Mumbai, (Hindustan Reporter). Major League Baseball and Disney Star have teamed up with IMG and Amped Pictures to produce a docu-series titled ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’. It tells the inspiring story of Arjun Nimmala, a first-generation Indian American.
Nimmala was drafted in the first round of the MLB Amateur Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays in July. With this, Nimmala had created history as the first generation Indian American to be selected to such a high position in any of the four major American professional sports.
The documentary series takes viewers on a journey with Nimmala as she traces her roots to her parents’ hometown of Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) and uncovers India’s sporting culture. During this time, it was a big event for Nimmala to meet Ajinkya Rahane, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, for a friendly cricket match. Nimmala grew up practicing cricket. Throughout the documentary, Arjun Nimmala meets India’s emerging baseball talent and tells the stories of these young players.
The four-part documentary series will launch on Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 2 on October 18, 2023, and its final episode will be aired on October 21, 2023. Also, its re-telecast will continue till October 26, 2023. ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’ will launch nationwide on Disney Hotstar in November.
This documentary series is part of the renewal of the extended partnership between MLB and Disney Star. Along with telecasting the World Series (as it has been doing since 2020), Star Sports is airing the Major League Baseball postseason extra rounds live in October and November on Star Sports Select 1 and 2 for the first time. These broadcasts are specially designed for Indians. It was broadcast for the first time in the Indian market and featured the best MLB teams as they strive for the World Series title.
A Star Sports spokesperson said, “Indian Baseball Dreams follows 17-year-old Indian American baseball player Arjun Nimmala, who aims to make history by becoming the first generation Indian American athlete to be selected in the first round of a major American sport. This series throws light on Arjun. The series chronicles his extraordinary talent, dedication and growing influence on baseball beyond borders. It is a captivating journey, which connects cultures. Demonstrates the universal power of sport to inspire victory and legacy. Don’t miss this incredible story of breaking barriers and growing the relationship between India and baseball”
Manish Batavia, who calls sports in India, talks about the experience of bringing live baseball to the Indian audience. He said, “The similarities between India’s biggest passion cricket and America’s favorite sport baseball is what makes commentating on MLB so exciting! “Our main objective has been to create parallels between the two sports to create a certain familiarity and relevance with and around MLB for Indian fans.”
Major League Baseball has been increasing interest in the game of baseball in this country since setting up an office in India in 2019. This also includes running its flagship MLB Cup program. It is a youth tournament, featuring 154 teams from across the country in 2023.
Ryo Takahashi (Business Development Manager, MLB India) said, “At MLB India, we are always looking for ways to connect with our audience in India. In India, we really look for opportunities to increase interest in baseball. “Star Sports has been a strong partner for us in expanding the reach of baseball, while we will continue to provide opportunities for the general public to play baseball through our youth programs.”
Source: dainikbhaskarup.com
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