Mumbai: In a landmark move for India’s digital and gaming entertainment landscape, Banijay Asia, part of Banijay Entertainment, and NODWIN Gaming, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at reshaping youth engagement through innovative content in esports and gaming.

As part of this collaboration, Banijay Asia will take on production responsibilities for Playground, NODWIN Gaming’s pioneering gaming reality show that merges gaming, influencer culture, and entertainment into a single high-energy format. In addition, both companies will co-develop new intellectual properties (IPs), including scripted and reality formats that blend cutting-edge storytelling with immersive gaming experiences.

Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO – Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India, commented, “This collaboration with NODWIN Gaming is an exciting extension of our vision to create content that resonates with evolving youth audiences. Gaming is not just a sport; it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and a massive content opportunity. With Playground and our upcoming IPs, we aim to redefine engagement and storytelling in this space.” He further added, “I look forward to the creative collaboration with Akshat Rathee, and Joost Roset who we previously worked with, in bringing iconic global IPs to India. This is an invaluable opportunity to create clutter-breaking formats in the youth and gaming space.”

The move aligns with NODWIN Gaming’s growing dominance in the youth entertainment sector, having successfully launched IPs like BGMI Masters Series (BGMS), Comic Con India, and NH7 Weekender. The partnership is set to build on this momentum by scaling up Playground into an international format and developing 5–10 new shows annually.

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder & MD, NODWIN Gaming, shared his excitement about the deal, “Youth entertainment is evolving rapidly, and our partnership with Banijay Asia positions us perfectly to lead that change. With Playground, we’ve just begun to explore what’s possible. Backed by Banijay’s global expertise, we’re now set to scale the IP across multiple languages and markets, with the ambition of building an international format.

At the heart of our approach is our philosophy of ‘timeshare of mindshare’. We’re not just creating content, we’re creating cultural moments. The Rusk creative team will stay actively involved as we expand the universe of Playground, aiming to grow from one show to between five and ten each year. This is just the beginning of a bold new chapter in gaming and youth content.”

The partnership also underscores Banijay Entertainment’s global strength in gaming-related content, having delivered successful activations around brands like Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, Simon’s Cat, and MasterChef via its distribution division, Banijay Rights.

TEMPE, ARIZ — The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced its regional award winners. Flagler’s Rod Puebla was named the Southeast Region Coach of the Year while Columbus State’s Nikoline Gullacksen was named the Most Improved Player and North Georgia’s Angelina Linnikova the Senior Player of the Year.

Puebla is the first coach since Walter Shinn (2014) to be selected ITA Southeast Region Coach of the Year. With the season currently still in progress, Puebla has led the Saints to a 21-5 record. For the the season, the Saints have 11 wins against nationally-ranked opponents. The team had a season-high seven match win streak. Their biggest ranked wins of the year came against No. 4 Lynn Universtiy (4-0) and No. 4 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (4-2). Other notable wins came against previously undefeated and No. 6-ranked Catawba College (4-1), No. 7 University of Nebraska at Kearney (6-1), No. 8 Wingate University (4-2), and No. 9 University of North Georgia (4-3).

A junior from Helsingor, Denmark, Gullacksen was a 2025 PBC first-team All-Conference selection in singles and doubles. She went 10-6 overall in dual matches this spring, playing every singles match and all but one doubles match in the #1 spot. She was 3-2 against conference opponents and ranked #10 in the nation in singles by the ITA.

The 2025 PBC Player of the Year, Linnikova is currently ranked as the ITA women’s singles No. 2 player in the country. Her perfect record of 23-0 in 2025 makes her the only undefeated player in the top 10 of the ITA rankings this spring. She has a staggering 61-6 record in singles play in three seasons with the Nighthawks. She is 44-4 in the last two seasons and 31-2 since April 2, 2024. Linnikova is also 10-0 against nationally ranked opponents in the spring. She has tallied wins over the No. 1, No. 2 (twice), No. 8, No. 16 (three times) and No. 25 women’s singles players in the country.

She will take the court again on Wednesday, May 21 when the Nighthawks face 13-seeded and No. 36 Queens (N.Y.) in the opening match of the 2025 NCAA Division II Women’s Tennis Championship. The match takes place at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Southeast Award Winners

PERRYSBURG — The school is investigating a man who said he was 16 years when he enrolled at the high school, but is actually 24 years old.

