Hosts face strong challenge in India Jr. Open TT

Mumbai Oct 14th 2013(Sailesh Gandhi):Hosts India will face a strong challenge as China will be among the top nations to feature in the prestigious Reliance India Junior & Cadet Open Table Tennis Championship that will be hosted by the National Sports Club of India from October 16 to 20.

Apart from India, Hong Kong, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Nigeria are the other countries who have confirmed their participation.

The Reliance 2013 India Junior & Cadet Open is a part of the prestigious ITTF Global Junior Circuit and is being held under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), organized by the Mumbai City District Table Tennis Association (MCDTTA) and promoted by Evolution Sport.

The field will feature 50 international and domestic future champions. There will be 12 events in which the boys and girls will compete in team and individual events in the junior and cadet categories.

The championship is being hosted at the newly inaugurated multi sports arena at the NSCI, a state of the art, modern air-conditioned facility with a seating capacity of 5,000 people and 45,000 sq feet of playing
area.

“Some of our Indian table tennis players have been creating waves in the international circuit and we are sure this tournament will further excite and encourage our future stars,” said organisingcommittee chairperson Vita Dani.

“It is a moment of pride and honourthat the Reliance 2013 India Junior & Cadet Open has been allocated to MCDTTA and the city of Mumbai, once the nursery of table tennis. Also the fact that we have NSCI on board ensures that we have perhaps the best and latest venue in the country,” Dani added.

“As an administrator and former player it’s an absolute privilege to be involved in this event which is coming to Mumbai after 30 years,” said eight time national champion, India coach and tournament director Kamlesh Mehta. “We always longed to have an international table tennis event in Mumbai and it’s a dream come true to finally play hosts.”

“There is much to be gained from hosting this championship and I believe the biggest beneficiaries will be our young, upcoming players. India has a huge pool of talented players of the future and this event will offer them the much needed exposure. In addition, players from Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra will also stand to benefit. This will be an opportunity for them to hone and improve their skills,” added Mehta.

Said NSCI honorary secretary, Rakesh Malhotra: “The NSCI is all set for this prestigious event. Everything is in place. It is a delight to once again host yet another significant championship after the Indian Badminton League. The NSCI is always known to encourage sport and we have all the facilities. Having a world-class venue gives us the
confidence to offer whatever help we can.”

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XBhp & Castrol Power1 Biker of the Year Awards announced

Gul Panag with winners of Biker of Year  2013 final

Delhi October 10th 2013:(Sailesh Gandhi):The XBhp & Castrol Power1 Biker of the Year awards were given away at a glittering ceremony held in Delhi yesterday. Gul Panag, a passionate biker herself, gave away the awards to the winners who were recognised in ten different categories.

XBhp & Castrol Power1 Biker of the Year, is a unique campaign executed by XBhp and sponsored by Castrol India Limited (‘Castrol”). The campaign aims to recognize and honor the most passionate bikers in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Gul said “I am delighted to honor these bikers who are being recognized for their passion for biking. Being a biker myself, I can relate to their love for biking and it’s great that xBhp and Castrol have joined hands to celebrate this passion”

As a part of the contest, bikers were invited to create online profiles on https://boty.xbhp.com/sharing their passion for biking and promoting these profiles. The campaign generated a great response with close to 450 bikers across the country participating in the contest and competing for the coveted awards.  The judging was done through a two-tier process of public voting and an eminent selection panel.  Over 75,000 unique votes were cast across the country.

