India Creates History with Maiden Women’s World Cup Win

India Creates History with Maiden Women’s World Cup Win

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 3, 2025

India’s long wait for a maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title finally ended as Harmanpreet Kaur and her jubilant teammates lifted the trophy after defeating South Africa in a dramatic final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Their 52-run victory before a packed crowd marked a perfect conclusion to a campaign that had faced turbulent moments after three consecutive league losses, including one against South Africa. But Kaur’s team staged an inspiring comeback, chasing a record target in the semi-final against defending champions Australia before sealing their historic win in the final.

India’s triumph was powered by a stunning performance from opener Shafali Verma, whose whirlwind 87 set the tone for their total of 298-7, though they looked poised for an even bigger score at one stage. Verma’s all-round brilliance shone through as she also picked up two quick wickets, turning the match decisively in India’s favour after South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt’s fine 101 kept her team in the hunt.

Verma’s heroics earned her the Player of the Match award, an achievement made more remarkable considering she joined the squad only before the knockout stage as a late injury replacement.

Deepti Sharma was equally instrumental, smashing a run-a-ball 58 and claiming a stunning 5-39 with the ball. Her consistent performances throughout the tournament, scoring 215 runs and taking 22 wickets, earned her the Player of the Tournament honour.

South Africa, despite Wolvaardt’s valiant century, were bowled out for 246 in the 46th over. Once Wolvaardt was caught in the deep, India took full control to seal a moment that will be remembered for generations.

Smriti Mandhana, India’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, summed up the emotions in the dressing room after years of heartbreak. “It’s still sinking in. I haven’t been emotional on a cricket field before, but this is unreal. To be champions, it’s beyond words,” she said through tears.

As the final wicket fell, India erupted in nationwide celebration. From metropolitan cities to small towns, streets turned into arenas of joy, echoing with fireworks, drumbeats, and chants of victory. Fans waved the tricolour with pride as the country celebrated not just a sporting triumph but the spirit of perseverance and unity that defines Indian cricket.

This victory stands as more than a win, it embodies the love, resilience, and unwavering spirit of India and its people toward the game that unites the nation.


IHCL Opens Ginger Ahmedabad, Kristar in Thaltej

IHCL Opens Ginger Ahmedabad, Kristar in Thaltej

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 15, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the opening of Ginger Ahmedabad, Kristar, located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Thaltej. The launch further strengthens Ginger’s footprint in Ahmedabad, one of India’s fastest-growing urban centres.

Speaking on the opening, Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Ahmedabad is one of India’s fastest-growing urban centres, driven by its thriving industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Ginger’s lean luxe offering resonates with the city’s evolving preference for smart, contemporary stays. With five Ginger hotels present in multiple micro markets of the city, the opening of Ginger Ahmedabad, Kristar reaffirms our commitment to cater to its increasing demand for quality hospitality.”

Designed to offer comfort and convenience, Ginger Ahmedabad, Kristar features well-planned rooms that reflect the brand’s contemporary design language. The hotel also houses Soulinaire, a global cuisine restaurant, catering to varied dining preferences of guests. In addition, the property offers versatile meeting spaces, making it suitable for both business and leisure travellers.

The hotel provides seamless access to key destinations across the city, allowing guests to explore Ahmedabad with ease while enjoying Ginger’s signature blend of functionality, smart design, and efficient service.

Known as the commercial capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is home to thriving industries, leading educational institutions, major global events, and iconic architectural landmarks. With this new opening, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence in the city, aligning with its growing demand for modern and reliable hospitality experiences.


Lemon Tree Hotels Launches Lemon Tree Suites in Gurugram, Its Eleventh Property in Haryana

Lemon Tree Hotels Launches Lemon Tree Suites in Gurugram, Its Eleventh Property in Haryana

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 15, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the launch of Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram, marking its latest managed property and the brand’s eleventh hotel in Haryana. This opening further strengthens the group’s growing presence in northern India and reinforces its position in the state, where it now has ten operational properties.

