Apollo Tyres has announced the winners of the second season of United We Play, the on-ground grassroots football competition, in association with Manchester United. The grand finale was held in Chennai. The company said the second season saw an overwhelming response with the participation of more than 5000 budding footballing talent from India. Four young footballers – Chennai’s RS Preyarhanjan, Federick Kurbah from Meghalaya, Chandigarh’s Ronald Singh and Kunal Yeole from Pune – emerged as the winners. 

Manchester United Legends Peter Schmeichel, Nemanja Vidic, Mikael Silvestre, Louis Saha, Quinton Fortune, Wes Brown and Ronny Johnsen, were also present during the finale. 

United We Play is a pan-India initiative by Apollo Tyres and Manchester United to support young footballers in India by giving them a platform to showcase their skills with the objective of motivating aspiring footballers to continue playing, by engaging with them, and introducing them to global training methodologies, the release said. 

The second season of United We Play was launched earlier this year with a virtual interaction with Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov.  

The four shortlisted players received an opportunity to visit Old Trafford and participate in activities like a matchday experience, training session with Manchester United Soccer School coaches, and interaction with legends.  

The second season was conducted across 19 markets in India, in a hybrid format comprising 10 virtual workshops and Masterclasses across 12 markets, and an on-ground leg across eight places in two phases. As part of United We Play, Indian coaches also underwent a development programme under the Manchester United Soccer School coaches. Later the first round of trials to shortlist the top players from each market has been conducted. The second phase of trials was conducted by Manchester United Soccer School coaches, and the four winners were subsequently shortlisted. 

Victoria Timpson, CEO of Alliances and Partnerships, Manchester United, said, “Manchester United is proud of its longstanding partnership with Apollo and the continuous work they do to encourage football amongst aspiring young players in India. In its second successful year, the United We Play programme has reached more than five thousand players across India, giving them an opportunity to express their skills and love of the game. It is a delight to see so many talented young footballers participate in Apollo’s United We Play programme and on behalf of everyone at Manchester United I congratulate all the finalists and as well as the final four winners.” 

Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service (India, SAARC & Oceania), Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Our grassroots programme for the development of football, is showing some success, as we see good talent emerging from different parts of the country. This season, the selectors have had a tough time choosing the best four out of more than five thousand participants. While the selected ones will have the opportunity to engage with and learn from one of the most iconic clubs in the world, I would also like to compliment the extremely talented kids who couldn’t find a place in the final four.” 

The theme for this edition was ‘Access to Sports’ with the aim of creating access to global standards in player development and engaging the youth via sport even without access to open spaces. (TT)

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India will once again be represented at the world's most formidable rally raid as veteran racer Sanjay Takale prepares for his second attempt at the Dakar Rally in 2026. This event, renowned as the ultimate endurance challenge, will see Takale draw upon his disciplined approach and decades of international racing expertise across both motorcycles and cars. His participation underscores a continued, though rare, Indian presence on this global motorsport stage.

Takale’s previous campaign was historically successful, culminating in an 18th-place overall finish. Framing his upcoming effort as an evolved chapter, he is focusing on intensified preparation and strategic refinement. This return is fuelled by over 35 years of accumulated track insight and a sharpened competitive perspective.

In addition to his driving career, Takale’s role as Director of aerpace Industries allows him to champion broader national ambitions in engineering and mobility. He consistently frames motorsport as a dynamic proving ground for core industrial principles like precision, systemic endurance and meticulous execution.

Ultimately, Takale's journey back to the Dakar starting line symbolises India's growing footprint in international motorsport. It is a narrative built not on fleeting speed but on profound experience, resilience and a dedicated pursuit of excellence under the world's most extreme racing conditions.

Takle said, “My first Dakar was an extraordinary experience. Dakar changes you once you race it; you are never the same. It challenges you mentally, breaks you down and teaches you resilience, discipline and the true meaning of fighting back. I emerged not just as a stronger driver but as a different person altogether. This year, my focus is clear to return, finish the rally again and significantly improve my position. I will once again be competing for my team, aerpace Racers, with technical support from Compagne Sharenne, France. I am proud to represent India as the only four-wheeler entry for the second consecutive year. My goal is simple: to see the finish line and to finish stronger.”

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Hankook Tire has been honoured with a Ministerial Commendation by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources of Korea. The honour was conferred at the 2025 Outstanding Overseas Investment Contributors Awards, an event hosted at the Korean Cultural Center in Budapest, Hungary, designed to recognise firms that enhance national competitiveness through global investment. During the ceremony, the company's leadership detailed its achievements to an audience of diplomatic officials and fellow Korean businesses operating in the region.

