 
1. <keyword id="6357860" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Anushka-Sharma">Anushka Sharma</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="6354486" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Virat-Kohli">Virat Kohli</keyword> This is the hottest talk of the town right now! Of late, the two have been spotted together on many occasions. From walking hand in hand in <keyword id="22501" type="COUNTRY" weightage="40" keywordseo="New-Zealand">New Zealand</keyword> to Virat coming to Anushka’s place after the last series – there are plenty of incidents to hit the headlines recently. While Anushka prefers to call Virat ‘just a friend,’ the <keyword id="1520" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Cricketer">cricketer</keyword> proves there’s more to it by coming to her rescue on the recent lip surgery issue. Will they <keyword id="15263" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Seal">seal</keyword> this relationship with matrimony? Let’s wait and watch. 
 
2. Anushka Sharma &amp; <keyword id="14587" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Suresh-Raina">Suresh Raina</keyword> 
Apparently, leggy beauty Anushka Sharma has a thing or two for cricketers. Before dating Virat, she was seen with another cricketer, Suresh Raina. But even then, Anushka maintained they were ‘just friends.’ 
 
3. <keyword id="1037" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Lara-Dutta">Lara Dutta</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="6394569" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Mahesh-Bhupathi">Mahesh Bhupathi</keyword> Another Bollywood beauty who got smitten by sport stars. Before marrying tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi, Lara dated American <keyword id="218011" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="baseball-player">baseball player</keyword> <keyword id="199138" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Derek-Jeter">Derek Jeter</keyword> for a short time. However, things ended quickly and we saw the former <keyword id="6381672" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Miss-Universe">Miss Universe</keyword> tie the knot with Bhupathi in 2011. 
 
4. <keyword id="12953" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Chitrangada-Singh">Chitrangada Singh</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="6327" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Jyoti-Randhawa">Jyoti Randhawa</keyword> Before she made it to the silver screen, Chitrangada was married to <keyword id="5573" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Golfer">golfer</keyword> Jyoti Randhawa and the couple had a son named Zorawar Randhawa. But there was a rift in the marriage soon after and the two parted ways in 2013. Was it her film career that caused the break-up? Only they can tell. 
 
5. <keyword id="4052" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Isha-Sharvani">Isha Sharvani</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="12644" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Zaheer-Khan">Zaheer Khan</keyword> 
They were seeing each other for eight long years and even marriage was on the cards. But things seem to have changed now between these two. Isha and Zaheer haven’t disclosed the reason behind the split but sources claim that it was ‘distance’ that axed this relationship. 
 
6. <keyword id="598" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Deepika-Padukone">Deepika Padukone</keyword> and <keyword id="351" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Yuvraj-Singh">Yuvraj Singh</keyword> The lover boy of the cricket world had been the favourite of a couple of Bollywood beauties. First, he was in a relationship with <keyword id="6135" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Kim-Sharma">Kim Sharma</keyword> and then it was Deepika. But it was a short-lived love affair with DP, just before she started dating Ranbir. 
 
7. <keyword id="29649" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Geeta-Basra">Geeta Basra</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="368" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Harbhajan-Singh">Harbhajan Singh</keyword> Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been dating <keyword id="6355604" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="actress">actress</keyword> Geeta Basra for quite some now. She has been often spotted cheering Bhajji at various matches while the man keeps her happy by retweeting all that she posts on the micro-blogging site. The two were supposed to get married in 2012. That hasn’t happened yet but the two are still a couple. 
 
8. <keyword id="668529" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Naghma">Naghma</keyword> &amp; Saurav Ganguly 
Dada was happily married to Donna and steered clear of any controversy that could link him to Bollywood actress Naghma. But Naghma went on record saying there was something more than friendship between the two. Of course, the two never ended up together but all the hullaballoo definitely took a toll on Saurav and his career. 
 
9. Sangeeta Bijlani &amp; <keyword id="6463421" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Mohammad-Azharuddin">Mohammad Azharuddin</keyword> This relationship had everything Bollywood movies are made of. She was the country’s hottest <keyword id="6355606" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="model">model</keyword> while he was the cricketing ace. He was married with kids but still fell madly in love with her. What next? Azhar divorced his wife and married Sangeeta. 
 