Commenting on the event, Soma Ghosh, Vice President Marketing of Castrol, said: “Castrol has a long and glorious association with bikers and biking in India. Over the years, we have kept pace with the evolving two-wheeler technology and developed pioneering brands with cutting edge technology for bikers who are looking for the best engine oils for their precious bikes. Castrol Power1 with unique Power release formula provides superior acceleration to the bikes and appeals to the passionate bikers in the country”

The winners in the ten different categories were:

Track Racer of the Year: Rajni Krishnan

Free-style Biker of the Year: Anam Hashim

Fight-back Biker of the Year: Franklin Selstad

Bike Customizer of the Year: Samik Chatterjee

Angel Biker of the Year: Anish Menon

Motorcycling Club of the Year: The Bikernis

Female Biker of the Year: Urvashi Patole

Wanderer of the Year: Vishnu Mehta

Power Biker of the Year: Ashok Naidu

Gul Panag also launched the Bikers Code of India, a book crowd-sourced from bikers across the country with quotes capturing their emotions and how they feel when they are biking. A special edition of the Bikers Code of India book was given to each of the winners along with the awards.

 

 

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Mauritius launches “Mauritius Grand Master”

Online training programme for Indian travel Trade

All India, Mumbai Oct 7th 2013(Sailesh Gandhi): With a view to enhance the product line and expand the destination knowledge base, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), launches Mauritius Grand Master – Online Training programme for Indian Travel Trade. It is for the first time Mauritius will conduct online training and certificate programme in India. The programme will engage the travel trade through seven online learning modules. MTPA expects to reach out to frontline, sales and travel trade across nation in the first phase of launching the Mauritius Grand Master (MGM). Travel agents can sign up at http://ott.travel/homemauritiusindia.aspx?# for the training programme

Golfing_In_Mauritius

According to MTPA India office, the training programme will have seven modules and participants will have to score a minimum of 80 per cent in each module to proceed to the next level. Participants will get three attempts to clear each module. Once you clear all modules and become a Mauritius Grand Master, certificate will be sent to your registered address.







MGM_rel

Speaking about the programme, Dr. Karl Mootoosamy, Director, MTPA said, “Mauritius is a unique destination showcasing an array of beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches, world-class hospitality and thrilling adventures activities. The destination has varied product offering for all segment of travellers. The programme will help build, grow and maintain a strong and comprehensive network of Mauritius ‘Travel Specialists’ who can promote Mauritius to attract more visitors. The objective is to make the course fun, informative and easy to understand. The online training programme will enable trade with increased knowledge about the destination and introduce innovative itinerary for Mauritius.”

This programme is customised around the Indian audience and also for the convenience for the agent accessible online. This programme offers the agent flexibility, and can complete it at per his or her convenience. The participation in this programme will provide a number of advantages to the Indian travel trade and enhance agent’s confidence in selling Mauritius.



Selfdrive_Holidays

Thus the primary objective would be to increase awareness and knowledge of Mauritius as a tourist destination among the Indian travel trade. MGM will help boost agent’s base who can sell Mauritius as a destination. It will also provide a vehicle for Mauritius tourism products to access and connect with the front line staff actually dealing with the end consumers increasing network of Indian retails agents.

 

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BEAM APPOINTS VIDYUT ARTE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF INDIA BUSINESS

Veteran Consumer Goods Leader Brings

Broad India and Global Experience to Role

  

Mumbai, India Oct 8th 2013(Sailesh Gandhi): Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM) today announced that Vidyut Arte, a veteran consumer goods leader with decades of experience in India and across Asia, will join the company as Managing Director of Beam India.  Arte, 51, joins Beam from Mondelez International, where he is currently Managing Director, Multi Category and Gum & Candy, South East Asia.  Over a 20-year career at Cadbury, now part of Mondelez, Arte served in roles of increasing responsibility, including leading sales and marketing for Cadbury India, leading the company’s business in China, and most recently, serving as Managing Director, Thailand, responsible for the combined Kraft and Cadbury business.  Arte’s appointment is effective December 2nd.

“We are very excited that Vidyut is joining Beam to lead our India business, including our market-leading Teacher’s Scotch brand, into its next stage of growth,” said Arthur Aroney, Managing Director for Emerging Markets in Beam’s Asia Pacific/South America segment.  “Vidyut is a proven brand-builder, growth driver and inspirational leader.  His management, sales and marketing experience in India and across Asia will be incredibly valuable as he and our team execute our profitable growth strategy with the utmost passion, integrity and skill.”