On May 19, Anthony Labrador was arrested on charges of felony forgery by the Perrysburg Police Department.

In a community email Tuesday, Superintendent Tom Holser reported that Labrador had been enrolled at Perrysburg High School on Jan. 11, 2024, under the name and age of a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor. The district followed federal and state requirements for enrolling students experiencing homelessness or without a legal guardian.

During his time enrolled between Jan. 11, 2024 until May 14, Labrador obtained the following documentation and support, which further complicated the situation:

• Issued an Ohio’s driver’s license and social security number

• Issued federal Temporary Protective Status (TPS) from the U.S. Immigration Department

• Submitted completed application for a VISA with assistance of Advocating Opportunities which provides free legal assistance

• Guardianship granted to a Perrysburg family by Wood County Juvenile Court

On the evening of May 14, the guardians who had taken responsibility for Labrador contacted the school district to report that they had received information indicating that he was not a minor, but in fact a 24-year-old adult. On May 15, district administrators met with Labrador to address the concern. He denied the allegation and asserted that the birth certificate submitted during his enrollment—which indicates he is currently 17 years old—was accurate.

Given the seriousness of the claim, Perrysburg Schools immediately directed the guardians to keep Labrador off school property while the matter was investigated further.

Perrysburg Schools administrators began to investigate this claim further based on the information provided by the guardians and through their investigation found social media posts by others, including those claiming to be Labrador’s family. The school district contacted the Perrysburg Police Division who initiated their own investigation. The subsequent investigation ultimately led to Labrador’s arrest on May 19.

This case involves highly unusual and deceptive circumstances that impacted many local, state and federal agencies. The school district has reviewed its actions regarding enrollment and is confident proper legal channels were followed to provide support for an individual presenting themselves as an unaccompanied minor as spelled out in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Because of the ongoing investigation, questions regarding the investigation are to be referred to the Perrysburg Police Division.

An announcer broadcasts to the few listeners in the room that eighth grader Zander Bartlett swung his third strike, calling him out.

On a real baseball field, he’d head back to the dugout, kicking up dust and wait for another chance at the plate. But Bartlett isn’t on a real baseball diamond. He’s protected from the winter elements outside, standing in a dry and warm Wrangell Middle School classroom, cleat free on the carpeted floor, trying for a homer on the Nintendo Wii. This isn’t free time, this is esports.

Although Wrangell’s student athletes have dribbled, served, and wrestled their way to victory for decades, esports has been gaining momentum to the school sports scene. Even if it’s missing actual balls and bats, it still brings teammates together, giving them a sense of unity.

When Special Education teacher Mikki Angerman learned about esports, she saw an opportunity, especially for students who can’t participate in traditional sports like basketball or baseball.  

“I started kind of looking into it, looking online about different schools,” she said. “And really, during COVID, esports kind of grew with schools.” 

When she introduced the idea to her students, they got excited. So she decided she’d build a team, even though she didn’t know anything about gaming.  She started hosting gaming sessions in her classroom twice a week after school with a handful of enthusiastic students. 

“All we had at the time was the Wii and we would do little tournaments,” Angerman said. “So we would have bowling tournaments, and we’d have, oh, they have sword fighting and they have Mario.”

She said she got prizes for the winners. Nothing big but it just kind of grew from there. Now, they have about 15 students in the group.

Benefits to gaming

She said some gaming critiques are misguided. 

“There are actually a lot of jobs that you can get from that experience,” Angerman said. “Anywhere from building a PC to the graphic arts of gaming, from managing it in a group and the social skills we’re having to cooperate with each other.”

Along with cooperating with each other, Coach Angerman said the students are also learning how to lose gracefully. 

“We have a lot of talks about it,” she said. “But what’s kind of neat, and I hope sometime that people can pop in and see our group, is they’ll talk to each other and be like, ‘Hey, remember, it’s okay.’ So they’re having those conversations with each other, like, ‘Remember, it’s just a game.’ I don’t even have to step in when they’re doing that for each other.” 

