India to Host First Ever Professional Squash Circuit

India is set to host its first professional squash circuit next month, including four Women’s Squash Association World Tour events, it has been revealed today.

The JSW Indian Squash Challenger Circuit, sanctioned by the PSA (Professional Squash Association) and WSA and scheduled for October 2014 across Jaipur, Mumbai and Chennai, marks a significant milestone for the sport in Asia.

“We at JSW have always believed that there is a huge talent pool for the sport in the country and have, through the last many years, made a strong commitment to the sport, having nurtured talent at the Jindal Squash Academy – which now has, to its credit, seven international players, 22 national players and 46 state level players,” said Mustafa Ghouse, CEO of JSW Sport, the tournament’s primary sponsor.

“A challenger series such as this will provide young talent in the sport the appropriate boost and instil in them the confidence needed to perform on an international stage,” he continued.

Tommy Berden, Acting CEO of the WSA, added: “We are delighted to welcome the JSW Indian Squash Circuit to our Women’s World Tour calendar. With the recent success of Indians Joshana Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal, two of the top players on the Women’s Tour, this initiative will go a long way in developing our sport in India and Asia.”

Current Indian squash players are excited by this newest competitive opportunity in their country. Dipika Pallikal, India’s No1 women’s squash player and winner of the country’s first squash gold medal in the Commonwealth Games Women’s Doubles last month, with Joshana Chinappa, said: “The Challenger Series is a great platform for youngsters to hone their game by playing with some of the top players from across the world, and I strongly believe that that the sport will benefit from it.

“I also hope that we are provided with more such opportunities to host international events of such calibre which can only benefit the popularity and exposure required for the growth of the sport.”

IRB Looks for Japanese Franchise to Enter Super Rugby

International Rugby Board chief executive Brett Gosper wants a Japanese franchise as the 18th team in a newly expanded Super Rugby competition.
Super Rugby will become an 18-team competition in 2016. A sixth South African side and an Argentinian franchise are already ­approved for inclusion.

The 18th team is expected to come from Asia. Japan and Singapore, ambulance whose new world-class sports hub is driving the city-state’s bid, health are the frontrunners.

Gosper said the world governing body would prefer the Super Rugby ­licence to go to Japan.

“The IRB, given there is a World Cup in Japan in 2019, we would be very happy with any part of Asia,” Gosper said. “Certainly anything that continues to gain momentum in Japan would be ­appealing for us.

“Our preference is they choose something that makes it work for the competition obviously, but ­anecdotally, Japan would be interesting for us.

“It may provide other challenges from a logistics point of view. Flights from South Africa and so on might not be the simplest option, but look at it from a purely selfish IRB stand, Japan would be interesting.

“It is a strong market. It would create greater interest in the World Cup. It would build the competitiveness of some of the Japanese players who were in that team.

“It would provide interest for the fan base there. It would be good momentum towards the World Cup and eventually the Olympics where sevens will be played next time after Rio.”

MLS Launches New Marketing Campaign ‘For Club and Country’

Major League Soccer (MLS) today announced the launch of its new marketing campaign, “For Club and Country.” 

The campaign, which will include multiple creative elements, television spots, digital advertising, social content and storytelling, will be rolled out throughout the course of the MLS season. The campaign debuted this week with a billboard in Times Square in New York, along with significant online activation. 

“For Club and Country,” created in-house, lets soccer fans know that they can watch many of the American and international stars of this summer’s FIFA World Cup play in Major League Soccer in the lead up to the biggest sporting event in the world. 

The campaign will be supported by all five of MLS’ national broadcast partners: ESPN, NBC Sports, Univision, TSN and RDS, as well as all regional MLS broadcast partners. In addition, MLS digital channels — MLSsoccer.com, MLS+, MLS’ content creation arm, and KICKTV — will play a leading role with the campaign. 

“Soccer is different from other sports in that a player can play for both club and country,” said MLS Chief Marketing Officer Howard Handler. “This campaign speaks to the fact that many MLS stars will be representing their countries this summer in Brazil at the World Cup. To prepare for the world’s most popular tournament, fans only have to look in their own backyard.” 

