SNAPDRAGON IN GOA: TECH, CRICKET & STAR POWER

Where the world's fastest chip met timeless experiences

- Words By: Sohil Nikam

When Qualcomm invites you to Goa, you know it isn't going to be "just another" conference.

On September 25 and 26, right after the global unveiling of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform, I found myself at the impossibly picturesque ITC Grand in Arossim, Goa. The two days were a blend of hard tech, soft sand, and moments that will linger in memory long after the press releases fade.

A RESORT THAT SETS THE TONE

The ITC Grand is not just a hotel; it's a mood. Palm trees swayed in the warm Goan air as journalists from across India settled in. The serenity of the property stood in amusing contrast to the cutting-edge performance numbers we were about to hear on stage. Qualcomm's annual global conference takes place in Hawaii every year, but it's only fitting that the company's strongest market also got a taste of it this year. And what's more fitting is the venue. No place in India can match the charm and leisurely nature of Hawaii, as well as Goa can. They just couldn't have picked a better setting.

WHEN TECH MEETS TURF

One of the unexpected highlights was a quick cricket match arranged for us journalists. We barely got going before a time crunch forced the game to a halt, but nobody seemed disappointed. Why? Because waiting for us on the sidelines were legends, Rahul Dravid, Navjot Singh Sidhu, and Kapil Dev. For a cricket lover like me, this was surreal. I even walked away with a prized possession: a ball signed by Dravid himself. The match may have been short, but the memories are indelible.

EVENINGS OF ENTERTAINMENT