
Baseball United, Tokyo Broadcasting launch reality TV series to find new stars
Baseball United, the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and South Asia, has announced a partnership with Tokyo Broadcast System (TBS), one of Japan's leading broadcasters, to give young Japanese baseball prospects a shot at becoming professional players.
The competition series, called 'TRYOUT: PLAN D,' will feature hundreds of prospects all competing for two roster spots on the Mid East Falcons, one of Baseball United's founding franchises.
The winners will play for the Falcons later this year during Baseball United's inaugural season in Dubai.
TRYOUT will begin airing in July on TBS linear and digital platforms, with behind-the-scenes content and exclusive footage shared across Baseball United's global channels. The two winners will be officially introduced as members of the Mid East Falcons before the team's game against the Karachi Monarchs, on Wednesday, November 19.
'TRYOUT is more than just a competition – it's a celebration of culture, a catalyst of opportunity, and a testament of resilience," said Kash Shaikh, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder, Baseball United.
Baseball United currently has four franchises: the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, Arabia Wolves, and the Mid East Falcons. All four franchises will compete in the league's first season from November 14 to December 14. All games will be played at Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai.
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Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
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Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
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Tattersalls, the oldest and most prestigious bloodstock auctioneers in the UK and Europe, also opened its doors to CUHRS, thanks to Cambridge alumnus Martin Mitchell. Supporters like Julian Taylor and Bobby Jackson helped organise race days at Huntingdon and even student trips to Aintree for the Grand National. 'To my successor Albi Tufnell's delight — we don't just do flat,' Armand de Lambilly, now CUHRS Senior Events Coordinator, recalls his first race day with CUHRS at Aintree as a turning point. 'It's no overstatement to say that CUHRS is the university society that has had the biggest impact on my life, both in and out of Cambridge.' That initial experience not only sparked his passion for racing but also led to a summer internship at the start-up TurfWin, marking the beginning of his journey into the industry. The society also honours OBD's family legacy. 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Sophie Able, and his best friend Aanya, were present that same evening where OBD met Sophie Ryan. 'Sophie had flown in to Dubai as the Jockey Club was sponsoring a race. The timing couldn't have been better,' said OBD. With the support of John Hawkins, former British ambassador to Qatar and Consul-General in Dubai, the Jockey Club is working to strengthen ties with Meydan, recognising the UAE's growing influence in international racing. 'I had the privilege of spending 'Super Saturday' with Sophie, John, Joseph Assaad Tabet, and Dido Harding — Baroness Diana Mary 'Dido' Harding of Winscombe — Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, who was highly supportive of our vision to establish a CUHRS-style initiative in the Middle East,' OBD added. CUHRS Dubai: A new chapter With support from Sophie Ryan and the Dubai Racing Club, CUHRS hosted its inaugural Fashion Friday event at Meydan. 'Twenty of us attended, free of charge, with full hospitality. George Prince even came to speak to us,' said OBD. 'That night Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made a rare appearance at the Carnival — it was magic.' The format was replicated with a follow-up visit to Bhupat Seemar's championship-winning Zabeel Stables at dawn. 'He greeted us personally the next week at Meydan and knew everyone by name. That's how you bring people into the 'village,'' said OBD. 'Bhupat has even kindly agreed to give our inaugural dinner at the Arts Club, Dubai. James Maughan, Chairman of the Oxford & Cambridge Society of the UAE, has also agreed to partner with us.' Outlining the broader ambition of the initiative, OBD spoke about a long-term vision to establish a lasting legacy for youth development through racing across the region. 'But this initiative isn't just about Cambridge — it's about creating a true 'University of Racing' for young people in Dubai,' OBD said. 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That bond is rooted in a centuries-old equestrian heritage shared by both regions — from the Royal Studs at Sandringham and the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace to the state-of-the-art stables in Dubai. Both cultures in the UK and the UAE place immense value on horsemanship, breeding, and the prestige that surrounds the sport. Perhaps the most powerful symbol of this connection was the friendship between the late Queen Elizabeth II and Sheikh Mohammed. United by a lifelong passion for thoroughbred racing, their mutual admiration helped forge lasting ties between two distinct worlds. OBD's own relationship with Dubai's racing elite underscores this connection. He had a chance meeting with legendary Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor — one of the most decorated figures in global horse racing. 'We talked about engaging youth. Saeed was genuinely interested,' OBD says. That meeting laid the foundation for what OBD hopes will one day include hosting a Society dinner in Saeed's honour — an occasion that would underscore the evolving relationship between CUHRS and Godolphin. 'The Society's ties with Godolphin have deepened through visits to Dalham Hall Stud and Moulton Paddocks in Newmarket, made possible by one of our most loyal members, Loulou,' said OBD. These connections have also been strengthened through events attended by Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin in both the UK and Dubai, and David Loder, the highly respected British racehorse trainer known for his expertise in developing young thoroughbreds who generously gave their time to speak with a group of CUHRS students. 'This isn't just sport, it's heritage, opportunity, and legacy,' said OBD. With plans to fly students out for immersive racing and cultural experiences, OBD is evolving from a student organiser into a cultural envoy by bridging generations and geographies through a shared passion 'Racing gave me community,' he added. That includes chance friendships too like with polo player and banker Finn Campbell-Breeden (RCB). 'We were introduced because of our love of horses through a friend, discovered we lived in the same building in Business Bay, and became inseparable. I owe my life in Dubai to racing.' OBD clearly thrives on connection — between people, places, and passions. For him, this is just the beginning. For support, or to get in touch: Dubai


Zawya
12 hours ago
- Zawya
SL Benfica launches first-ever immersive store with AI concierge powered by Infinite Reality
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