10. <keyword id="133768" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Reena-Roy">Reena Roy</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="6372882" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Mohsin-Khan">Mohsin Khan</keyword> 
The Bollywood-cricket link-up had always been there. Way back in 1983, charming Reena Roy was smitten by Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan and she gave up her flourishing career to marry him. However, Mohsin’s family played the baddie and the marriage ended in divorce. 
 
11. <keyword id="1888" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Sharmila-Tagore">Sharmila Tagore</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="1896" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Mansoor-Ali-Khan-Pataudi">Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi</keyword> 
By far, this has been the most successful Bolly-cricket union. She was at the peak of her career when the two got married. And she was so much in love with the handsome Mansoor that she converted to Islam without the least hassle. They had a happy married life that lasted over four decades. 
 
12. <keyword id="1813" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="neena-gupta">Neena Gupta</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="84393" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Vivian-Richards">Vivian Richards</keyword> He was already married, but she loved him. Bollywood actress Neena Gupta and <keyword id="343995" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="West-Indies-cricketer">West Indies cricketer</keyword> Sir Vivian Richards also have a love child named Masaba. They were in a serious relationship but never tied the knot. Neena finally married <keyword id="26457" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Vivek-Mehra">Vivek Mehra</keyword>, a Delhi-based <keyword id="6358896" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Chartered-Accountant">chartered accountant</keyword> and <keyword id="25455" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="finance">finance</keyword> professional. 
 
13. <keyword id="14505" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Zeenat-Aman">Zeenat Aman</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="14676" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Imran-Khan">Imran Khan</keyword> 
Together, they made one of the most good-looking couples! The world spoke about their chemistry and expected the relationship to culminate into marriage. But that didn’t happen and the two parted ways. 
 
Image: Indiatimes

Check
Out These Intriguing Link-ups Between Bollywood Beauties & Sports Stars

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/50716315.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> 
 
Due to the advent of technology and the widespread use of the internet, kids are not playing outdoors anymore, realized former cricketer Nitesh Kulkarni. 
 Adamant to provide the younger generation with some much needed inspiration towards <keyword id="6356028" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sports">sports</keyword>, Kulkarni, also the founder of International Institute of Sports Management decided to make a video, called Sports Heroes. 
 
He got cricketing legends <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=sachin+tendulkar">Sachin Tendulkar</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=sunil+gavaskar">Sunil Gavaskar</a>, tennis players <keyword id="6394569" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Mahesh-Bhupathi">Mahesh Bhupathi</keyword> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=sania+mirza">Sania Mirza</a>, <keyword id="64" type="SPORT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Football">football</keyword> player <keyword id="29441" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Bhaichung-Bhutia">Bhaichung Bhutia</keyword>, shooter Gagan Narang, hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay and wrestler Sushil Kumar to come together and sing the <keyword id="100239" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="National-Anthem">national anthem</keyword>, in occasion of India’s <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=republic+day">Republic Day</a>. 
 Plus, there’s no better way to inspire kids to take up sports than by having <keyword id="6354267" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sachin-Tendulkar">Sachin Tendulkar</keyword> tell them the importance of sports. 
 
Tendulkar at the launch of the event was also quoted saying that he holds singing the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=national+anthem">national anthem</a> at the Wankhede Stadium before the 2011 World Cup final as the proudest feeling in his life. 
 "When you sing the '<keyword id="82562" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jana-Gana-Mana">Jana Gana Mana</keyword>', your head is always held high, but when you sing it (standing) in the centre of the ground, then...seena chauda ho jata hai (chest swells with pride)," Tendulkar also added. 
 
The video that was launched yesterday has already become popular with the youth and is being widely shared on social networking sites. 
Here’s hoping the video reaches everyone it intends to and is the reason kids head outdoors today! 
 
