The anticipation for the ‘Legends Faceoff’ has just hit a whole new level! As the countdown intensifies, The Sports Front, a trailblazer in global sports entertainment, is ecstatic to unveil an electrifying update—eight more football legends are set to join the historic showdown between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid Legends on April 6, 2025, at the iconic DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

Brace yourselves, football fans! Now, stepping onto the pitch to add even more magic to this clash of titans are none other than Xavi Hernández, Rivaldo, Javier Saviola, Michael Owen, Pepe, Phillip Cocu, and Christian Karembeu! 

Organised by The Sports Front with HSBC as the official banking partner, this is more than just a match – it is a collision of legacies, a night where history will be rewritten under the Mumbai skyline. 

With each passing day, the energy surges, the stakes rise, and the legends prepare to take center-stage. the HSBC Starstruck Lounge is now live—offering fans an exclusive chance to meet their legends, click pictures, and enjoy top-class hospitality in a truly unforgettable setting.

*New Legends Set to Take the Stage:*

• *Xavi Hernández* – A midfield maestro and one of the greatest passers in football history, Xavi won eight La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies with FC Barcelona. He was also instrumental in Spain’s 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2008 & 2012 victories.

• *Rivaldo* – The 1999 Ballon d’Or winner and a key figure for both Barcelona and Brazil, Rivaldo helped Barça win two La Liga titles and was a pivotal part of Brazil’s 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning squad.

• *Javier Saviola* – The Argentine forward dazzled fans at both Barcelona and Real Madrid, earning a reputation for his speed and clinical finishing. He won La Liga (2004-05) with Barcelona and lifted the UEFA Cup (now Europa League) with Sevilla (2005-06).

• *Michael Owen* – The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner, Owen was a goal-scoring sensation for Real Madrid and the England national team. He was part of the Real Madrid squad that won the La Liga title in the 2004-05 season.

• *Pepe* – A defensive stalwart for Real Madrid and Portugal, Pepe won three UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga trophies with Los Blancos. He was also a key part of Portugal’s UEFA Euro 2016 and 2019 UEFA Nations League-winning teams.

• *Phillip Cocu* – The Dutch midfield general, known for his tactical intelligence, won one La Liga titles with Barcelona and was a key part of the Netherlands national team during their golden era.

• *Christian Karembeu* – A powerhouse midfielder for Real Madrid, Karembeu won two UEFA 

Champions League titles and played a pivotal role in France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 triumphs.

*Legends React to the Big Announcement:*

_*Xavi Hernández:* “I’ve experienced some of the greatest rivalries in football, and now I can’t wait to relive it in front of passionate Indian fans in Mumbai. Get ready for a special night!”_

_*Rivaldo:* “Football is about passion, skill, and unforgettable moments. India, I’m coming to bring my best to Legends Faceoff! See you on April 6.”_

_*Michael Owen:* “India has some of the most passionate football fans, and I’m looking forward to stepping onto the pitch for Legends Faceoff. See you in Mumbai!”_

_*Pepe:* “I’ve always loved playing in high-intensity games, and this will be no different. Looking forward to a night of great football in Mumbai!”_

_*Commenting on the partnership with The Sports Front, Mr. Sandeep Batra, Head, International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC* “The ‘Legends Faceoff’ in Mumbai is not just a testament to the universal love for the game, but also a reflection of India’s growing passion for football. HSBC has a strong commitment towards sports and believes in the transformative power of sports in driving positive change in society and inspiring future generations.”_

*The Sports Front Speaks on the Growing Excitement*

_*Speaking about the growing excitement, Mr. Ankur Kumar, Chief Marketing Office, The Sports Front, said:* “The response to Legends Faceoff has been phenomenal, and adding these global football icons makes this event even more special. We are committed to delivering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Indian fans, and April 6 will be a night to remember.”_

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the transformative power of sports, with football holding a special place in his vision for a fitter and more dynamic India. Under his leadership, the sport has witnessed increased investment in grassroots development, global collaborations, and initiatives aimed at making India a rising force in football. 

The Legends Faceoff has captured the attention of the global football community, with renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano expressing his excitement for the blockbuster fixture on social media. As the countdown continues, anticipation soars across India, setting the stage for yet another unforgettable chapter in football history—brought to life by The Sports Front!

