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Say Hello to Champak, the Delightful Addition to IPL Experience

Keerthana Kantharaj, Correspondent | Thursday, 1 May, 2025
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You may have noticed a captivating robot dog going around the field, shaking hands with players, and jumping at the stadium of IPL matches for a while now. With a camera in its head, this robot gives gamers a fresh perspective on the game. It resembles a puppy-themed moving camera! He is none other than Champak, the robotic dog who has all the attention of viewers and players.

Since its debut at the Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals game at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, this four-legged technological marvel has won people over. The little champ has been going around from Hardik Pandya to MS Dhoni, introducing himself and socializing with the IPL circuit.

Brainchild of Technology and Entertainment
The world-renowned broadcast technology company wTVision, in partnership with Omnicam and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), invented Champak, the four-legged tech marvel dog who is bringing a mix of both entertainment and technology.

The objective behind the robotic dog is said to add a new, emotional dimension to live sports coverage by mimicking a playful pet. He is an engaging, character-driven viewing experience that viewers could enjoy at home and in stadiums. He adds a special, endearing touch to the intense, tense environment of IPL matches by reacting in real time with players, umpires, and spectators by making gestures like handshakes, hops, and heart signs.

Champak is both technically advanced and eye-catching with a pan-tilt mechanism, a video RF system, and a specially designed gimbal system to stabilize footage over uneven surfaces. Encased in a specially designed 3D-printed casing, he maintains his durability and compactness without budging in on the performance or mobility.

He Brings What Indians Love Most - Cricket and Humor
Two things that Indians love most is cricket and comedy. The moment Champak was introduced, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) fans quickly came together to share memories and memes of the popular sitcom. Actor Amit Bhatt's character Champaklal Gada, the father of Jethalal in the popular comedy series, is regarded as being honored by the robotic dog, now officially known as Champak.

Champak getting his name is indeed considered to be a clever technique by marketing professionals. The IPL has brilliantly capitalized on a well-known cultural allusion that spans generations by referring to the robot as "Champak." It is said to strike an emotional chord and endow the robot with a personality instead of merely a function, according to brand expert Priya Menon.

Social Media is Already Crazy About Champak
The response has been just amazing. On social media, a video of the robotic dog performing during the IPL has received over 5.8 million views, 560,000 likes, and 72,000 reshares. The invention has been hailed by fans as "adorable," "heartwarming," and "the best surprise of the match." Some have even called for its inclusion in every game. To further increase participation and create a community around the innovation, the BCCI has asked fans to suggest a name for the robot dog in reaction to the tremendous adoration.

To name a few examples, the sage father of Gokuldham Society, Champaklal Jayantilal Gada, was instantly compared by fans of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Since the start of the show in 2008, fans have adored the fictitious Champaklal, who is known for his traditional values, eccentric ways, and unyielding discipline.

Funny images, memes, and fan-made movies were all over social media, picturing the robotic dog punishing cricket players or enforcing discipline in the dugout, just like his comedy counterpart does in his world. As a lighthearted reference to the program, some even made jokes about the robotic Champak referring to players as "Tapu ke papa."

Champak is Different From Other Animal Mascots
Champak adds a genuine technical edge to the IPL experience, in contrast to the typical animal mascots that depend on human performers dressed in costume. He is more than simply a prop; he responds to noise from the crowd, obeys orders, and communicates through a special software. The game now has a whole new level of fan interaction because of this interactivity.

Champak has become an unexpected cultural figure of IPL 2025, regardless of your interests in cricket, sitcoms, or robots in general. What began as a promotional supplement has evolved into a charming representation of amusement and nostalgia, serving as a reminder to all of us of how innovation can unite disparate worlds—in this example, robotic technology, cricket flair, and vintage television humor.

He adds a special, endearing touch to the intense, tense environment of IPL matches by reacting in real time with players, umpires, and spectators by making gestures like handshakes, hops, and heart signs.

Champak Gets Entangled With Legal Troubles
The name "Champak," which was given to the robotic dog that was introduced in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), has sparked a legal dispute in the Delhi High Court. Delhi Press Patra Prakashan, the publisher of the children's magazine Champak, has sued the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on grounds of trademark infringement. A notice about the case has been issued by the Delhi High Court bench of Justice Saurabh Banerjee, and the next hearing is set for July 9. Nevertheless, the court refused to provide the magazine's publishers with immediate relief.

Representatives of Champak magazine contend that the BCCI's usage of the name unfairly gives them a competitive advantage. The judge requested concrete evidence for this assertion rather than only reasoning. Although the court noted the disagreement, it said it was too soon to make an injunction decision. On July 9, the case will be reheard as both parties get ready to make more compelling arguments.

wTVision shares a long history of pushing the limits of live sports viewing for viewers with its immersive broadcasting solutions, AI-based technologies, and real-time graphics. It is also clear that the future of sports coverage will be both high-tech and individualized, as the robotic dog is now winning hearts throughout the cricket community.

Also Read: Disney, NVIDIA & Google DeepMind Usher Expressive Robotics Revolution

Nevertheless, the idea has been praised by industry insiders as a novel and innovative development in sports broadcasting. "Seeing it live during the IPL, which is one of the most watched sporting events in the world, has been a pivotal moment," said Divyajot Ahluwalia, Founder and Director of wTVision Solutions Pvt. Ltd., who expressed delight in the accomplishment. We really believe in and are dedicated to our goal of fusing smart technology with a customer obsession. Making sports more "human," enjoyable, and engaging for all is what innovation in broadcasting looks like.



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