Watch the video here: 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mlIfYiELWDA" width="560"></iframe>

Watch: When Sachin Tendulkar, Mahesh Bhupathi and
Sania Mirza came together for this epic Republic Day video!

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/40478286.cms" /> 
 
What started off as an ALS awareness drive in America is probably on the verge of becoming a worldwide phenomenon. 
 
Indian Tennis player Rohan Bopanna was the one who started this challenge in India after being nominated by former tennis player Amrit Narsimhan. After taking up the challenge, he nominated actor Rahul Bose, sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo and the entire team of Bengaluru Football club. 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/poDwL2EsvfI" width="560"></iframe>
 
While Rahul Bose decided to donate to the charity, Bengaluru FC did a group challenge and, in turn, nominated Badminton star Ashwini Ponappa, Tennis sensation Sania Mirza and the blue-eyed boy of Indian cricket Yuvraj Singh. 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JCpACrWJneg" width="420"></iframe> 
 
Sania Mirza took the challenge twice, having not enough water in the bucket in the first go, and challenged fellow Tennis players Cara Black and Mahesh Bhupathi, Yuvraj Singh, her sister Anam Mirza and actor Riteish Deshmukh, thus, taking the challenge from Indian sports to Bollywood. 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RJETZT4gCHk" width="420"></iframe> 
 
Ashwini Ponappa completed the challenge as well and nominated fellow baddie player Jwala Gutta, swimmer Rehan Poncha and her friend and fashion designer Shravya Verma. 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Zp3ZhF4PC0w" width="420"></iframe> 
 
Mahesh Bhupathi took the challenge and nominated his coach Scott Davidoff, shooter Abhinav Bindra, Abhishek Bachchan and all the members of the Kabaddi team Jaipur Pink Panthers. 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CdptF5o50Ck" width="420"></iframe> 
 
Riteish Deshmukh, who is in Poland shooting for his film Bangistan, produced by Excel Entertainment, went ahead to take the challenge via his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=854831017863533&amp;set=vb.149681275045181&amp;type=2&amp;theater">Facebook account</a> and nominated his ‘good friends’ actors Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Pulkit Samrat, Siddharth Malhotra and Ashish Chowdhry. 
 
All of the above actors as well as Abhinav Bindra, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Jwala Gutta, Scott Davidoff, Rehan Poncha,and Yuvraj Singh are yet to take the challenge. 
 
Original Image courtesy: <a href="http://www.alsa.org/">ALSA</a>. 
 
The Indian flag has been added in the ALS image for creative purposes only, and the edited image does not reflect any official organisation or association.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Comes To India

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/27181760.cms" style="" /> Come 2014 and former <keyword id="989" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-tennis-player">Indian tennis player</keyword> <keyword id="6394569" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mahesh-Bhupathi">Mahesh Bhupathi</keyword> will reveal something very exciting for both <keyword id="6356028" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sports">sports</keyword> and <keyword id="6355515" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Business">business</keyword>. A proposed marriage between <keyword id="6355013" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="tennis">tennis</keyword> and the world of business, International Premier Tennis League (<keyword id="1685851" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="IPTL">IPTL</keyword>) aims to model itself after the grandiosity and market intelligence of other <keyword id="879680" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="international-league">international league</keyword> sports. Businesswise, too, it makes sense. After all these years of hardcore sports that we have seen, the world has started looking at sports in a way that’s beyond the actual <keyword id="17101" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports-events">sports events</keyword>. 
 In a global village, we are well aware of the fact that sports events are no longer limited to <keyword id="756385" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sporting-activities">sporting activities</keyword> alone. For a player, it is definitely about winning (if possible) some coveted events and competitions that are pitted to receive some hyped up <keyword id="36914" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Media-coverage">media coverage</keyword>. Then things move onto a different league, literally. <keyword id="65389" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sponsorship">Sponsorship</keyword> is part of a sportsperson’s life, if he dreams of making it big, nationally or internationally. Therefore, when business houses support <keyword id="1969519" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Budding-sportspersons">budding sportspersons</keyword>, the underlying message is never just encouragement or philanthropy. 
 With the grand success of the <keyword id="6354831" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Indian-Premier-League">Indian Premier League</keyword> (IPL) where cricket reached a new height and stirred up the kind of frenzy we had never seen before, other sports are just waiting to join the big league. Tennis and <keyword id="1226" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Golf">golf</keyword> are glamorous games as well, with a plethora of international events providing the much-needed exposure to sportspersons. And when a champion like <keyword id="39497" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Andy-Murray">Andy Murray</keyword> decides to entrust Bhupathi (one of his chief business managers) with the entire <keyword id="1969521" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Branding-exercise">branding exercise</keyword>, it won’t be wrong to surmise that tennis is just waiting to be ‘discovered as a brand’ in countries that are yet to witness its full potential from every aspect. 
 Bhupathi is a heady mix of sports and sheer business acumen – a rather uncommon and prized combination in the arena. As a winner of multiple <keyword id="6410539" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="doubles">doubles</keyword> and mixed double Grand Slam titles during the days when the media didn’t pay much attention to tennis, he had seen the world slowly take note of the business sense that sports made. The winners are already basking in <keyword id="1969522" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Media-limelight">media limelight</keyword> for their achievements and this means instant familiarity with the viewers. 
 At his swanky office on Linking Road in upmarket Mumbai, Bhupathi sits to unravel the equation between <keyword id="1969517" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tennis-and-business">tennis and business</keyword>. Here, the sport will be packaged as entertainment and sold to the excitement-hungry crowds. An ideal content for the mass media would be up for grabs, sooner than later. 
 
