New Delhi, May 22, 2026: Ahead of the much-anticipated second season of the HSBC Rugby Premier League (RPL), Bisleri has been announced as the league’s official Hydration Partner in a three-year association. Launched by GMR Sports along with Rugby India last year, the league will see Bisleri support and hydrate both national and international men’s and women’s players featuring in the HSBC Rugby Premier League Season 2.
Building on the success of the inaugural season and further strengthened by the introduction of the Women’s franchises in Hyderabad this year, the partnership with one of India’s most trusted packaged drinking water brands will see the rollout of innovative, digital-first campaigns. These initiatives aim to deepen fan engagement and elevate the overall league experience, creating a more dynamic and compelling spectacle across the next three seasons, beginning with Season 2.
The collaboration will also extend to on-ground activations, enhanced in-stadium experiences, and community-driven initiatives designed to broaden the league’s reach and connect with a wider audience. Through these efforts, the HSBC Rugby Premier League is poised to make significant strides both on and off the field, further strengthening its position in India’s sporting landscape.
Reflecting on the multi-year association, Tushar Malhotra, Director – Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd, said, “We are proud to partner with the HSBC Rugby Premier League at an exciting phase of its growth. Over the next three years, we look forward to supporting both men’s and women’s players while contributing to the development of rugby in India. As the sport continues to build momentum, this partnership gives us an opportunity to strengthen our association with Indian sport and reinforce the importance of hydration and athlete wellness.”
Sharing his thoughts on the three-year partnership with Bisleri, Sujoy Ganguly, CMO, GMR Sports, said, “As we look ahead to building RPL over the long term, it is essential for us to align with partners who bring both credibility and a deep understanding of athletes’ needs. Bisleri’s legacy and expertise in this space ensure that we can consistently deliver high standards of support to players, including the expanding pool of women athletes. Together, we are committed to strengthening the foundation of rugby in India and creating an environment where athletes can thrive, and the league can evolve into a benchmark for sporting excellence.”
With squads finalised, Season 2 of the HSBC Rugby Premier League is poised to be one of its most significant editions yet. Backed by a dedicated hydration partner, the league will ensure that athletes are supported with optimal performance, recovery, and wellness throughout the tournament. Looking ahead, the upcoming seasons of the Rugby Premier League are also aligned with the broader build-up to the 2028 Olympic cycle, with Bisleri playing a key role in supporting the sporting ambitions of both men’s and women’s rugby players.
About GMR Sports:
Founded in 2008, GMR Sports represents the sports sector of the GMR Group. It is driven by a mission to connect people, nurture talent, and establish sports as a powerful unifying platform both within India and globally. Committed to becoming a respected and influential brand in the sports industry, GMR Sports embarked on its journey with cricket, chosen for its widespread appeal as the ideal starting point for the Group’s first-ever sports venture.
The journey began with the Delhi Capitals, the city’s first-ever cricket franchise and the sole representative of India’s national capital in the IPL. As part of its mission to broaden its impact, GMR Sports soon diversified its portfolio, adding sports that resonate deeply with the Indian community.
The company now owns UP Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League and Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, additionally, has recently ventured into the league by acquiring rights to the Rugby Premium League, reinforcing its dedication to supporting regional talent and promoting indigenous sports.
Expanding its global footprint, GMR Sports now holds franchises in international markets, including Dubai Capitals in ILT20, Pretoria Capitals in SA20, Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (US), and Hampshire County Cricket Club in England.
Through these initiatives, GMR Sports continues to strengthen its presence on the world stage.
For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.in/index.html
About Bisleri International Pvt Ltd.
With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.
Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighbouring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.
The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com
