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Nivia Sports

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Nivia Sports is an Indian sports equipment manufacturing industry founded in 1934 at Sialkot. It was named Freewill Sports Pvt Ltd.[2] Later the company shifted to Mumbai and finally headquartered in Jalandhar, Punjab, India which designs and manufactures sports equipment, accessories, and sportswear including athletic clothes, and footwear.[3][1] It has been the official ball partner for many national and international leagues and tournaments including Indian Super League,[4] The Basketball Federation of India,[5] All India Football Federation,[6] Volleyball Federation of India,[7][8] Sri Lanka Super League.[9] Nivia's basketball has received certification from FIBA, the International Basketball Federation.[10][11][12]

Nivia Sports
Company typePrivate company
Nivia
IndustrySports equipment, textile
Founded1934; 90 years ago (1934)
FounderNihal Chand Kharabanda
Headquarters
Jalandhar
,
India
Area served
World Wide
Key people
  • Vijay Kharabanda
    (Chairman & managing director; 1940–2017)
  • Rajesh Kharabanda
    (managing director)
ProductsSports Shoes, Sports Balls and more
BrandsNivia Brand
Number of employees
2000
ParentBajaj Group[1]

The company was started by Nihal Chand Kharabanda, at Sialkot under the name Freewill Sports Pvt Ltd in 1934. Later his son Vijay Kharabanda joined the brand to manage further. "Nivia" is the combined name that is coined from the initial two letters of the first names of Nihal Chand Kharabanda the founder of Freewill, and his son Vijay Kharabanda. So "Ni" and "Vi" is joined to create the brand name Nivia.[13]

History edit

 
Logo used till 2022

The founder's era edit

Freewill was established in 1934 at Sialkot, by Nihal Chand Kharabanda. After the partition of the Indian subcontinent into two separate countries of India and Pakistan, the company shifted its base from Sialkot to Mumbai, India. From Mumbai, it shifted to Meerut and finally settled down in Jalandhar, Punjab in 1950.[1] He was a post-graduate in political science from Jalandhar, Punjab and joined the National Institute of Sports in Patiala, Punjab to enhance his knowledge about sports equipment and worked according to the needs of Indian sports industries.[14]

Vijay Kharabanda era edit

Nihal Chand Kharabanda's son, Vijay Kharabanda joined his father's business in 1960. The brand Nivia was registered in 1962 and the letters "VI" of the brand name were taken from his first name.[15] He introduced the nozzles in football to the sports equipment manufacturing industry football and managed to get FIFA Pro Approvals.[16] He also helped revolutionize the Indian footwear market by launching a plastic sole shoe called NIVIA Low Cut.

The company launched a full range of hand-stitched leather balls for football, volleyball, and basketball games.[1]

Rajesh Kharabanda era edit

In 1991, Rajesh Kharabanda, son of Vijay Kharabanda, joined the company.

In 2005, Rajesh Kharabanda was appointed as the managing director.[17]He put his experience and succeed to get certification for basketball from the International Basketball Federation.[18]

In 2015, Rajesh Kharabanda signed a partnership with BRICS Football Cup, and Nivia has become the official ball partner of BRICS. The agreement was signed in the presence of H. E Tovar da Silva Nunes, the ambassador of Brazil in India.[19] He was successfully got the FIFA Pro approval for Nivia balls.[20]

In 2021, His efforts to get approval from the FIBA and BFI were worthy and Nivia became the official ball partner af all matches played under Basketball Federation of India. The ball has been used by both junior-level and national-level competitions.[21]

In 2022, Rajesh Kharabanda along with Abhishek Bachchan, and Vita Dani the co-owner of Chennaiyin FC had launched a kit for the 2022–23 season.[22] This includes all three home, away, and third together. These were designed by the fans through a contest held during the year 2022.[23]

Rajesh Kharabanda is also appointed as chairperson by SGMEA, he projected a workforce to work remotely for stitching footballs. This would help workers who couldn't resume their jobs after the pandemic.[24]

Products edit

Nivia Sports manufactures and markets sports products, sports wear, bags and accessories used for training and competition for sports including football, volleyball, basketball, handball, cricket, running, fitness etc.[25]

Football edit

 
Nivia Sports hand-stitched football from 1960s
 
 
 
Nivia Antrix (left), Nivia Ashtang, Ashtang 2.0 models

Nivia Sports was the first Indian sports equipment manufacturer to produce hand stitched balls, including footballs. In the 1950s, under Freewill Sports Pvt Ltd, Nivia Sports started manufacturing hand-stitched leather footballs, basketballs, and volleyballs. The company exported its balls to international markets, with its first consignment of 30 balls shipped to Indonesia. In the 1960s Nivia football received the approval of the National Institute of Sports, Patiala, Punjab, India. Its football became the official ball for the National Football Championship and for the All India Football Federation (AIFF).[15] In the 1980s, Nivia was selected as the official ball for the International Football Tournament Jawaharlal Nehru Gold Cup and South Asian Federation (SAF) Games.[15]

Nivia Sports has also produced and sponsored other accessories related to football, such as boots, uniforms, goalkeeper gloves, goal nets, training gear, shin guards, ball pump.[26]

NIVIA Sports introduced Astra, the official match ball for Indian Super League 2021–2022.[27] The soccer ball is made with PU micro-fiber leather, in 8-panel structure which technically reduces the seam length by 23%. Astra replaced Ashtang soccer ball in the new season.

