FYERS American Gambits set to compete at Global Chess League 2026 in Bengaluru in September with roster of Indian and international stars including Javokhir Sindarov, Nihal Sarin and Daniil Dubov

Bengaluru, 17 August 2026: FYERS American Gambits, one of the leading franchises in the Global Chess League, has announced that football icon and entrepreneur Gerard Piqué has joined the franchise as a strategic shareholder, reflecting the organisation's long-term ambition to contribute to the continued global growth of chess. 

A FIFA World Cup winner with Spain and one of the most decorated players of his generation, Piqué brings a deep understanding of elite sport, global fan communities and innovative sports ventures. His appointment reflects the franchise’s global ambitions and the growing appeal of chess as a sport with the potential to build a truly international ecosystem spanning competition, technology, entertainment and culture.

As chess enters a new era of global growth, increasingly positioned at the intersection of competitive excellence, technology, entertainment and popular culture, FYERS American Gambits is building a franchise designed for the future of the sport. Backed by a group of strategic shareholders that includes former international cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, the franchise will compete in its third Global Chess League season this September 3rd-13th in Bangalore with a world-class roster including Javokhir Sindarov, Nihal Sarin, Daniil Dubov, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Sara Khadem and Marc'Andria Maurizzi, under the leadership of GM Srinath Narayanan.

Prachura PP, CEO and Co-owner, FYERS American Gambits, said: “Gerard Piqué’s investment in FYERS American Gambits is a landmark moment for our franchise and, we believe, for the evolution of chess as a global sport. Gerard understands what it takes to build a global sporting property one that combines elite competition with compelling storytelling, passionate communities and a strong connection with fans. His belief in our vision is incredibly meaningful as we look to build a franchise that can represent the future of chess.

“Chess today is at an inflection point. The talent is extraordinary, the audience is growing rapidly and the sport has all the ingredients to become a truly global phenomenon. We want FYERS American Gambits to be at the centre of that transformation bringing together the best players, ambitious partners and a new generation of fans. Gerard joining us is a powerful validation of that vision and opens up exciting possibilities for what we can build together.”

Yashas Khoday, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, FYERS, said: "Football became a global game because it found ways to connect with fans everywhere. We believe chess has that same potential, and having someone like Gerard, who's lived that journey with football, backing us makes that goal feel a lot more real. This is just the start of what we think chess can become."

Gerard Piqué said: “Throughout my career, I’ve always been interested in projects that rethink how sport connects with fans. Chess has fascinated me for a long time because of its depth, its global appeal and the incredible mental strength it demands. What attract me to FYERS American Gambits is the ambition to take chess to a new level and its long-term vision for the sport. I'm pleased to join as a strategic shareholder and wish the team every success in the season ahead.”

The announcement comes at a time of unprecedented global momentum for chess, driven by a new generation of players, the rise of digital platforms and innovative competition formats that are introducing the sport to broader audiences worldwide. The Global Chess League has played a leading role in this evolution through its team-based franchise model, bringing together many of the world's top players and creating new ways for fans to engage with the sport.Bringing together world-class talent, experienced leadership and long-term strategic backing, FYERS American Gambits reflects the growing international momentum behind chess and its emergence as an increasingly global sports and entertainment property.

About FYERS American Gambits: FYERS American Gambits is a franchise in the Global Chess League, bringing together some of the world's leading chess talent in an innovative team-based format. The franchise is committed to building a globally recognised sporting identity while contributing to the growth, accessibility and evolution of chess for new generations of fans.

                             

Polar Bear Launches 200th Store Nationally; Marks 100th Outlet in Bengaluru

10th August, Bengaluru, India: Polar Bear, the Ice Cream Sundae Zone, has achieved a landmark milestone with the launch of its 200th outlet nationally, which also marks its 100th parlour in Bengaluru, the city where the brand's journey began. A 100% Indian-owned, self-funded brand, Polar Bear has grown from a single store near Bengaluru's ITPL in 2008 to 200 dine-in sundae parlours across more than 35 cities, making it one of India's largest homegrown dessert chains.

Founded by entrepreneur Kishore Rai, Polar Bear has steadily built its presence through a singular focus on quality, innovation and memorable customer experiences. Remaining entirely self-funded throughout its journey, the brand has expanded sustainably over the years, earning the trust of millions of customers and strong franchise network while creating a distinctive space in India's evolving premium dessert market.

From its beginnings in Bengaluru to establishing a presence across multiple cities, Polar Bear has built a loyal customer base through its wide range of ice creams sundaes, shakes, sorbets and ice cream cakes. Over the years, the brand has helped shape the dine-in sundae parlour format by transforming desserts into an experience by bringing together families, friends and dessert lovers to celebrate both special occasions and everyday moments.

Commenting on the milestone, Kishore Rai, Founder, Polar Bear, said "Polar Bear started in 2008 with a simple vision - to delight every customer with a memorable ice cream sundae experience. At that time, we felt the market was largely focused on selling scoops of ice cream, while the sundae category had immense untapped potential. We set out to create innovative, indulgent sundaes using carefully curated recipes and high-quality dairy ingredients, giving customers an experience that was far more exciting than just eating ice cream.

Adding to this, Prashant Prakash, Senior Vice President – Commercial & Operations, Polar Bear, said: "Quality is at the heart of everything we do at Polar Bear. From sourcing premium ingredients to maintaining stringent quality standards across every outlet, we ensure that every sundae consistently delights our customers. Our menu continues to evolve with innovative flavours, generous portions and exciting combinations that cater to changing consumer preferences. As we celebrate our 200th store, our focus remains on delivering an experience that combines taste, freshness and exceptional service."