Arte succeeds Aroney, who has been managing the India business on an interim basis.  Arte is a graduate of Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology in Nagpur, India, and earned his MBA at Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai.  Arte and his family intend to relocate back to India from Thailand, where he is currently based.

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Kidville India Announces Taekwondo Classes at their Worli Center

Taekwondo

Mumbai Sep 26th 2013(Sailesh Gandhi):Kidville, America’s premier early childhood development and enrichment brand is pleased to announce the addition of Taekwondo classes at their Worli center. Taekwondo is a modern martial art, characterized by its fast, high and spinning kicks. "The Art of Unarmed Combat,” Taekwondo consists of 70% kicks and 30% of hand techniques, as it is believed that legs are far more reaching and stronger than hands.

 Taekwondo has no age limit and is great for children! The art encourages kids to learn fast reactions through practice. It makes the practitioner alert, agile, confident, and disciplined. Taekwondo is a holistic approach to a child’s growth.                        

     

The Taekwondo course at Kidville will primarily focus on developing the skills, both physical and mental, that will allow one to effectively defend oneself regardless of the situation.

Taekwondo

Taekwondo will enhance self-esteem by heightening your physical and mental powers. It will build confidence by encouraging you to succeed and to take control of your life. It will develop discipline by thoroughly training your body and mind in the tenets and techniques of Taekwondo. Teach self-defence by training you to recognize situations in which physical self-defence may be necessary, and teaching you how to control such situations to your advantage.

The course will be conducted by, “Ms.Kiran Upadhya”, who is a 7th Dan Black Belt (Korea). She is also an entrant in the Limca Book of Records (’85 & ’09) for being the only lady instructor to get a 4th & 6th Dan black belt respectively in India. She was honoured by the ‘Mayor’s Cup’ for all the contributions made by her in Taekwondo. She’s a national referee and instructor for women’s safety and self-defence.

Lessons are tailored to a child's age and skill level. The child begins by practicing basic kicking, blocking, striking, and punching. These fundamental skills increase the child's physical coordination, flexibility, balance, athletic abilities, self-awareness and mental acumen.

Details of the Taekwondo Course at Kidville are as follow:

 

·        Start Date:    9^th October, 2013

·        Days:              Wednesday (once a week)

·        Sessions:        16 sessions (for 4 months)

·        Timings:          05.30 pm to 06:30 pm

·        Age Group:    4yrs onwards

·        Course Fees:  Rs. 9,600/- (per semester – 4 months)

·        Venue:                       Kidville, Atria Mall, 3^rd Floor, Worli, Mumbai

·        Contact:               +91.98200.45970/ +91.22.6556.7448 / +91.22.6736.3630

·        Email:                         kidville.worli@kwakids.com

 

You can also connect with Kidville India on Facebookat www.facebook.com/kidvilleindia, Twitter by visiting twitter.com/kidvilleindiaand Website www.kidville.in

 

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Sahil international launches Ferrari by Logic3CavallinoT-150 noise isolating earphones in India



T150_tan_side_zoom_wb

 Mumbai SEP 27th 2013(Sailesh Gandhi):Sahil International is pleased to announce the launch of new ‘T-150’ earphones from the Ferrari by Logic3 Cavallino Collection in India. Combining Ferrari’s characteristic, style and personality with cutting edge technology, the T-150 earphoneis worthy of the Ferrari brand.

 

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Mr. Sahil Sani, CEO, Sahil International, says “A luxurious design, the T-150 earphones from the Ferrari’s Cavallino collection is a treat for all the Ferrari fans. Inspired by the GT Car’s excellent craftsmanship, T-150 earphone is very snug, with excellent bass and superb noise isolating functionality. It comes with an inline remote, microphone and a classy carry case making it a must have for all the Ferrari fans.”

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Ferrari CavallinoT150earphones boasts of an exclusive design in top quality leather and infinite attention to detail, inspired by the excellent craftsmanship found on the GT cars. The earphones are made of lightweight aluminum and are leather bound to ensure maximum comfort and durability. 