Basketball edit

 
Nivia basketball (above), and G20-20 volleyball

Nivia makes handmade balls. The basketball initially goes to a machine where a rubber blob is squeezed to flatten it to a thinner size, giving it a round shape. Then other stitching, and painting works are done manually by hand. CNNMoney showed the making of basketballs in Nivia's factory in Jalandhar (Punjab), India.[28]

NIvia Sports's basketball 'Top Gear 3.0' has received certification from International Basketball Federation (FIBA).[29]

Nivia has become the official ball partner for the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) from 2021 until 2025. It has provided official game balls for all matches organised by the BFI and FIBA.[21]

Volleyball edit

 
Nivia Vayu Volleyball

In 1963, the Nivia volleyball was selected to be used as the official ball in the Pre-Olympic Volleyball Championship organised in New Delhi, India.[15]

VAYU is the latest volleyball from NIVIA, which is India's first 12-panel ball.

Cricket edit

Nivia Sports also manufactures cricket balls, and cricketing apparels.[30]

Athletic shoes edit

 
NIVIA Shastra, Football shoes

During the 1980s, Nivia Sports started manufacturing sports footwear in India.[15] Through the years, the company added footwear for use in other games such as cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, kabaddi, wrestling, and track & field. They also produced shoelaces and gel insoles.[31]

Football boots edit

 
Nivia Ashtang Gold Football
 
Nivia Oslar Blade, football boot

The series of shoes includes identical properties as per their categories. It involves, Aviator, Brasil, Crane, Dominator, Ditmar, Destroyer, England, Encounter, Pro Encounter, Germany, Invader, Oslar, Oslar blade, Premier, Premier Carbonite, Premier Cleats, Spain,  Tough, and Ultra.[32]

Apparels edit

Nivia sports has been appointed as the official apparel partner for BFI and FIBA Backed 3x3 Pro Basketball League.[33]

Jersey edit

Nivia Sports manufactures jerseys for all sports. It has been the official sports partner for many of the sports clubs. Nivia Jerseys are made up of micro polyester and Nivia is the official partner for the largest clubs like Mohun Bagan SG,[34] Chennaiyin FC[35] and sports leagues as ISL, FIBA, BFI.[36]

Accessories edit

Nivia Sports produces sports accessories such as kits or bags, tracksuits, shorts, lowers, shocks, and windcheaters for use in cricket, football, basketball, and volleyball. The company has contributed sports equipment, footwear and accessories including badminton rackets and shuttlecocks, strings, skateboards, skating wheels, squash rackets, and swimming accessories like earplugs, fins, masks, and aqua boards.[37]