What would it pack apart from excitement? The joy of watching the tennis stars live as they sweat it out on the courts. Right now, we don’t get to see too many of them. Players will be soon chosen through an auction, which is scheduled to take place before the Australian Open in January. And bidders, depending on their choice and capacity, can pick up the players across five price categories. 
 Players at the IPTL will be categorised based on their <keyword id="41681" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="ranking">ranking</keyword>, popularity and potential. Not a single element that makes for the market would be left out while considering the categorisation! So who all will be there on whom you can feast your eyes? Of course some big names – both men and women – would be roped in to add zing to this project. Former tennis stars might be seen here too, whipping up some action on-court and bringing back the good old days of pure sport. 
 But what about the <keyword id="34412" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="economy">economy</keyword> behind this? For starters, Bhupathi says that there will be five-set matches lasting for three hours in all and teams of 6-10 players. He has also worked out a ballpark figure for a sports event of this stature and it is going to be around $4-10 million in franchise alone, including salaries of the players across the table. 
 Viewed as an elite <keyword id="5189" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="competition">competition</keyword> that will feature the world’s best through six franchisees across the nations, IPTL has surely raised high expectations and excitement among the tennis fraternity. 
 The potential of this project is immense. Going by world No. 1 <keyword id="55696" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Novak-Djokovic">Novak Djokovic</keyword>’s response, this plan is ‘revolutionary’ and Bhupathi is not among those who would want to see the excitement wane. Now that expectations are running high, he knows that he should get cracking with the plans at the earliest; else this can fall flat on the face. 
 
Curtain will go up on the IPTL in November 2014 or latest by December that year. Till then, Bhupathi and his team hope to keep up the excitement, starting with the bidders and holding events relating to the inauguration. 
 Interestingly, the event will be held at the hot seat of fashion and arts. <keyword id="106" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Paris">Paris</keyword> has been chosen to play host to IPTL’s inaugural event. Now all ye tennis lovers, you know where you are going to be when the event takes place. Book your tickets, Now! 
 
Image: Indiatimes

International
Premier Tennis League: Will It Be An Ace Or Love?

