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Tag: Pro Kabaddi League

  • Star Sports unveils campaign for PKL 2024 ft Riteish Deshmukh

    Star Sports unveils campaign for PKL 2024 ft Riteish Deshmukh

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has unveiled its first campaign film for the upcoming PKL Season 11, featuring Riteish Deshmukh. With the tournament set to start on 18 October 2024, this action-packed campaign film takes viewers deep into the heart of an untamed jungle. The intensity of Kabaddi is brought to life through epic visuals, raw power, and relentless grit. The film, which will be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil, sets the stage for what promises to be the most thrilling PKL season yet.

    In the promo, Riteish steps into the shoes of a lone warrior, showcasing stealth and agility of a tiger as he navigates dangerous predators – a vivid metaphor for the sharp instincts, speed, and mental toughness that define kabaddi champions. The film brilliantly captures the pulse-pounding essence of kabaddi, drawing viewers into a world where each move is a battle, and every decision could be the difference between victory and defeat.

    The gripping visuals, combined with the evocative song that underscores the narrative, highlights the raw power and strategy at the core of the sport, elevating anticipation for Season 11 to new heights.

    Riteish Deshmukh said: “Kabaddi is a sport that is woven into the fabric of our culture, and being a part of this campaign is an absolute honour. The intensity and pride we captured in the film reflect the warrior spirit of kabaddi players – fierce, fearless, and ready to face any challenge. PKL has become a national sensation, and I’m sure this season will take that excitement to another level.”

    As part of integrating fans into the sport, Mashal Sports and Star Sports launched the “Define Your Team’s Superpower” campaign, inviting fans to vote for their team’s superpowers, which shaped the PKL 11 campaign across TV and digital platforms. The polls for Puneri Paltan and U Mumbai received 105k votes and achieved 1.12 million views, 1.45 million reach, and 119k interactions. The top fan-chosen traits—surprise & stealth—are highlighted in the Riteish Deshmukh promo film, reflecting Maharashtra’s spirit. The remaining team polls continue to be amplified as the season approaches.

    This time around, PKL will be returning to a three-city format. The 2024 edition will commence at the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex in Hyderabad from 18 October to 9 November. It will then move to the Noida Indoor Stadium for the second leg, starting on November 10 and ending on 1 December. The third leg will begin at the Badminton Hall in Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune from 3 December to 24 December. With star players such as Pawan Sehrawat, Pardeep Narwal, and Fazel Atrachali set to dominate the mat, PKL 11 ensures that Kabaddi will capture the attention of both die-hard fans and new viewers alike.

    The season opener will see a thrilling face-off between Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls, setting the stage for a high-octane season. The second match of the night promises more fireworks, as U Mumba locks horns with the dynamic Dabang Delhi K.C. Fans across India can prepare for a season filled with drama, intensity, and non-stop action, live on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar!

    Watch the Pro Kabaddi League Season 11, live and exclusive on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar, from 18 October 2024 onwards.

  • Pro Kabaddi League season 11 to commence on 18 October

    Pro Kabaddi League season 11 to commence on 18 October

    Mumbai: Mashal Sports, organisers of Pro Kabaddi League, announced that PKL season 11 will begin on 18 October 2024. After successfully completing ten seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League earlier this year, the world’s biggest kabaddi league will embark into a new phase in October.

    In season 11, the Pro Kabaddi League will return to the three-city caravan format. The 2024 edition will commence at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on 18 October, before moving to the Noida Indoor Stadium for the second leg from 10 November. The third leg will take place at the Balewadi Badminton Stadium in Pune, from 3 December onwards.

    The dates and venue for the playoffs will be announced at a later date.

    Speaking on the announcement of the dates for PKL season 11, Pro Kabaddi League – league commissioner – Anupam Goswami said, “We are delighted to announce the start date and venues for PKL Season 11. After successfully completing 10 seasons, PKL Season 11 will mark a new milestone in the continued rise of the league. This would strengthen the growth of Kabaddi in India and elsewhere around the world.”

