ESPN STAR Sports introduces zing: will launch TNA Wrestling in Hindi

Media Release, July 30

Mumbai

ESPN STAR Sports, is going to launch ‘TNA Wrestling’ in Hindi. The first episode of TNA Wrestling in Hindi will be broadcast at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 on STAR Sports.

This initiative is in line with ESPN STAR Sports’ strategy to constantly innovate and localize content to suit the taste of Indian audiences. The sports network will also drive a marketing campaign to build the popularity of localised wrestling.

According to R C Venkateish, managing director, ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd, “ESPN STAR Sports acquisition of TNA wrestling has placed us uniquely as sports channel with the most wholesome programming. Wresting was the only genre within sports, which was missing and we have filled that gap completely after acquiring TNA Wrestling.”

Why this sudden move? “Our research has pointed out that there is a demand for wrestling in Hindi, that localization will greatly help in increasing the understanding for wrestling and that localization will help us in opening new markets for the sport. Keeping these in mind we have launched the localized TNA”, he says.

For the programme, Sonjoy Dutt, the Indian-American wrestler, along with 2 other leading wrestlers of ‘TNA Wrestling’ will visit India for a promotional tour in September 2005. “Presence of Sonjay Dutt, an Indian wrestler, commentators Joe and Manish, will accelerate TNA’s acceptability. We will invest in marketing of TNA to accelerate the process.” adds Venkateish.

The sports network has roped in two new anchors – Joe Baath & Manish Batavia who will commentate in Hindi for TNA. While ‘Big Joe’ has prior experience of anchoring and presenting television shows involving high level of viewer interactivity, the confident and youthful Manish is an ESPN STAR Sports find from ‘Harsha Ki Khoj’.

Besides commentating during the wrestling bouts in Hindi, both anchors will analyse matches of the day in special pre & post shows. The commentators have put in hours of hard work and research to understand the nuances of wrestling, which they will be presenting on a regular basis starting August 02, 2005.

Expressing his excitement on the new assignment, Joe Baath, says, “I am extremely energized by the whole idea of watching wrestling and commentating on it. I have been following wrestling for years and now to be such an integral part of the ESPN STAR Sports team on TNA wrestling is a matter of personal pride.”

Manish adds, “I worship television as a medium. Its power is second to none. The other activity, which I find completely captivating is sports. So I was a bit disappointed when I did not make it in ‘Harsha Ki Khoj’ but thanks to TNA I have got my chance. I will make most of it. Along with Big Joe, I have put in lots of labor in upgrading our wrestling knowledge. Together we will make the TNA viewing extremely enjoyable for our viewers.”

For further information please contact:

ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd.

Sameer Bajaj, assistant manager - Corporate Communications

Tel: 011-5154 4444 - 51

Email: sameerb@espnstar.co.in

www.espnstar.com