With a growing list of footballing greats and an electrifying atmosphere in store, Mumbai is set to witness history on April 6, 2025.

*Event Details:*
*Venue:* DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
*Date:* April 6, 2025
*Tickets available on:* District App

JSW Sports, on Wednesday, announced that it would be conducting the JSW Indian Open – India’s first ever PSA Squash Copper Event, that will take place from March 24-28 at the Bombay Gymkhana, in Mumbai.

The tournament will feature the biggest names in Indian squash in Ramit Tandon, Velavan Senthilkumar, Veer Chotrani, Anahat Singh, and Akanksha Salunkhe, alongside some of best talent from countries like Egypt, Canada, Malaysia, Japan among others.

A $40,000 prize money event, the JSW Indian Open marks the return of a top squash tournament in the country after 2018, when Mumbai hosted the CCI International – a PSA World Tour Silver tournament.

The tournament will be hosted across Bombay Gymkhana’s indoor courts, with a full-glass outdoor court set up for the quarterfinal, semifinal and final, creating a thrilling spectator experience.

Speaking on the tournament, Parth Jindal, Founder, JSW Sports, said, “With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, now is as good a time as any to give the sport the fillip it needs. The JSW Indian Open is a statement of intent from Indian squash, and we are excited to give some of the best Indian and global talent a platform through this tournament.”

India No.1 Ramit Tandon, who is also represented by JSW Sports, said, “It’s always special to compete at home, and having a PSA event like the JSW Indian Open in India is a huge boost for the sport. The level of competition is right up there, and it’s a great opportunity for Indian players to test themselves against the best. With squash making its Olympic debut at LA28, events like these are crucial in building momentum and inspiring the next generation.”

PSA CEO Alex Gough welcomed the return of a PSA tournament to India, calling it a significant step for the sport’s growth. “Hosting world-class events on home soil not only helps Indian players compete at the highest level but also strengthens the squash ecosystem,” he said.

He also emphasized the role of such tournaments in expanding the sport’s reach. “By bringing elite competitions to India, we are creating a pathway for young players to develop, grow the fan base, and ensure the sport continues to thrive.”

India’s women number 2, Anahat Singh also shared her excitement about the tournament, saying, “Bringing a top-tier PSA event to India is a game-changer for players and fans alike. Competing against top international players pushes us to be better, and it’s an amazing opportunity to grow. With squash making its Olympic debut at LA28, events like these are key to building excitement and inspiring young players to dream big.”

India’s Kush Maini was on Tuesday promoted to the reserve driver’s role at the Alpine Formula 1 team ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 16.

Maini competes in the Formula 2, a feeder series to Formula 1. The 24-year-old from Bengaluru joined Alpine’s junior driver program in October 2023 and now joins Franco Colapinto, Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa in the pool of reserve drivers of the F1 team.

“Maini’s duties will involve offering valuable support to the team’s car development and set-up objectives using the driver-in-loop simulator at Enstone, as well as participating in its TPC (testing of previous cars) Programme aimed at improving skills at the wheel of a contemporary, modern Formula One car,” said Alpine in a statement.

For the majority of Formula 1’s 75-year-old history, teams would have only one reserve driver but that trend has changed of late with multiple drivers performing that role.

For Maini, the development comes as a big boost as he aims to become the third Indian to compete in Formula 1 after Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.

The Indian racer will represent DAMS in his third Formula 2 season which is run concurrently on select Formula 1 weekends. He finished 11th and 13th in drivers’ standing in 2023 and 2024, totalling five podiums including a victory in Hungary.

“Since joining the Alpine Academy ahead of last year, I have been incredibly welcomed in the entire Alpine family and I am thankful to Flavio and Oliver for their continued support.

“I am looking forward to getting more track time in Formula One machinery in this role and to build on what I have already learned with the team in 2024.

“I’m very excited to begin the role as soon as possible but for now my focus is on my third season in Formula 2 kicking off this weekend in Australia,” said Maini.

Alpine Academy director Julian Rouse said Maini’s performance during testing of previous cars was impressive.

“Kush has impressed the team across his TPC performances and Formula 2 results whilst we have been working with him and we expect he will continue to do so in 2025. His wider role allows us to further expand our pool of driving talent who can provide support and resource to the whole team during the busy season,” said Rouse.