Sponsorships edit

Basketball edit

National Team edit

Futsal edit

Handball

Football edit

National Teams edit

Federations and associations edit

Clubs Teams edit

Domestic leagues edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d "About Nivia Sports". Archived from the original on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  2. ^ Chengappa, C. C. (19 February 2021). "10 'Made in India' sports brands competing with global brands". thebridge.in. Archived from the original on 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  3. ^ "Nivia Sports, FreeWill Sports Pvt Ltd". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 15 August 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  4. ^ https://plus.google.com/107324234873078450867 (20 August 2018). "Hero ISL gets NIVIA as ball partner for 3 years". Indian Television Dot Com. Archived from the original on 20 October 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2022. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help); External link in |last= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Nair, Abhijit (18 October 2021). "Basketball Federation of India onboards Nivia as official ball partners". thebridge.in. Archived from the original on 5 November 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  6. ^ Nair, Abhijit (18 October 2021). "Basketball Federation of India onboards Nivia as official ball partners". thebridge.in. Archived from the original on 5 November 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  7. ^ "FIFA Pro certified NIVIA Ashtang is the Official Football for Hero Indian Super League". Mumbai Live. 21 August 2018. Archived from the original on 12 September 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  8. ^ Sarkar, Sattyik (8 October 2021). "ISL: Who are the kit makers for every Indian Super League club?". thebridge.in. Archived from the original on 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  9. ^ "Chennaiyin FC signs Nivia as official kit partner". Deccan Herald. 9 August 2021. Archived from the original on 21 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  10. ^ Service, Tribune News. "Nivia's basketball gets FIBA certification". Tribuneindia News Service. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  11. ^ Chengappa, C. C. (19 February 2021). "10 'Made in India' sports brands competing with global brands". thebridge.in. Archived from the original on 2 June 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  12. ^ Markets, Research and (4 April 2022). "India Sports Equipment and Apparel Market (2022–2027): Featuring Players Adidas, COSCO (India) Ltd, Nike and Sareen Sports Industries Among Others". GlobeNewswire News Room (Press release). Archived from the original on 21 July 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  13. ^ Bhardwaj, Aakanksha N (20 June 2017). "Man who blazed a trail, gave sports industry a firm foothold". The Tribune. India. Archived from the original on 15 August 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  14. ^ Service, Tribune News. "Sports industry loses its colossus". Tribuneindia News Service. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  15. ^ a b c d e History Archived 27 November 2021 at the Wayback Machine on Nivia website, 13 August 2020
  16. ^ "NIVIA Antrix certified as 'FIFA PRO' ball". The Economic Times. 4 October 2015. ISSN 0013-0389. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  17. ^ "Rajesh Kharabanda, Chair & Managing Director of NIVIA Sports". The CEO Magazine. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  18. ^ Service, Tribune News. "Nivia's basketball gets FIBA certification". Tribuneindia News Service. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  19. ^ "Indian players will witness an evolution like never before: Roberto Carlos". The Indian Express. 28 September 2015. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  20. ^ "NIVIA becomes the Official Ball Partner for the Hero Indian Super League". Indian Super League. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  21. ^ a b Nair, Abhijit (18 October 2021). "Basketball Federation of India onboards Nivia as official ball partners". thebridge.in. Archived from the original on 5 November 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  22. ^ "Chennaiyin FC launch fan-designed kits for 2022–23 campaign". TimesNow. 25 July 2022. Archived from the original on 12 March 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  23. ^ "Chennaiyin FC launch fan-designed kits for 2022–23 campaign". TimesNow. 25 July 2022. Archived from the original on 12 March 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  24. ^ "Jalandhar | Sports industry to teach women to stitch footballs". Hindustan Times. 9 October 2022. Archived from the original on 27 December 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
  25. ^ "Nivia Sports Official Website | Step Out and play". www.niviasports.com. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  26. ^ Bend it like Ronaldo Archived 6 December 2021 at the Wayback Machine, The Tribune of India, 19 June 2010
  27. ^ "Official Ball Partner NIVIA unveils match ball for Hero ISL 2021–22". 9 March 2021. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  28. ^ "In the making of Nivia's Basketball". Archived from the original on 29 September 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  29. ^ Service, Tribune News. "Nivia's basketball gets FIBA certification". Tribuneindia News Service. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  30. ^ "Best Sports Shoes For Men 2022 Incredible Choices To Keep Your Feet Comfortable And Dry News: Read Latest News on Best Sports Shoes For Men 2022 Incredible Choices To Keep Your Feet Comfortable And Dry, Photos, Videos & Updates on Best Sports Shoes For Men 2022 Incredible Choices To Keep Your Feet Comfortable And Dry". Jagran English. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  31. ^ "Footwear for Games". Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  32. ^ "Football Shoes". Archived from the original on 11 May 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  33. ^ "BFI and FIBA Backed 3x3 Pro Basketball League to Tip Off with Season 3". News18. 4 March 2022. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  34. ^ Saha, Rajdeep (14 October 2022). "ISL 2022–23: Who are the sponsors of the Indian Super League teams?". thebridge.in. Archived from the original on 24 November 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  35. ^ "Chennaiyin FC unveil fan-designed jersey kits for 2022–23 campaign". Indian Super League. Archived from the original on 24 November 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  36. ^ "BFI and FIBA Backed 3x3 Pro Basketball League to Tip Off with Season 3". News18. 4 March 2022. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  37. ^ "Nivia Accessories". Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  38. ^ Nivia Sports [@niviasports] (18 October 2021). "From School Leagues to National Championships #NIVIA basketballs are the Official balls for the @BFI_basketball #MoveUpWithNivia #StepOutAndPlay #NiviaSports #Indianbasketball https://t.co/AwWCS6cddH" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021 – via Twitter.
  39. ^ Indian Football Team [@IndianFootball] (30 October 2021). "Presenting to you, the @niviasports Force Futsal, official match ball ⚽ of the Hero Futsal Club Championship 2021–22!!! 💙🏆💙🏆 #IndianFootball ⚽️ https://t.co/YmEjhRtusg" (Tweet). Retrieved 30 October 2021 – via Twitter.
  40. ^ "Nivia becomes official kit partner of Chennaiyin FC". 9 August 2021. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  41. ^ Edupuganti, Mohit (23 August 2021). "Neroca Football Club ropes in Saikhom Mirabai Chanu as its global brand ambassador". bizbehindsports.com. Imphal, Manipur: Biz Behind Sports. Archived from the original on 6 May 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  42. ^ "Nivia joins hands with ISL as official match ball sponsor". khelnow.com. Khel Now. 18 August 2018. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
  43. ^ "ISL ball partners Nivia signs with SriLanka football". 10 April 2019. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  44. ^ "NIVIA extends partnership with Singa Cup | SingaCup – Asia's Premier International Youth Football Tournament". Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  45. ^ "BFI and FIBA Backed 3x3 Pro Basketball League to Tip Off with Season 3". News18. 4 March 2022. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  46. ^ Release, Press (18 October 2021). "Basketball Federation of India onboards Nivia as official ball partners". thebridge.in. Archived from the original on 5 November 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
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