 

The earphones are fitted with a 10 mm driver, patented Thin Film Acoustic Technology (TFAT), that produces a passive dynamic Balance System, lower bass range and a wider band frequency range to achieve a high fidelity sound.

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The T150 earphoneshave special speakers that filter noise and preserve the original musical dynamics, plus interchangeable earphone pads for personalized comfort. They are equipped with an anti-tangle cable and a one-button remote control with microphone for Apple, Windows, Blackberry devices and most of the other mobile phones. They come in a customized protective carbon fiber case.

 

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Pricing and Availability

T-150 earphones from the Ferrari by Logic3 Cavallino Collectionare available in India at a retail price of Rs.12,935/-. For additional product information please visitwww.ferrari-by-logic3.com

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YES BANK awarded with ‘The Strongest Bank Balance Sheet in India’ by the Asian Banker Magazine

Asian Banker Award 4 Yes Bank

Dubai / Mumbai Sep 23rd 2013(Sailesh Gandhi): YES BANK, India’s fourth largest private sector Bank, has been recognized with ‘The Strongest Bank Balance Sheet in India’ by the Asian Banker, Singapore. YES BANK has received this international recognition based on a detailed and transparent scorecard that ranks banks across 6 key parameters which are -Scalability relative to domestic GDP, Balance Sheet Gowth, Prudent Risk Management, Profitability, Asset Quality and Liquidity.

Commenting on this prestigious recognition, Mr. Rana Kapoor, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK Ltd., said, "We are pleased with this global recognition. This is an extremely significant achievement positioning YES BANK alongside the Best Banks in the Asia Pacific region. Since its inception, YES BANK has demonstrated sustained financial performance on the back of consistent profitability, income generation and finest asset quality. This coveted award is a testament to YES BANK’s holistic knowledge driven focus, which is spearheaded by a fine Top Management team and effective execution of our well defined objectives."

The Asian Banker, earlier awarded YES BANK, ‘The Strongest Bank in India in 2012’ and ‘The Best Managed Bank in India’ for a 3 year period; 2011 – 2013. Additionally, the magazine also recognized Mr. Rana Kapoor with ‘The Asian Banker CEO Leadership Achievement Award’ for India for achievements during the 3-Year period, 2011-2013.

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Sony Music to launch Ajay Singha’s‘In Rahon Mein’India’s first for the road album

~ Album features collaboration with eminent musicians including Ash King, Meiyang Chang, Raman Mahadevan, ShriramIyer, MohitPathak and TriscaFernandes  ~



Actor, Singer, Anchor Meiyang Chang
 performs at the 'In Raahon Mein'
 album launch

Mumbai Sep 24th  2013(Sailesh Gandhi): Sony Music India, promises to present listeners with new music with each of its release, is proud to launch India’s first for the road album ‘In Rahon Mein’. The album is composed by the multi-faceted singer composer and producer Ajay Singha (Miko

) featuring popular voices of Ash King, Meiyang Chang, Raman, Mahadevan and ShriramIyer. The sound of the album is acoustic with plenty of live playing sessions weaved through its recurrent theme of journeys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Singer Shriram Iyer performing at the
 In Raahon Mein Album Launch

The title track ‘In Rahon Mein’ also has a video featuring TV personality RuslanMumtaz which was premiered at the album listening session. The evening also witnessed performances by Chang, Ajay Singha,ShriramIyer, Raman Mahadevan, MohitPathak and TriscaFernandes  who enthralled the audience and kept them wanting for more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Singer Kailash Kher at the
Ajay Singha's Album Launch

An album of and for the road, is designed for listening contentment while driving or when in a relaxed environment. Starting from the Indian semi-classical and rock fusion opening track (Teri Yaadein), to Pahadi folk combined with country rock track (In RahonMein), it is a confluence of different musical genres. The 7 track album also explores genres like Sufi rock, Pop rock, Funk and Jazz fusion, Folk rock.