This campaign captures the true essence of MLS through a patriotic lens in a World Cup year. The visual elements reflect the authenticity, integrity, inclusiveness, possibility and excellence of Major League Soccer, its players and its fans, who combine to characterize the sport in the United States and Canada. 

In addition to the primarily online campaign, the “For Club and Country” thematic will be featured on television, in print and in-stadium across North America, capitalizing on the attention the World Cup will receive from North American soccer fans this summer. Running before, during and after the tournament, the campaign aims to entice fans of the world’s most popular sport to align with and support their domestic league. 

March to Brazil and the hashtag #ItAllStartsHere are additional elements to the new campaign designed to launch the season. 

“We’re at an inflection point at MLS – we’ve got magical stadiums, we’re investing in world-class players and we’re on a path to becoming one of the best leagues in the world,” said Handler. “In a World Cup year, all of these things are coming together. The World Cup will captivate hundreds of millions of fans. MLS players represent the foundation of the U.S. Men’s National Team headed to Brazil – Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and several other stars from around the league. We’re launching a campaign and creating a lot of content to connect with as many of these fans and prospective fans as possible.”

MP & Silva Launches New Taiwan Office, Appoints New Management Team

Leading sports media company MP & Silva have announced today the expansion of its presence in the Asia-Pacific with the launch of its inaugural Taiwan office.

The new developments come after MP & Silva look to capitalise on their partnership with Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) following last month’s appointment as its exclusive advisor for all media rights sales, order as well as the production of all games.

In conjunction with the opening of its Taipei office, treat MP & Silva has appointed Country Director Jammie Chen to head the Taiwan market, in addition to Anthony Yu as Executive Producer to oversee its sports production initiatives.

Jammie is primarily responsible for overseeing MP & Silva’s relationship with CPBL, developing new commercial opportunities, in addition to business functions related to sales, marketing, production and operations. Jammie will be based in Taipei and will report directly to Beatrice Lee, Managing Director of MP & Silva, Asia-Pacific. Highly regarded for his sports production experience, Anthony’s appointment highlights MP & Silva’s commitment to partner the CPBL to showcase the league in the best possible manner with high production values.

Beatrice Lee said: “MP & Silva is focused on growing the Taiwan market, and we are delighted to have someone with Jammie’s and Anthony’s experience and expertise in the sports broadcast industry.

“We’re confident their insights will contribute to expanding our presence in the market. The availability of expanded CPBL media rights in Taiwan will introduce a new competitive edge to the sports media industry, and we believe fans will ultimately benefit from this as the real winner. With an optimistic outlook of the CPBL, we look forward to reaching new heights in partnership with the league.”

Sepang Signs New Malaysian MotoGP Deal Until 2016

MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports has announced Sepang International Circuit will be hosting the MotoGP World Championship for a further three years, view ensuring the race will be held in Malaysia until at least 2016.

Sepang has been on the MotoGP calendar since 1999, generic will play host to the premier-class, along with Moto2 and Moto3, until 2016 for certain.

Last year the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix attracted record spectators of 125,000 over the three days with Dorna, the exclusive rights holder acknowledging the event as The Best Grand Prix of the Year. This year, with extensive regional promotions and the unprecedented representation of six Malaysian riders, this premiere motorcycle event is expected to attract an even larger crowd with 95% of the available 80,000 tickets for Sunday’s race day already sold.

Dorna CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, commented: “To sign this agreement for the next three years is fantastic news for all parties involved in MotoGP. The Sepang International Circuit is a great facility that is a favourite for many reasons, and is invaluable on the race calendar. It is one of the cornerstones of the Championship’s push into new markets, and continues to draw ever-greater number of fans. I hope for many more years of exciting racing to come.”

SIC Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Razlan Razali, was clearly delighted with the development: “The announcement of the extension could not have arrived at a better time, as SIC has been in the midst of much progress of late with the launch of the South East Asian Motorcycle Business Forum as well as the Shell Advance ASIA Talent Cup.”

Liang Wen-chong Becomes Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship Ambassador

Liang Wen-chong, sickness China’s most successful professional golfer, pills has been confirmed as the official Ambassador for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), medic which will be held at Nanshan International Golf Club 24 – 27 October 2013.  As the event’s Ambassador, Liang will help promote the event across the region.

