
From player auctions to closing celebrations, ArtKonnect brings precision and passion to rugby’s grand debut in India, cementing its legacy in the nation’s sporting landscape

Mumbai, July 2, 2025 – Rugby came home to India in style with the high-energy debut of the GMR Rugby Premier League, launched through a spectacular opening ceremony curated and executed by ArtKonnect Management. From orchestrating the player auctions to delivering a memorable closing night celebration, ArtKonnect’s meticulous planning and execution marked a pivotal moment for the nation’s sporting scene.

With rugby’s intense pace, physicality, and spirit, the GMR Rugby Premier League seeks to ignite a new generation of fans across India. For ArtKonnect, the project represented far more than event execution—it was an opportunity to help script the next chapter in Indian sport.
The ArtKonnect team curated immersive entertainment and ceremonial moments, seamlessly managed live show flows, and crafted sports-integrated experiences that embodied the energy and promise of rugby. Each detail was designed to ensure the league’s debut captured hearts and set a new benchmark for Indian sporting events.
“We are honoured to partner with GMR Sports once again and deeply value the trust they’ve placed in us over the past 12 years. Having successfully delivered large-format opening ceremonies for cricket and football in India, stepping into rugby has been both an exciting challenge and a proud milestone for us,” said Anand Kanwar, Founder & Director of ArtKonnect. “At ArtKonnect, we’re always looking to explore new frontiers in the sports and entertainment landscape, and this collaboration marks another significant chapter in our journey.”
With this successful debut, ArtKonnect has reinforced its commitment to delivering milestone experiences where passion meets precision—reshaping India’s sporting and entertainment ecosystem, one groundbreaking event at a time.