<keyword id="18635" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon">Amazon</keyword> on Thursday announced that it is all set for its annual Prime Day event in India on July 26 and 27 that will deliver deals and savings across categories, including smartphones, consumer electronics, TVs, appliances, etc. It will also include Amazon devices, fashion and beauty products, home and kitchen, furniture, everyday essentials and more to Prime members, along with new launches, entertainment benefits and much more. Through the two-day event, the company will continue its efforts to empower and support lakhs of <keyword id="469687" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="small-and-medium-businesses">Small and Medium Businesses</keyword> (SMBs) to bounce back from the economic disruption owing to the second wave of Covid-19. "We dedicate this Prime Day to lakhs of SMB sellers on Amazon.in. We are humbled by their resilience, and grateful for the opportunity to support their rebound during these hard times," <keyword id="215413" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amit-Agarwal">Amit Agarwal</keyword>, <keyword id="11598005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="svp-country">SVP &amp; Country</keyword> Manager, <keyword id="6354743" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-India">Amazon India</keyword>, said in a statement. "We are also excited to offer our Prime members a unique opportunity to discover joy with two days of best deals and savings, hundreds of new product launches, blockbuster entertainment and more, all from the safety and convenience of their homes," Agarwal added. Prime members can shop from millions of unique products offered by SMBs and avail offers. SMBs across the country witnessed great success during the last edition of Prime Day in India. Over 91,000 sellers from over 5,900 pin codes saw success during Prime Day 2020; more than 62,000 were from non-metro and tier 2/3 cities across India and 31,000 sellers witnessed their highest sales. Prime is enjoyed by more than 200 million Prime members in 22 countries including India. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-calendars-new-rsvp-option-will-let-you-specify-how-you-want-to-attend-a-meeting/articleshow/84237490.cms">Google Calendar’s new RSVP option will let you specify how you want to attend a meeting</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/leander-paes-and-mahesh-bhupathi-to-tell-their-story-in-a-docuseries/articleshow/84237312.cms">Indian tennis icons Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi to tell their story in a docuseries</a>

Amazon announces Prime Day sale on July 26-27 in India

By Amanpreet Singh New Delhi, Apr 14 () India's tennis players -- both current and former -- are not just counting financial losses as they cope with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. What worries them equally is the time lost and a future which is hazy right now. The closure of the Pro Tour means that doubles exponent Purav Raja is set to lose at least USD 50,000 in this lockdown period, according to his own assessment. Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Divij Sharan can't exactly tell how much they would lose but considering the fact that they are consistently in contention to be in Grand Slam main draws, the massive financial hit is not difficult to assess. Former Davis Cup captain and one of the greatest Indian tennis players Mahesh Bhupathi says the need of the hour is to "keep the ecosystem alive". "It has to be kept alive. The players, coaches, markers even ball boys in clubs. Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and FFT (French Tennis Federation) have announced packages but they have lots of money," Bhupathi told . This is exactly what Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali, Fed Cup captain Vishal Uppal and another India coach Ashutosh Singh are doing. They all run academies and have not stopped the salaries of their respective coaches, taking a hit that runs into lakhs. There are 3827 certified coaches in India and around 10,000 Assistant coaches. There would be thousands others who are not registered with AITA but attached with at least 2000 academies across the country. "Your values reflect in crisis. We are tennis servants. We have been associated with the game for so long. Definitely, it's a hit that we are taking but you can't ditch people who have been loyal to you," said Ashutosh, who runs a private academy at DLTA. Ashutosh has five coaches and has committed to pay their salary without any cut. Similarly, Zeeshan who runs an academy in Bengaluru with a staff of 12, has been paying salaries to his coaches, "We are not in a industry where we can work from home and earn. We have outstation coaches and we gave them the option to go back if they wanted. We are paying them and hope to continue to pay them but can we afford to pay them indefinitely?," he asked. Uppal, who has a staff of 14, pays about Rs 4.5 lakh a month in salaries. He says they have not stopped payments but fears once the lockdown is over, parents may not send all the kids back. "We have to see how many players comeback. Sports is still largely a recreational activity in India. It's not a necessity. They won't stop paying school fee but sports is extra-curricular activity. In case there are job losses, sport will suffer," he warns. Uppal said the government needs to take some drastic steps to revive tennis and other sports in the country. "There will be economic chaos. The government has to abolish GST on sports and bring it under education. We are also imparting knowledge. There is 18 percent GST on on academies, it's unfair." The players feel the national federation now must stand up to offer support. "The long shutdown will definitely impact all of us. We have a limited career span as a sportsperson, so this break definitely takes away from that. A lot of the national federations have pledged support to their players," Divij Sharan told from England. "AITA has said it will formulate a plan to support the Indian players. We will all be waiting to hear more about this and hope it can alleviate some of the financial pressure that the players are facing." Prajnesh said no travel means no cost to players but there are other expenditures involved. "It definitely has financial impact for the players. Especially the ones who have constant expenses for example an annual commitment for coaching etc. Most players outside of 150 in India are spending money and not making money. Since most players in India are outside that ranking, they really aren't spending any more than they did before the lockdown." "The main downside in my opinion is that players lose time, so one cannot improve and get to a place where tennis helps them earn a living." Jeevan Nedunchehiyan said the way forward is forming a players' council which works in tandem with AITA. "With the ATP tour on hold I won't be making any income until we can compete again which is why I think it would be great for the players to step up , create a players' council which works with AITA to better the Indian tour," he said. India's top woman singles player Ankita Raina says AITA's role starts only once some normalcy resumes. "I think they should start region wise prize money national ranking tournaments. This will be an opportunity for strengthening our national circuit and it will cut down travel, at the same time keep players in match zone. "Plan for next year to conduct more international level tournaments in India so that Indians are in a position to earn more since travel and other expenses will be lesser in India than abroad," she said. AT PM PM

