Chennai, India – August 2025: The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment, hosted the seventh edition of its Diplomatic Premier League (DPL), a prestigious futsal tournament in Chennai.
Organized in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Consular Corps Diplomatique (CCD), the DPL unites Chennai’s diplomatic community annually to foster unity, promote physical fitness, and raise awareness for forcibly displaced refugees.
“The Diplomatic Premier League embodies Ascott’s commitment to fostering inclusive communities and driving meaningful change,” said Mr. Hoshang Garivala, Country General Manager, The Ascott Limited. “By uniting Chennai’s diplomatic corps through sport, we create a platform for collaboration and raise vital awareness for refugees worldwide.”
Anup Kumar, Director of Sales & Marketing, Ascott India, said: “The DPL is a remarkable platform that unites diplomats in sport while shining a light on the global refugee crisis, encouraging meaningful action and solidarity.”
The trophy unveiling ceremony was attended by Hon’bleThiru P.K. Sekar Babu, Minister of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department – Govt. of Tamilnadu, along with some celebrities like Mrs. Shalini Ajith Kumar.
The exciting competition featured ten teams from the consulates of Germany, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Italy, Russia, Thailand, CCD, Guidance Tamil Nadu and UNHCR, held at Whistle Urban Sports Hub, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
With over 120 million people forcibly displaced worldwide (UNHCR, 2025), the DPL serves as a vital platform to advocate for refugee support and encourage diplomatic collaboration to address this global challenge. The tournament highlights the challenges faced by refugees forcibly displaced from their homelands, fostering meaningful dialogue among global leaders.
The Diplomatic Premier League, presented by The Ascott Limited, is an annual futsal tournament that brings together Chennai’s diplomatic community to compete for a prestigious title while promoting physical fitness and camaraderie.
This year, the team from Korea was declared the champion of the Diplomatic Premier League 2025. UNHCR secured the first runner-up position. The event was co-hosted by Dr. Yashwanth, Honorary Consul of El Salvador, at Whistle Urban Sports Hub, Nungambakkam.