Commenting on the same, “SanujeetBhujabal, Marketing Director Sony Music India  said, “We see great deal of potential in Ajay’s music. He has the creativity to intertwine genres & discover new forms of music. This is our first association with him and we are certain that his work will be appreciated by the music enthusiasts.”

TV Actor Ravi at the launch of Ajay
Singha's Album - In Raahon Meinn



‘’In Rahon Mein is a musical collaboration of various genres of music along with soulful voices from the best in the industry. The compositions in the album take you through the journey of memories.’’, says Ajay Singha who began his career with singing and jamming with rock bands and  was one of the first to introduce blues and jazz rock to the Mumbai music circuit.

Whether you're driving across the country or just getting out of town, this compilation is just the push you need for a smooth trip. A must have for all travel-buffs!

 

 

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Kindle Fire HD 7” tablets now available starting at Rs. 11,999

Jem

Mumbai Sep 24th  2013(Sailesh Gandhi): Amazon India announced that the 16 GB KindleFire HD 7”  tablet is now available at a new price point of Rs. 11,999, revised from the earlier Rs. 15,999  and the 32GB Kindle Fire HD 7”  tablet that was priced at Rs.18,999 is now priced at Rs. 15,999.

The announcement timed with the festive season spending makes the  Kindle HD 7” even more attractive to  customers in India  who can now have access to over two million apps, games and  eBooks, including more than 325,000 eBooks that are exclusive to the Kindle Store at an exciting new price.

Designed for entertainment, Kindle Fire HD is perfect for web browsing, apps, games and reading eBooks. Features include:

•   The most popular apps and games.

•    Easy-to-use e-mail, calendar, and contacts for work or home, including Gmail, Hotmail,             Exchange, and more.

Tate

•    Stunning customized HD display with in-plane switching, Advanced True Wide polarizing filter and customized laminated touch sensor with rich colour and deep contrast from any viewing angle; ideal for movies, apps, and gaming.

•    Fast web browsing and streaming with built-in dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi.

•   Custom Dolby audio and dual stereo speakers for crisp, rich sound.

•   Front-facing HD camera for taking photos or making video calls.

•   Exceptional battery life—Kindle Fire HD gets over 10 hours of battery life.

•  “Buy Once, Read Everywhere” with the free Kindle app available on a large number of platforms so customers can use their Kindle books on any of their devices. Amazon’s Whispersync technology automatically saves and synchronizes a customer’s last page read, bookmarks, notes and highlights across their Kindle apps and Kindle devices.

•  Amazon's top-rated, world-class customer service.

With Kindle Fire tablets  customers  in India have instant access to the most popular apps and games including Facebook, Temple Run and Angry Birds and marquee Indian apps including BIGFLIX ,ChhotaBheem, Throne of Bali, Dhingana, ErosNow, ESPNCricinfo, MapMyIndia, MakeMyTrip, SonyLIV, BookMyShow, Zomato, Nimbuzz Messenger  and NDTV, each optimized for Kindle Fire HD.

The India Kindle store has the largest selection of eBooks, including the most bestsellers; illustrated content including comic series such as Amar Chitra Katha, Batman and Watchmen; Children’s titles such as the Mr Men series; and the lowest prices across any e-bookstore in India. There are over 1.97 million books, including over 325,000 titles that are exclusive to the Kindle Store. Of these over 600,000 books are priced ₹200 or less and over 1.2 million ₹600 or less.

Kindle Fire HD 7” is available at over 200  retail outlets across India including Croma, Reliance Digital, E-Zone, UniverCell and Vijay Sales stores located in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and Pune — visit www.amazon.in/KindleRetailersfor details.

Customers can discover full details and order Kindle Fire HD at www.amazon.in/kindlefirehd.

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SCA intends to launch on the Indian market in the coming months includeTENA

SCA invests in India

 

Mumbai  Sep 23rd 2013(Sailesh Gandhi):SCA – a leading global hygiene and forest products companieshas decided to set up a manufacturing facility for hygiene products with an investment of about SEK 150 million (around Rs 145 crore) in India. The facility is expected to commence production in 2015.