Eighth grader Houston Charles Natt has been in esports for about two years now and is the president of the club.

“I like seeing kids smile, getting to enjoy the games,” he said. “Yeah, the whole shebang.” 

He said his favorite game is Mario Kart Wii and he also really enjoys Wii Sports, especially boxing. He said there are benefits to playing these games too.

“It has been confirmed by researchers that playing games can actually sharpen your reflexes,” Natt said.

Another student who plays a significant role on the tech side of the club is the coach’s son, seventh grader Griffey Angerman.

“I’d say I’m co-manager,” he said. “Whenever someone needs help, and Houston’s not there, I help. Or when someone’s like, ‘Something’s wrong with the computer, like it’s glitching, or something,’ they would ask me.”

He said they just installed a Nintendo Switch on their flat screen, and they’re getting a new flat screen too.

“If they want to go in on their little own account, and do their little Animal Crossing World, or whatever they want to do,” Griffey said. “I set it up, getting it on (there) and stuff like that.” 

“Getting a PC would just be leveling up.”

The new screen Griffey was eager to install is part of a wave of equipment they received. At the end of last year, the tribal government, Wrangell Cooperative Association, awarded a $20,000 grant to the team. 

“I couldn’t even believe it,” Coach Angerman said. “I mean, it brought tears to my eyes when I found out we would have a chance at this. I’m hoping that we can grow even more from that.”

Angerman said after they found out they got the grant, the team made a list of what their biggest needs are. She said they really only needed the basics just to compete in the state’s esports league: at least six PCs, Nintendo Switches, tables and chairs.

“Getting a PC would just be leveling up. I mean, no pun intended there, but leveling up,” she said. “That’s a big difference.” 

Griffey said that esports are important to him because some people don’t have an after school program they can participate in. Plus, they can just be themselves.

“Some people can after school go to this club, which brings more inclusion to people,” he said. “Last year, a bunch of people with disabilities came in and they got to play too.” 

Since the club is about inclusion and respect, he said he wants anyone who’s curious about joining the team to come check it out.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has reaffirmed its dedication to esports at Computex 2025 with the launch of several new products aimed at competitive gamers. The showcase includes the ROG Falcata 75% split keyboard, the Harpe II Ace gaming mouse, the Strix Ace XG248 esports monitor, and ergonomic gaming chairs like the ROG Courser and Destrier Core. These offerings are part of the wider ROG Ace collection, designed in collaboration with professional esports players.

At the event in Taipei, ASUS also revealed new partnerships, including a collaboration with Counter-Strike 2 legend Mathieu ZywOo Herbaut. ROG continues to support competitive gaming through long-standing partnerships with teams such as NRG Esports and Team Vitality.

ROG Falcata brings high customisability and speed

One of the standout announcements was the ROG Falcata, a 75% split gaming keyboard built for flexibility and high performance. It features ROG’s HFX V2 Magnetic Switch, which is hot-swappable and supports highly precise adjustments from 0.1 to 3.5mm actuation with 0.01mm intervals. Designed with POM plastic and a stabilising walled stem, the keys offer both durability and fast response, with a 100-million keystroke lifespan.

The keyboard also incorporates a multifunctional wheel and button for controlling actuation points, lighting, media playback and more. A Rapid Trigger toggle enables instant switch to fast typing response modes. Connectivity includes tri-mode support—Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB—with up to 610 hours of battery life using ROG’s SpeedNova 8K wireless technology.

To improve comfort and acoustics, the Falcata features integrated four-layer dampening and detachable silicone wrist rests. Its precise Hall Sensor reduces interference and improves magnetic sensitivity for more accurate keypresses.

Harpe II Ace and Strix Ace raise the bar for pro-level gaming

The ROG Harpe II Ace mouse is built specifically for esports players, developed with the input of VALORANT pro Max “Demon1” Mazanov. “I got to bring my experience as a pro directly into the design process—down to the shape, the clicks, the weight, everything,” said Demon1.

Constructed from bio-based nylon made using castor oil, the 48-gram mouse is both eco-friendly and ultra-light. It houses the 42,000-dpi ROG AimPoint Pro optical sensor with track-on-glass capability and ROG’s optical micro switches rated for 100 million clicks. The new shape supports both claw and fingertip grips, while the redesigned shell improves lift and control.

