Virat Kohli, UAE businessman launch team for UIM E1 World Championship

Cricket megastar Virat Kohli now owns ‘The Blue Rising’ team for the UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric raceboat championship, which starts next year.

Kohli has partnered with UAE-based sports tech entrepreneur Adi K Mishra, who is the co-owner of The Blue Rising team.

Former captain of the Indian cricket team and ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2017 and 2018, Kohli is considered as one of the world’s finest and most popular athletes. Regarded as one of the best batsmen in the game, India’s Kohli boasts an Instagram following of close to 260 million.

The duo join other high-profile team owners such as Tom Brady, Steve Aioki and Rafael Nadal.

Kohli wants The Blue Rising team to raise the profile of sustainable sports and make sure our planet is protected for future generations.

The Blue Rising team name not only draws attention to the urgent need to address marine conservation and the threat posed by rising sea levels around the world, but is also a celebration of the colour at the heart of Indian sports teams that proudly represent India on the global stage.

Kohli said: “I want to inspire people to have a competitive spirit and to raise awareness about sustainability issues, something I am becoming more and more passionate about as we build a family. I can’t wait to cheer for our male and female pilots racing for our team. I’m looking forward to lining up against the likes of Tom Brady, Rafa Nadal, Sergio Perez, Steve Aoki and Didier Drogba – we’re going electric, we’re going flying over the water and we’re going to try to win it for The Blue Rising!”

Here to takeover ?

Some shots from @imVkohli‘s Team Blue Rising launch day ?

Can we have a moment of appreciation for the team jacket as well ?#E1series | #ChampionsOfTheWater pic.twitter.com/okjPJv5Eqk

— E1 Series (@E1Series) October 3, 2023

Virat Kohli will raise profile of the championship, says founders

Alejandro Agag, co-founder and chairman of UIM E1 World Championship, said: “Our inaugural season is getting closer and I’m thrilled to announce yet another fantastic team joining us on our journey, one who has both sport and sustainability at the heart of their team.

“Spearheaded by cricket superstar, Virat Kohli, The Blue Rising Team says it all in their name! No doubt on the water, their sportsmanship will allow their team to thrive and guide their team to success. Off the water, their strength in championing sport with purpose is something we want to elevate and by joining forces together especially with our diverse fan base, I believe we can inspire and educate future generations.

The race is on and I cannot wait for the first race of the UIM E1 World Championship in Jeddah next year.”

Rodi Basso, co-founder and CEO of UIM E1 World Championship, said, “The start line for the first season of the UIM E1 World Championship is filling up fast, and our seventh team is a big one for us. Virat Kohli’s passion for sustainability, combined with Adi’s ability to drive success, will make The Blue Rising Team a force to be reckoned with on the water.

“I am confident they will bring positive energy, fierce competitiveness, and natural creativity to our championship. And there’s no doubt their involvement will attract millions of new fans and help us deliver an even bigger impact through sport and purpose. Welcome The Blue Rising Team! We’re excited to have you with us on this incredible journey.”

E1 is the first electric raceboat championship sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the world governing body of powerboating.

E1 holds an exclusive license with the UIM to promote a racing series on the water powered solely by electric.

The championship was established to create a new, competitive on-water racing proposition based on clean technologies to protect our waters and coastal areas.

Read: This Bollywood icon is the new brand ambassador of Etihad