The award celebrated Hankook Tire's excellence across four critical areas. Economically, its strategic manufacturing base in Rácalmás, Hungary, established in 2008, has become a significant contributor to the Korean economy through consistent profit repatriation. The company has also acted as a catalyst for other Korean enterprises, enabling market entry for supply chain partners while securing its own strategic alliances within Europe, thereby strengthening the collective agility and global standing of Korean industry.

Beyond commerce, the company's deep local social commitment was highly recognised. The Hungarian plant is a cornerstone of the regional economy, having multiplied its local workforce to approximately 3,000 employees and maintaining this stability even through periods of global economic uncertainty. This commitment extends through extensive community outreach, including the long-term donation of tyres to enhance public and private mobility safety, alongside targeted investments in local infrastructure, social welfare and youth scholarships.

Furthermore, Hankook Tire serves as a central pillar for the Korean business community in Hungary. By holding leadership roles in major business associations, the company facilitates essential dialogue and practical cooperation, helping to resolve common challenges and support the sustainable operation of Korean enterprises in the market. Through this powerful combination of economic performance, social integration and community leadership, Hankook Tire exemplifies the impactful role of responsible overseas investment in fostering mutual growth and strengthening international ties.

Ho Taek Lim, Managing Director of Hankook Tire Hungary plant, said, “As a representative company with deep roots in Hungary, Hankook Tire is committed to fostering unity within the Korean community and supporting the successful establishment of Korean companies entering the market. Through close collaboration with local institutions, we will continue enhancing the competitiveness of Korean companies in Europe while advancing Korea’s national interests.”

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced the Vredestein Comtrac 2+, a new summer tyre engineered for light commercial vehicles. Set for a European launch in January 2026, this premium model will be available in 21 sizes for rims from 15 to 17 inches, including extra-load variants for heavier demands. It builds upon its predecessor with significant advancements in durability, efficiency and overall performance, aiming to lower the total cost of ownership for fleet operators.

A key innovation is a fourth-generation polymer compound, which boosts abrasion resistance by 13 percent. This advancement extends tread life, reduces replacement frequency and minimises the release of microplastics from wear. The tyre’s construction includes a reinforced bead area and a robust carcass for enhanced stability and reliability under heavy loads, improving vehicle uptime. Safety in wet weather is addressed through a specialised silica filler and an efficient tread pattern designed to prevent aquaplaning by rapidly dispersing water.

Furthermore, the Comtrac 2+ achieves a seven percent reduction in rolling resistance, improving fuel economy for conventional vehicles and helping to extend the driving range of electric and hybrid vans. Every aspect of the tyre is crafted for maximum longevity and cost efficiency, supporting business operations with fewer interruptions. The product also meets the stringent requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation, aligning with contemporary environmental and sustainability standards.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President, Commercial EMEA, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “With the Comtrac 2+, we set out to address the changing demands of today’s light commercial vehicle operators, whether independent trade professionals or major fleet managers. Our R&D Team has engineered the tyre to deliver longer tread life, lower rolling resistance and a safer, more comfortable ride that drives greater efficiency – all at an accessible price point.”

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MRF Tyres has once again proven its motorsport pedigree by securing the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship Team Title. The official accolade was presented at the season-ending FIA Awards Gala in Tashkent, where Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Arun Mammen collected the trophy. This gala represents the pinnacle of the international motorsport calendar, formally recognising champions from across the discipline.

This victory marks the team’s third ERC crown, following previous successes in 2022 and 2023. It was earned through a campaign defined by remarkable consistency and adaptability across diverse rally stages. Strategic tyre choices and seamless coordination between the team’s personnel, engineers and driving crews were fundamental to this achievement, highlighting the programme’s overall strength and the reliability of its products.

The company has extended its appreciation to every individual who contributed to this result. The recognition at such a distinguished forum reinforces the company’s commitment to excellence and cements its position as a leading force on the global rally stage.

Mammen said, “We are deeply honoured to receive the Team Title at such a prestigious occasion. This award recognises not only the work of our engineers and staff, but also the spirit, dedication and resilience of the entire MRF Tyres organisation, both on and off the stages of the 2025 European Rally Championship. When preparation, performance and passion come together, tyres can make the difference. This trophy underlines our commitment and encourages us to continue delivering our very best in the seasons to come.”

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