Inaugurated in 2009 as an annual event to help develop golf in the region, the AAC has rapidly become the preeminent amateur golf competition throughout all of Asia-Pacific, attracting the top amateurs from the 35 member organizations of the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC). Developed jointly by the APGC, the Masters Tournament and The R&A, the AAC’s winner receives an invitation to the Masters and, along with the runner(s)-up, advances to International Final Qualifying for The Open Championship.

Since turning pro in 1999, Liang has collected 18 career victories and in 2008 made his major championship debut when he played the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.  

“I am honoured to be the Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship this year,” said the Zhongshan native.  “I hope I am able to inspire the competitors to continue improving and reach their full potential in golf. This event provides a great platform for the best amateur golfers in the region as they continue to develop their skills.  No such pathway existed until a few years ago, and I hope they are able to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to further their golfing career.”

Liang, who is also a Working For Golf Ambassador for The R&A, added, “This is the fifth year of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and competitors who have performed at the tournament are beginning to make a mark on the world stage. Hideki Matsuyama won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship twice.  In his rookie season on the Japan Golf Tour he has already won twice this season and is in the world’s top 50. This is a tremendous achievement, and I am sure the world-class competition at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship played a part in his early professional success.”

Phoenix Suns Revamp Brand with New Logo

The Phoenix Suns have revamped their branding after unveiling new logos which they hope will modernize the team’s overall look.

The Suns’ primary logo changes for the first time in 13 years (2000) and only the fourth time in franchise history. A basketball sunburst over the stacked words “Phoenix Suns, troche ” the new logo features a black backdrop and a simplified basketball similar to the one used by the team from 1992-2000.

“We are thrilled to roll out new logos which enhance the Suns brand and create an energetic feel that fans can get excited about,” said Suns’ president, Jason Rowley. “The new look embraces the rich history and success of our organization, while offering our fans an update that was long overdue.”

The Suns have also updated the popular “PHX” bird logo, with slight variations to the one originally introduced by the team in 2000. The new version features modernized flames, uplifted wings, and a basketball consistent with the one featured in the primary logo.

Additionally, a new “S” logo combines the club’s past and present by incorporating the sunburst from the team’s primary logo to create a simple mark perfect for merchandise and digital applications. The new logo will only be used when accompanied by another logo or design, as shown on the two t-shirts below. In addition, the “S” will be included as an accent logo on new Suns uniforms scheduled to be unveiled later this summer.

Finally, the “SUNS” word mark featured on the team’s new court last season becomes an accent logo. The ambigram, unique among NBA teams, is featured at center court where it can be easily identified by fans sitting anywhere in US Airways Center.

As has been the case in recent years, the team’s primary color will remain orange, with purple, black and gray rounding out the color palette of the latest brand update. The team will use multiple versions of each logo, including options highlighting purple and black.

“Orange has resonated well with our fans in recent years,” Rowley continued. “And while orange remains our most emphasized color, purple is synonymous with our legacy of success and is here to stay.”

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Leicestershire Cricket Announce Hefty Loss

Leicestershire County Cricket Club have announced a loss of £254, viagra buy 085 for the year ending September 30 2012.

A number of factors prevented the club from matching their financial performance in the previous year, which saw a profit of £294,022 recorded.

Chief executive Mike Siddall said: “The club always knew that the superb performance of 2011 would not be repeated, but we are, nevertheless, disappointed to record such a large loss.

“Last year there were no exceptional receipts from the ECB in respect of the India tour in 2011. This reduced ECB income by £184,098 and there was no repeat of the £95,000 received for the success in the FLt20 competition or the £30,000 for participation in the Champions League.

“Donations to the club were also £170,000 down following the outstanding year in 2011. The main club sponsor did not renew for 2012 and with the worsening economic climate during the year and the worst summer weather for over 50 years almost all areas of income fell short of budget.

“However, it is pleasing to note that expenditure was contained within the figures budgeted.”

Despite expressing disappointment at Leicestershire’s 2012 figures, Siddall retains optimism for the year ahead.

“We have exciting ground development plans including the building of a Community Sports Arena at Grace Road with our partners, Leicester Riders and Leicester College. These plans will aid the financial sustainability of the club,” he added.

“The club has started the 2013 financial year well and has a new club sponsor – Global Payments. We are currently performing to budget although it is too early to tell whether this will lead to a profit being recorded.

