MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks (SPN), in collaboration with Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM), is attempting to bring fans closer to the Commonwealth Games (CWG) with Hindi commentary on Sony Ten 3 channels and English commentary on Sony Six and Sony Ten 2 channels.

SPSN senior VP marketing and OAP Kedar Teny said, “2018 is a watershed year for sports given that there are two multi-sporting events in the year in a build-up to the Olympics. People in India want to watch other sports and CWG is one such initiative.”

In addition to more than 150 hours of live games telecast, SPN will also air more than 30 hours of highlights and repeats for viewers to catch up with all the sporting action in Gold Coast, Australia.

India has excelled at the CWG, winning 75 gold medals and 215 medals overall in the last three editions of the marquee sports event. This year, expectations soar high with fans across the country inspired by SPN, send their good wishes for the Indian contingent with their #RangDeTiranga message.

SPN is taking note of the regional sector. Teny said, “The interest and awareness for CWG is building in the country and the momentum is already picking up. The multi-sporting culture is beginning to evolve in the country. As we start seeing a sizeable regional population demanding content, we will be ahead of the curve at that time.”

Viewers can also look forward to in-depth coverage of the games with a live studio show which features expert panellists like wrestler Geeta Phogat, shuttler Aparna Popat, shooter Anjali Bhagwat, hockey Olympian Viren Rasquinha and hockey player, Jagbir Singh. Raman Bhanot, Nikhil Naz and Gautam Bhimani will host different segments of the show, while sports columnist Ayaz Memon will provide his expert insights to the viewers.

Indian athletes Anjali Bhagwat, Aparna Popat and Viren Rasquinha sent their best wishes and support to the 2018 CWG contingent with the #RangDeTiranga initiative.

“The #RangDeTiranga campaign is SPN’s rallying cry that taps into the emotions of Indian sports fans and asks them to show their support for the tricolour. It brings alive our ethos to go beyond and cultivate a multi-sport viewing culture in India. Our intent is to bind the sports fans in a one game-cry ‘Rang de Tiranga’ and give them the opportunity to watch their heroes bring glory to the nation,” Teny added.

Bhagwat, a professional Indian shooter, multiple gold medallist at the CWG said, “The mind-set and morale of our athletes is upbeat considering their high-level achievements so far. I am very confident about the success of our Indian team in the upcoming CWG.”

Popat, nine-time badminton national champion said, “It’s a huge responsibility and at the same time a feeling of immense pride to represent the tiranga at an international multi-sports event like the CWG. I would like to wish the entire Indian contingent the very best and hope they emerge victorious. I am thrilled to be a part of the Rang De Tiranga well-wishing ceremony.”

Former captain of India's national hockey team Viren Rasquinha said, “The recent performance of the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams has been very promising. The CWG is a great platform for the teams to take their performance to the next level. Focus, self-belief, team-work and great team spirit are critical to bring laurels to the country. Rang De Tiranga is a great initiative by Sony Pictures Networks and it will surely encourage the entire Indian contingent travelling to Gold Coast."