Not just money, we are losing time too: Indian tennis players talk about COVID-19 fallout

New Delhi, Apr 26 () Will the fans rush back? Will training abroad be as hassle-free as it used to be? What about contact sports where social distancing can't really be practised? In a nutshell, will sports and watching sports ever be the same again in a world scarred by the COVID-19 pandemic? Seeking answers to these questions, sports team reached out to some of India's biggest sportspersons -- current and former -- who gazed into the crystal ball and predicted the future of sports once the action resumes. The responses were a mix of trepidation and optimism. Here's a peek into their thoughts: SACHIN TENDULKAR (One of India's greatest cricketers): No doubt the world is going through the biggest challenge in our lifetime. I think players will be wary for some time when it comes to using saliva (to shine the ball). It will play on their minds. High fives and hugging your teammates will be avoided for some time. This is what I would like to believe. They will be conscious to begin with and may maintain social distancing. ABHINAV BINDRA (India's first and only individual Olympic gold-medallist): Sport is a tool that unites people and brings joy to thousands of participants and viewers across the world. While aspects of heightened safety protocols will be integrated for the foreseeable future, the want and attraction of sport will not diminish. As the general populous has become more conscious of their health and their physical well-being, avenues to use sport to improve fitness will grow. The post-COVID-19 world could be a blessing in disguise for India. There may not be so much foreign exposure and this may allow India to build proper sporting infrastructure. BAJRANG PUNIA (World silver-medallist wrestler): Wrestling is a contact sport. When wrestling will resume, there is no way you can avoid physical contact. But I don't think there would be any hesitation. I don't see any change happening. The only thing that can happen is that the sport will become more intense. All athletes will return after a long time. They are not used to such long breaks. All of us are analysing our weaknesses and strengths, so when tournaments will resume, the competition will be intense. M C MARY KOM (Six-time world champion and an Olympic bronze-medallist): We are all hoping and praying desperately for things to go back to normal but can they ever? Of course not. This virus is an enemy that no one even understands completely. Sports will change. Mine is a contact sport and I am personally worried how we are going to deal with it. For the time being, I don't see any sparring happening in training at least, I would be totally against it. I believe training itself will become very individualistic. As for the fans, they will come back to watch, I don't see a problem there. But yes, the standard of hygiene at tournaments will go up to another level. I believe once a vaccine is developed, things can go back to how they were before but until then, travelling will be less frequent, training will not exactly be a team thing and tournaments, I don't know how they will resume. VIJENDER SINGH (India's first and so far the only male boxer to win an Olympic medal): I don't think it would be all that easy to bring back the fans, it shouldn't be because I believe people should be wary but India is an unpredictable country, kuch bhi ho sakta hai yahan (anything is possible here). People have been at home for so long, they might just head to the stadium at the first opportunity. Logic demands that they become more cautious. Athletes will be more cautious certainly, training abroad won't be all that easy, less tournaments will happen and whenever they happen, I am not sure what the participation would be like. BHAICHUNG BHUTIA (Former India football captain): In today's age, when television and digital platforms have become so important part of our lives, I don't think the lack of spectators in stadiums will have much of a bearing as far as business is concerned. I see the TV and digital gaining from this. Sports events will gradually come back to what they were before. They can be held behind closed doors for now. Till the time a vaccine is out, I don't think they can have people inside as it involves a lot of risks. B SAI PRANEETH (First Indian male badminton player to win a world bronze medal in 36 years): We have to travel a lot and I think everybody will be scared to travel to countries like China, Korea and even the European countries even if the international calender resumes. The fear of contracting the virus will always be there at the back of your mind, even when you are eating in any restaurant or even playing. I don't know how even playing would be possible considering the fact that during a match the shuttle is touched by the players and by the service judge. Also while playing, you change your shirt which is soaked with sweat, so I believe only after we have vaccination, play can start but even then, you will see people wearing masks and trying to avoid crowded places to be safe. MAHESH BHUPATHI (Multiple-time Grand Slam winning former tennis player): Sport won't change. Things will be normal once COVID-19 goes away. JEJE LALPEKHLUA (Top Indian footballer): It will take a bit of time to get back to normal but once things are normal, we would not be scared to take part. While travelling and moving between flights, hotels, and cities we just need to be more careful and take care of ourselves and others. SARDAR SINGH (Former men's hockey team captain): From the point of view of Olympic preparations, the plus point is the team will get more time to prepare for Olympics but the negative is it will have revisit it plans. Once sports resume, social distancing is going to be the new norm and it remains to be seen how it is implemented in contact sports like boxing, wrestling or for that matter hockey and football where close tackles and body contacts are common. KHS/AH/AT/PDS/ATK/SSC/PM PM