With support for an 8000Hz polling rate via SpeedNova wireless tech and real-time performance boosts through a dedicated Zone Mode, the mouse caters to high-level competitive play. Additionally, ROG Gear Link enables configuration directly via web browser, avoiding the need for software installations.

ASUS also unveiled the Strix Ace XG248 gaming monitor featuring a 610Hz overclocked refresh rate and 0.8ms input lag, enabled by a Super TN panel. This makes it one of the fastest esports monitors on the market.

Ergonomic accessories and new esports partnerships

To complement its gaming peripherals, ASUS introduced the Sheath II XXL mouse pad and two new gaming chairs—the ROG Courser and Destrier Core. The Courser features 4D adjustable lumbar support, magnetic headrest, and a reclining system with back support. The Destrier Core, now in Moonlight White, is built with a futuristic design and breathable mesh for long sessions.

In a move to deepen its influence in esports, ASUS announced a personal brand partnership with ZywOo. “It feels supersmooth and fast. The switches are the best I’ve used so far,” he said of his experience with the ROG Falchion Ace HFX keyboard. ZywOo, a key member of Team Vitality, recently won his 23rd MVP title at the BLAST Open Lisbon 2025, setting a new HLTV MVP record.

Through these launches and collaborations, ASUS ROG continues to support both professional and aspiring esports players with hardware designed for top-tier performance.

CrossFit is proud to announce a new partnership with Zenni Optical, naming the innovative eyewear leader the Official Eyewear of the CrossFit Games.

As part of this collaboration, Zenni will provide eyewear to all competing athletes at the 2025 CrossFit Games, delivering performance-ready, stylish, and durable eyewear designed to meet the demands of the fittest athletes on Earth. Zenni and CrossFit will also launch a co-branded line of eyewear available for purchase on both CrossFit and Zenni’s websites, giving the community exclusive access to limited edition eyewear that reflects the intensity and spirit of the CrossFit lifestyle. 

Zenni brings a global footprint and deep digital presence as the largest online prescription eyewear provider in the U.S. With over 50 million pairs of glasses sold, Zenni offers an incredible opportunity to expand CrossFit’s brand reach to new audiences around the world. 

“When we choose partners, we look for brands that don’t just align with us in message, but in mission,” said Greg Schwartz, CrossFit’s VP of Partnerships. “It’s clear that Zenni shares our commitment to community and performance. We’re thrilled to welcome Zenni into the CrossFit partnership ecosystem.” 

Zenni is also committed to delivering long-term value to the broader CrossFit community. In the coming months, the brand will roll out exclusive offers and benefits for CrossFit affiliate owners, reinforcing support for the thousands of small business owners who power the global CrossFit ecosystem.

“We are thrilled to announce this exciting partnership with CrossFit, a brand that shares our passion for pushing boundaries and challenging limits. We believe that performance is about more than just physical strength, it’s about having the clarity to see the potential within ourselves and the world around us,” said Robb Chiarini, Head of Partnerships, Licensing & Events at Zenni Optical. “Together with CrossFit, we’re committed to helping athletes and fans enhance their vision and unlock their full potential, whether in the gym or in life. This collaboration represents a perfect fusion of innovation, health, and empowerment, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

The CrossFit Games take place Aug. 1-3 in Albany, New York. For more information, you can visit Zenni Optical.

About Zenni Optical

Zenni pioneered the online eyewear industry in 2003 with a mission to make eyewear affordable and accessible to everyone. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Zenni offers adults and children the freedom to express their personality through a large collection of high-quality prescription, non-prescription, and protective glasses and sunglasses curated with a sense of fashion and dynamic style. With complete prescription pairs starting at under $10, the company has brought massive price disruption to the traditional retail model. With over 51 million frames sold worldwide, Zenni is proud to be the Official Eyewear of the San Francisco 49ers, Boston Celtics, Monster Jam, Major League Fishing, Ghost Gaming, and more. Zenni has worked with designers and tastemakers on curations and collections, including Chase Stokes, Jrue Holiday, Sam Cassell, and George and Claire Kittle. For more information, please visit zenni.com/press.