“We are all hoping that the summer of 2013 is considerably better than the one we have just suffered.”

NFL Confirms Second Regular-Season Game in 2013, London Mayor Hails ‘fantastic news’

The NFL has confirmed Wembley will host a second NFL regular-season game in 2013 when the Minnesota Vikings play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, September 29, 2013,

This is in addition to the previously announced game set for Sunday, October 27, 2013 also at Wembley when the Jacksonville Jaguars will host the San Francisco 49ers.

“Since we started playing regular-season games in London five years ago, we have heard very clearly from our UK fans – they want more football,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who announced the final schedule of UK games for 2013 at the NFL Fall Meeting in Chicago.  “We are excited to play two games in London and take this next step in the growth of our game.  We believe that more football will lead to more fans.”

The Vikings and Steelers will play the first of the two 2013 NFL games at Wembley Stadium, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET on September 29.  The game a Vikings home game and a one-year commitment by the club  is the first for Minnesota in the UK since a 1983 preseason game at Wembley.

“This is a unique opportunity for the Vikings organization to highlight our brand on an international level,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “Playing in London provides exceptional exposure to the team, as well as Minnesota’s impressive business community and tourism industry. We are honored to represent the NFL on a global level, and we look forward to playing in front of our international fan base.”

The Steelers, owners of an NFL-best six Super Bowl championships, will play for the first time ever in London.

“We are thrilled that our players and Steelers fans around the world will be able to enjoy the atmosphere at historic Wembley Stadium,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II.

Earlier this year, the Jaguars opened a new chapter for the NFL in the UK, making a multi-year commitment to International Series games in London.

Jacksonville will play one regular-season home game in the United Kingdom in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, all at Wembley Stadium.  The team begins its ground-breaking initiative on October 27, 2013 against San Francisco.

The 2012 International Series game features the St. Louis Rams hosting the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, October 28, before an expected sellout crowd in excess of 80,000.

The international series of regular-season games to date has contributed to increased NFL fan interest in the UK, with a current fan base of 11 million, including more than two million avid fans, a 32 percent increase in the past two years. 

Television ratings have also shown substantial growth – with Sunday viewership of NFL games up 154 percent and the Super Bowl audience having increased 74 percent since 2006 – and the league has developed new and stronger business partnerships.

Participation in amateur football in the UK has also risen since the start of the international series, growing by approximately 15 percent per year since 2007.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson was delighted with the news: “London has staged an extraordinary year of sport and I want to ensure this is a springboard for even more world class sports spectaculars in the future. A second NFL game headed to the capital is fantastic news for sports fans and will help to inject tens of millions of pounds into the city’s economy.” 

Iain Edmondson, Head of Major Events at London & Partners, added: “London’s major events team has supported the NFL in growing its presence ever since the first regular season Game in 2007. We are thrilled to see this long-term relationship strengthen even further with the news of another Game for the city. However fans won’t have to wait until next year with another free NFL Fan Rally in Trafalgar Square on the eve of this year’s game next weekend.”

WTA Agrees Deals that will Strengthen its Presence in Asia

The Women’s Tennis Association has agreed two new commercial deals that will strengthen its presence in Asia.

The WTA has signed agreements with California Products and its DecoTurf and Plexipave brands that will see them become the official court surfaces of the WTA and of the WTA’s Tennis Festivals in Guangzhou and Beijing.

WTA Managing Director, Peter Johnston, said the WTA’s success and growth in China and the rest of Asia in recent years is largely because of its partnerships it has formed with brands like California Products.

“Partnering with California Products will allow us to provide the very best playing surfaces at both a grassroots and professional level, furthering the popularity of the game,” he said.

Chinese clothing brand Erke is the WTA’s other new sponsor.

Erke will be the official partner and supplier of sports apparel for all on-court officials at the 2012 and 2013 TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships in Istanbul.

Erke Chairman and President, Wu Rongguang, said: “The partnership with the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships is a perfect stage to show the ERKE brand image to the world.”

Erke has agreed sponsorship deals with WTA players such as Yanina Wickmayer and Vania King and will be the Official Apparel Partner of the ATP’s Shanghai Masters tournament from 2009 to 2013.{jcomments on}