The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) issued the largest-ever show cause notice to Gameskraft Technology, an online gaming startup.
The INR 21,000 Cr tax notice alleges indirect tax evasion on a bet amount of INR 77,000 Cr between 2017 and June 2022. The company has been asked to provide tax authorities with back-dated invoices. While the government has imposed a 28% GST rate, the company claims that rummy is a skill game and thus only requires an 18% GST rate.
In a move that reinforces WPBL’s structured and strategic approach, the league has announced the elevation of Charlotte Whitby-Coles as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). Having played a pivotal role in player scouting, management, and relations during WPBL’s inaugural season—along with her on-ground expertise—Charlotte was instrumental in ensuring a seamless, world-class sportainment experience in the recently culminated inaugural season. In her new role as COO, she will drive strategy along with overseeing operations, production, and execution, rewarding her contribution. Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of WPBL, said, “Charlotte has brought tremendous value to WPBL, ensuring our first season delivered on its promise of top-tier pickleball action on the court and unmatched entertainment off it. Her career spans multiple fields, including sports and entertainment, with extensive experience in tennis, pickleball, film production, and academia. This unique, holistic perspective makes her the ideal choice to lead WPBL to even greater heights. Women make up 40% of the pickleball community of India and throughout the world and are an integral part of the sport. We are committed to integrating more women into every aspect of pickleball, and having Charlotte taking on leadership role in the WPBL is reflective of how we can achieve this goal and promote the inclusion of women in the sport.” As a former tennis player, Charlotte has spent over 17 years running a tennis and pickleball academy in Panchgani, introducing the sport to schools and expanding grassroots participation. She grew up playing tennis in the UK, playing at an U18 national level and college tennis, which has provided her with a strong foundation in competitive sport and athlete management. Her understanding of player management and engagement has been integral in curating a diverse and competitive talent pool for WPBL. Reflecting on her new role, Charlotte Whitby-Coles said, “I have known Gaurav and Arati for a long time now and we share a great respect for each other as friends and professionals. I have witnessed at close quarters their impressive ability to execute their vision and ideas successfully, and the grand scale of season 1 was testament to that. The journey so far has been amazing, so the decision to accept this new role was an easy one. I am truly grateful and honoured for the opportunity and trust bestowed upon me and I look forward to working with Gaurav and Arati and the whole team at WPBL to make Season 2 even bigger and better.” WPBL’s first season, held in Mumbai from January 24 to February 2, showcased top international talent with Bengaluru Jawans being crowned champions. About the World Pickleball League (WPBL) The World Pickleball League (WPBL), promoted by Natekar Sports and Gaming, a brainchild of former Indian No. 1 tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, is at the forefront of transforming pickleball in India. WPBL is dedicated to elevating the sport through world-class events, immersive fan experiences, and a thriving community, setting new benchmarks for the game’s growth. Debuting in January 2025 with six teams, WPBL is dedicated …
TB Sports Network Pvt. Ltd, the parent company of The Bridge, has announced a pivotal leadership transition. Co-founder and Director Shuvro Ghoshal has resigned, marking the end of a significant chapter in the company’s journey. Shuvro’s strategic decision is driven by his long-standing aspiration to complete his master’s degree, a goal he is on the brink of achieving in the United Kingdom. The resignation comes at a time when The Bridge is well-positioned within the sports journalism industry. Shuvro’s decision to step down is driven by his commitment to personal and professional growth. He is currently in the final stages of his master’s program and is also serving as a Board Member at a prestigious National Governing Body (NGB) in the UK. During his tenure at The Bridge, Shuvro has elevated the brand to a leading position in sports journalism and athlete storytelling. Reflecting on his departure, he said, “Stepping down from my role at The Bridge is a bittersweet moment for me. Leading The Bridge has been an extraordinary journey. We created a platform that not only covers sports but also tells stories about athletes who inspire. I am proud of what we’ve achieved in the past five years.” Under his leadership, The Bridge achieved significant milestones during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with record-breaking levels of engagement and interaction, which was even highlighted on X (formerly Twitter) by ex-Sports Minister of India, Kiren Rijiju. “The Bridge was founded with the vision to bring forward the voices of athletes that often go unheard. As I transition to a new chapter, I am confident that the team will continue to uphold this mission and elevate the platform to even greater heights,” Shuvro added. In addition, Ghoshal has transferred his ownership stake in The Bridge to investor Narendra Firodia for an undisclosed amount, leading to a realignment in the company’s shareholding structure. Narendra Firodia added, “When I met Shuvro six years ago, his passion for sports was evident. The Bridge has become a leading name in the sports industry thanks to the efforts of Shuvro and Arshi. I’m confident he’s moving on to even greater achievements. I wish him all the best.” TB Sports Network Private Limited will continue to function under the leadership of investor Narendra Firodia, co-founder Arshi Yasin and dedicated team members. Source Link
MENATech Entertainment, the Middle East arm of the international gaming company GGTech Entertainment, has announced a remarkable growth in Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports (AUE) tournaments with over 100 teams registering in the KSA and a total of 2,194 students participating, almost a 57% growth from the last season. Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports is a global initiative operating in 26 countries, designed to integrate the diverse needs of the expanding esports industry by hosting competitions for university students. This platform not only fosters community and friendship through online and in-person events but also serves as a gateway for students to gain early professional experiences in various fields such as programming, design, marketing, and law, thus aligning with the industry’s demand for a wide range of professionals. In its commitment to expanding participation, AUE welcomed over 10 new universities from the KSA, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and broadening the talent pool within the esports community. This initiative is a global effort, with AUE impacting over 100,000 students across 26 countries and 2,600 universities. GGTech’s engagement further amplifies this reach, boasting over 600,000 registered participants across various competitions. AUE stands out by encouraging collaboration and fostering community among students through diverse games like FIFA, VALORANT, and PUBG Mobile, highlighting the platform’s role in enhancing academic and social connections. Last year, the competition solidified strategic support with companies like Shahid and Deliveroo. Hosting 85% of the gaming enthusiasts in the MENA region, AUE has placed an early bet on the KSA as an up-and-coming esports hub. The country is gearing up to solidify its position as the global epicentre of esports by hosting the Esports World Cup in the summer of 2024, and the construction of the megaproject ‘Qiddiya City Esports Arena’, the first stadium created for the immersive gaming and sports experience. The esports market in KSA, valued at $1 billion in 2021, is on a trajectory to explode to $6.8 billion by 2030. Furthermore, with the rollout of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, KSA aims to boost its GDP by about 50 billion riyals and create 39,000 new job opportunities by 2030. Mario Perez, CEO of MENA Tech Entertainment, highlights, “With the esports industry projected to reach $1.6 billion in turnover by 2024 and an expected 24.7% increase in worldwide spectatorship, the booming sector mirrors the growth within Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports. As we reflect on the triumphs of this year’s tournaments, we’re eager to deepen our collaboration with universities and their students in the KSA. The enthusiastic response by both the teams and individual participants reaffirms the increasing influence of AUE within the educational domain, showing a promising future.” In KSA and the surrounding region, the goal remains to sustain growth and extend the reach of GGTech’s endeavours to an increasing number of students for its competitions, training and educational components. Moreover, this year will witness the return of the AUE Masters, an in-person event where students from the region can exhibit their gaming skills and passion, and interact and make connections …
