On Day 2 of the India vs England 5th Test at The Oval in London, two well-known and controversial Indian businessmen, Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, were spotted together at the stadium. Their appearance surprised many fans and quickly gained attention online.
One detail that caught the eye was Modi’s tie, which had the IPL logo on its tip, a subtle but clear nod to his connection with the tournament he created.
Later on, Lalit Modi went live on Instagram and said, “I’m at the Oval right now. My first cricket game in 15 years that I’ve come to watch and I’m loving the crowd.”
Their appearance at the cricket match was seen by many as controversial, especially since they remain in the public eye despite their legal troubles. Photos and videos of them watching the match were widely shared on social media.
‘I Could Have Easily…’: Vijay Mallya Reveals Reason Behind Naming His F1 Team As Force India; Video
In a recent interview, Vijay Mallya, the former owner of the Force India Formula One team, shared insights into his decision to prioritize national pride over personal branding when naming the team. He revealed that while he had the opportunity to christen the team “Mallya F1,” he chose “Force India” to ensure the Indian flag was represented on the global motorsport stage.
Mallya, who co-founded Force India in 2007 after acquiring the Spyker F1 team, emphasized his desire to showcase India in Formula One. He stated, “I could have easily named it Mallya Formula One, like Williams Formula One, for instance. (But) I wanted the Indian flag to be on the grid.” This decision was rooted in his aspiration to bring Indian representation to the forefront of international racing.
Under Mallya’s leadership, Force India achieved notable success, including a podium finish at the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix and multiple top-five finishes in the Constructors’ Championship. The team’s performance helped elevate India’s presence in the sport.
However, financial challenges and legal issues led to the team’s entry into administration in 2018. Subsequently, a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll acquired the team’s assets, rebranding it as Racing Point and later as Aston Martin F1 Team.
Mallya’s reflections highlight the significance of national identity in global sports and his commitment to promoting India on the world stage. Despite the team’s eventual transformation, the legacy of Force India remains a testament to his vision of integrating Indian pride into Formula One.
