Tag: Sourav Ganguly

Sports

India’s First Formula Night Street Race Announced for Navi Mumbai This December

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, team Allycaral

India is gearing up for its first-ever Formula Night Street Race, and Navi Mumbai is the city chosen to make history. This December, the city will host the grand finale of the Indian Racing Festival on a brand-new 3.753 km street circuit that winds through the scenic Palm Beach Road and alongside the serene Nerul Lake. This major announcement comes just weeks after the reveal of a Goa Street Circuit, further cementing India’s emergence in global motorsports.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has partnered with Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) to bring this ambitious project to life, marking Maharashtra’s debut in the elite tier of street racing. The F4 India finale will take place under lights, making it the first night street race of its kind in the country. With 14 technical turns, the track promises to deliver high-speed action and showcase the raw talent of India’s growing racing community.

This event is more than just motorsport—it is an effort to redefine Maharashtra’s global image and turn it into Asia’s motorsport hub. State leadership believes the event will inspire a new generation of racers, create jobs, boost tourism, and demonstrate India’s capacity to host world-class racing events.

Adding glamour and nationwide buzz to the event are the celebrity team owners: John Abraham (Goa Aces), Arjun Kapoor (Speed Demons Delhi), Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Royal Tigers), Sudeep Kichcha (Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru), Naga Chaitanya (Hyderabad Blackbirds), and Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand (Chennai Turbo Riders). These high-profile names bring not only star power but also a deep passion for the sport, helping motorsport reach new audiences.

Previously, the Indian Racing Festival has held races in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Coimbatore, with Goa slated as the next destination. However, the Navi Mumbai finale represents the boldest leap yet toward building a sustainable motorsport ecosystem in India. More details, including the full driver lineup, event schedule, and fan experiences, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

As the engines prepare to roar under city lights, one thing is clear: Navi Mumbai is ready to shine on the global racing map.

Events in Goa

Goa Street Race 2025: India’s First Oceanfront Circuit Announced for IRF Round 4in Mormugao

Tanisha Cardozo

In a major milestone for Indian motorsport, Goa has officially been announced as the host for the fourth round of the 2025 Indian Racing Festival. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant revealed that a 3.2 km street circuit along the scenic Headland-Sada coastline in Mormugao will become the venue for the Goa Street Race 2025, scheduled from October 31 to November 2, 2025.

This unique event marks the debut of South Asia’s first oceanfront racetrack — a landmark development in India’s push to become a global motorsport destination. The circuit will challenge racers with tight urban turns, sweeping seaside straights, and salt-laden winds – delivering a technical and visual spectacle. As the third city-based street circuit in the Indian Racing Festival, following Hyderabad and Chennai, Goa’s entry solidifies IRF’s ambitious vision of bringing high-octane motorsport to urban India.

Two premier racing championships will headline the event — the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC). The IRL is the world’s first gender-neutral motorsport league, featuring six city-based teams and an inclusive grid of global and Indian talent. F4IC, FIA-certified and FMSCI-approved, is India’s gateway for young drivers aiming to progress into international single-seater racing.

Celebrity presence adds another layer of glamour, with team owners including John Abraham (Goa Aces JA Racing), Arjun Kapoor (Speed Demons Delhi), Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Royal Tigers), Sudeep Kichcha (Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru), Naga Chaitanya (Hyderabad Blackbirds), and Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand (Chennai Turbo Riders).

Drivers such as Alvaro Parente, Raoul Hyman, Neel Jani, Jon Lancaster, Fabienne Wohlwend, Sohil Shah, Ruhaan Alva, and Laura Camps Torras will electrify the streets of Mormugao. The festival not only boosts India’s motorsport credentials but serves as an economic catalyst, drawing thousands of spectators, media, and sponsors. With support from the Goa Tourism Department, JK Tyre, Nayara Energy, Mobil1, and Bisleri, the event will generate jobs, promote high-value tourism, and create a legacy for future international sporting events in the region.

Tickets will be available via the District app later this month, and the event will be broadcast live on Star Sports Select 2 and JioHotstar.

As Dr. Sawant declared, “Goa is ready to host the world.”

Sports

Former Indian Captain Turned Ex-BCCI Chairman Sourav Ganguly Appointed Head Coach of Pretoria Capitals

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The “Maharaja of Indian Cricket”, Sourav Ganguly, has officially returned to frontline cricket—this time as Head Coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the upcoming 2026 edition of SA20, South Africa’s leading T20 cricket league.

At 53, Ganguly is proving once again that age is no barrier when it comes to passion and leadership. His appointment follows the exit of former England cricketer Jonathan Trott, who coached the Capitals in the 2023–2025 seasons and is now the Head Coach of Afghanistan’s national team.

Ganguly’s cricket journey has spanned decades—captain of Team India, a powerful figure in world cricket as BCCI President, and now, a mentor and coach stepping into one of the sport’s biggest franchise leagues. Prior to his BCCI role, he also served as a mentor with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League and is currently the Director of JSW Sports, the parent company of Pretoria Capitals.

The 2026 edition of the SA20 tournament will be held from December 26, 2025 to January 25, 2026, to avoid a direct clash with the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Ganguly expressed his gratitude and optimism about the role:

“All the best and thank you for having me,” he shared, signaling his commitment to lead the Capitals into a new era.

With Ganguly’s proven tactical mind and inspirational leadership, Pretoria Capitals will be looking to rebuild and push for a strong finish in the upcoming season. His mentorship is expected to play a vital role in developing young talent and infusing the team with a winning mentality.