Located in Gurugram, a prominent city in Haryana and part of India’s National Capital Region, the hotel sits within one of the country’s major financial and industrial hubs. Often referred to as the Millennium City, Gurugram is known for its modern infrastructure, corporate offices, high-rise developments, and expansive retail spaces, making it a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers.

Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram features a total inventory of 246 well-appointed rooms and suites. In the first phase of operations, 151 rooms have opened, with the remaining rooms scheduled to be launched in the second phase. The hotel’s contemporary interiors and thoughtfully designed spaces create a stylish yet comfortable ambience for guests.

Guests can enjoy a range of dining and leisure options at the property, including Citrus Café, the hotel’s all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, and Slounge, a relaxed recreation bar. The hotel also offers several wellness and recreational facilities such as Fresco, the rejuvenating spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, Refresh, a dedicated recreation room, and a swimming pool designed to offer a refreshing escape.

Commenting on the launch, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With the opening of Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram, we are delighted to strengthen our presence in the city, which already has eight hotels, including the first one from the brand at Udyog Vihar. Located in a key business hub, this hotel is perfectly suited for both corporate and leisure travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and an elevated stay experience.”

With its blend of modern design, comprehensive facilities, and strategic location, Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram is positioned to cater to travellers looking for a seamless and comfortable stay in one of NCR’s most dynamic cities.


Air India Enters Interline Partnership With Scoot to Expand Connectivity Across Asia and Australasia

Air India Enters Interline Partnership With Scoot to Expand Connectivity Across Asia and Australasia

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 15, 2025

Air India has announced a new unilateral interline partnership with Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, aimed at significantly enhancing international connectivity for Indian travellers. The partnership strengthens Air India’s reach across Southeast Asia, North Asia, and Australia via Singapore, allowing guests to seamlessly access most of Scoot’s extensive network spanning over 70 destinations across 18 countries.

Through this collaboration, Air India’s extended international network now includes several destinations that were previously not covered under its existing partnerships. These newly accessible locations include Macau SAR in China; Padang and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia; Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi, Ipoh, Kuantan, Miri, Sibu, Malacca, and Kota Bharu in Malaysia; Davao and Iloilo City in the Philippines; Koh Samui, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai in Thailand; and Nha Trang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

Air India guests can travel non-stop from Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai to Singapore and continue their onward journeys on Scoot flights to these destinations, along with several other points across Scoot’s network. To improve passenger convenience, both airlines have implemented Inter-Airline Through Check-In, enabling guests travelling on a single ticket to receive boarding passes for both Air India and Scoot flights at their point of origin. This also allows passengers to check in their baggage through to their final destination, subject to applicable local laws and regulations, ensuring a smoother transfer experience at Singapore Changi Airport.

Commenting on the partnership, Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said, “Asia Pacific remains the world’s fastest-growing region for aviation, with intra-regional air travel demand surging at significant rates. Our new interline partnership with Scoot taps into that momentum, meeting the rising Indian traveller appetite for seamless access to far-flung corners of the continent - from Malaysia’s rainforests to Vietnam’s beaches and Indonesia’s emerging cities.”

Calvin Chan, Chief Commercial Officer, Scoot, said, “This partnership marks an important step in broadening travel options for customers in India to discover unique destinations across Scoot’s extensive network via Singapore. We look forward to welcoming Air India customers onboard and connecting them to new experiences with Scoot.”

Air India currently operates 49 weekly flights between India and Singapore, including thrice-daily services from Delhi, twice-daily flights from Mumbai, and twice-daily flights from Chennai. In addition to this new interline agreement, Air India and Singapore Airlines continue to be codeshare partners, offering seamless connectivity to over 60 destinations worldwide for their shared customers.

The interline itineraries under this partnership will be progressively made available across Air India’s official booking channels, including its website, mobile applications, and through travel agents worldwide.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.