“This investment creates a solid platform for us to leverage the favorable growth opportunities that exist in the hygiene products area in India. The investment is in line with our strategy of strengthening SCA’s presence in emerging markets”, says Jan Johansson, President and CEO of SCA.

The brands that SCA intends to launch on the Indian market in the coming months includeTENA - the world leader in incontinence care,Liberobaby care, Tempo – for hand and face hygieneand Tork– the global leader in the away-from-home tissue segment.

“SCA aims to grow organically and has extensive experience in the hygiene business, which should help to provide better hygiene for the Indian consumer. The large population and the low penetration of hygiene products provide the potential for SCA’s future growth,” adds Cecilia Edebo - Vice President Consumer Goods SCA India.

Milind Pingle - Managing Director SCA indicated that it is SCA’s aim to become the preferred supplier of hygiene products in India. “In order to achieve this goal we have done thorough research of the Indian market and developed a solid plan that takes into account regional specifics as well as preferences of our target audiences,” Pingle said.

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Star World Premiere HD launches in India with Tata Sky

Mumbai Sep 23th 2013(Sailesh Gandhi) :Missing the latest episode of ‘Castle’ or ‘Suits’? Waiting to download the latest season of ‘Revenge’ on the weekend or awaiting new shows running in the US?

Tata Sky, the leading Direct-to-home service provider in the country, today announced the addition of the much awaited Star World Premiere HD to its channel offerings. The High Definition (HD) channel enables viewers to enjoy world class entertainment in real time for tech savvy English audiences in the country.

Tata sky setup box

Typically English Entertainment channels air shows about 6 to 11 months after the show has been aired in the US. To keep up with the pace of these shows, avid viewers download shows off the net and watch it on the laptop or PC. With Star World Premiere HD Channel, shows will be aired in India soon after the episode is aired in the US. Starting 24th September, Tata Sky will be the only DTH provider with an option to view the new English entertainment channel.

With the growing affluent population in country, the demand for popular English content on Television is on the rise. With Tata Sky, subscribers can now watch original content every day along with an array of new programs and latest seasons of all shows. This will be a long awaited treat for fans of global English entertainment. Star World Premier HD will be available as an A-la-Carte channel at a nominal amount of Rs. 60/- per month.

To subscribe for Star World Premiere HD, SMS SWPR to 56633, call the helpline or log on to www.tatasky.com

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SFL BANTAMWEIGHT fight between India’s Narender Grewal & Amr abdel malek Mahmoud from Egypt entrals

Narender_Grewal

Mumbai Sep 21st 2013(Sailesh Gandhi): Super fight league, the first professional Mixed Martial Arts Organization from India.
Held another edition of Friday fight nights billed as SFL -26/27 at the Film alaya Studios, Andheri, Mumbai.

SFL 27 main attraction bout between the top bantamweight title contender, Narender grewal who once again looked determined to prove why he deserves a title shot and, this time he locked horns against the top Egyptain talent in Abdel Malek. 

Narender who quickly disposed off his Sri lankan opponent in just under 30secs in his last fight looked resolute to showcase his expertise this time too and move another step closer to the title shot. After a spectacular opening of the fight with both national anthems of india and Egypt were played..both fighters got highly pumped to win this for National pride..

Narender Grewal however had other ideas and kept calm and stuck to his game plan and literally drew abdel to the ground game, to show his new and improved ground skills Narender after softening up abdel some hard elbows while being in abdel malek's half guard, slowly advanced position and sunk in a tight arm triangle to force Abdel Malik to tap. won via arm triangle submission in round one.

 

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India wins Egypt loses.The crowds went ballistic with chants of Narender and india.

Sealing off a great night of fights..CEO Daniel Isaac promises much more exciting fight nights from the house of SFL.
Super fight league is although taking small steps but surely is on its way to top as one of the most exciting MMA promotions of the world.

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