Sports in times of COVID-19: Top Indian stars foresee new normal once pandemic mayhem ends

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48482692.cms" /> 
 The trailer of <keyword id="2499664" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shaandaar">Shaandaar</keyword>, Vikas Bahl’s upcoming movie, is collecting rare reviews ever since its release. The movie, which is about a destination wedding, stars Shahid Kapoor as Jagjinder Joginder and Alia Bhatt as Alia, along with Pankaj Kapoor, Sanah Kapoor, Sushma Seth, Sanjay Kapoor and others. 
 
Here is the trailer: 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k99-vMPh3-A" width="560"></iframe> 
 Destination weddings are always fun, given the mix of two cultures that one experiences. Here in, we have a look at some of the destination weddings that took place for real in <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword>. 
 
1. Raveena Tandon 
The actress chose a palace hotel in Udaipur, situated at the banks of Pichchola Lake for her wedding to distributor Anil Thadani. 
 
2. Kunal Kapoor 
The swanky actor got married to Naina Bachchan (Amitabh Bachchan’s niece) in a beautiful beach wedding in Seychelles. 
 
3. Hrithik Roshan 
The Greek God married long-time girlfriend Sussanne Khan in Bengaluru, at Golden Palms resort, reportedly owned by Sussanne’s father Sanjay Khan. 
 
4. Celina Jaitley 
The blue-eyed beauty got married to Austrian hotelier Peter Haag in a 1000-year old monastery in Austria. 
 
5. Lara Dutta 
The actress got married to tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi in a beach wedding at Goa, at the luxurious Taj Aguada Hotel. 
 
6. Kalki Koechlin 
The Ooty-born actress chose her hometown, a perfect hill station in Southern India, as the place for exchanging vows with her husband Anurag Kashyap. 
 
7. Rani Mukerji 
Even though nothing much is known about the actress’s marriage to producer-director Aditya Chopra, we know that Italy is a beautiful place to get married.

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