    The Pro Kabaddi League season 11 auction was held in Mumbai from 15-16 August 2024, with eight players going for over Rs 1 crore, a new record in the league’s history.

    Mashal Sports and Disney Star have built PKL into one of the most successful sports leagues in India. Organized and conducted by Mashal under its sanctioned agreement with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the Pro Kabaddi League has transformed the image of India’s indigenous sport of Kabaddi and its athletes nationally as well as across the globe. After witnessing the participation of many of their players in PKL, several Kabaddi-playing nations have strengthened their domestic Kabaddi programs as well.

    The Pro Kabaddi League season 11 will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
     

  • Pro Kabaddi League on Star Sports ignites festive cheer for advertisers

    Pro Kabaddi League on Star Sports ignites festive cheer for advertisers

    Mumbai: With the festive season fast approaching, advertisers are busy finalizing media plans to acquire and retain customers. The upcoming eleventh season of the Pro Kabaddi League, launching mid-October, offers a prime platform for brands to strategically unveil new products, amplify festive promotions, enter new markets, and elevate their premium positioning. The last edition of Pro Kabaddi League reached a whopping 351 million viewers, achieving a 20 per cent growth from the preceding edition. A large part of this reach was driven by premium audiences with 65 per cent coming from NCCS AB households. What makes Pro Kabaddi League unique is the high-octane format and the collective viewing experience of the sport, commanding a watch-time of over 50 per cent – higher than most other sports on live broadcast.  

    Reasons that make Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 on Star Sports the biggest festive media plan for advertisers:

    1.    Reach the Young and Affluent at Scale: Through its 10 editions, Pro Kabaddi League has managed to capture the attention of the youth, reigniting passion for India’s homegrown sport. In the previous edition, 70 per cent of the league’s reach on TV came from viewers below 40 years of age. 65 per cent of TV viewership of Season 11 was from NCCS AB households while the league’s viewership in megacities witnessed a massive 57 per cent growth.

    2. Leader Across Genres during Festive: Year on year, Pro Kabaddi League has achieved leadership on television across genres, showcasing supremacy over leading impact shows. In HSM, PKL delivered a reach of 195 million, 1.75-2X of top programs including reality shows, quiz shows and talents. Similarly in South markets (TN, AP, Karnataka), PKL reached 155 million viewers, a massive 2-3X of other genres. During the festive season, active categories like FMCG, automobile and e-commerce can leverage this scale to garner incremental audiences for their brands.

    PKL

    3. Unlock Superior ROI: PKL on TV continues to deliver high return on investment for advertisers across categories with massive uplifts along the brand funnel during their association.

    i    A leading FMCG brand that associated with Pro Kabaddi League last season witnessed a 43 per cent increase in sales on a leading e-commerce platform during the season, followed by a 149 per cent increase in e-commerce enquiries and a 42 per cent increase in Google searches for the product advertised.

    ii    An adhesive brand that was a sponsor with the league last season witnessed a 14X return on investment through their association, with the TV association delivering a 36 per cent growth in search queries and a 56 per cent increase in website traffic. Key brand metrics witnessed massive uplifts with the brand’s consideration growing 192 per cent while purchase intent grew by a staggering 206 per cent.

    4. Truly Integrated Sponsorships: Pro Kabaddi League offers a differential opportunity for sponsors like no other sporting league in India, combining the might of on-air, on-ground, access to players across teams, and digital and social media to provide a high-impact integrated platform for brands. Sponsorships with Pro Kabaddi League continue to provide the highest return on investment for brands, with associate sponsorships delivering a media value of 14X the investment, as per a study by Intelensa.

    5. Immersive Brand Opportunities on Live Broadcast: The live broadcast of Pro Kabaddi League offers deep integration opportunities for advertisers. From ownership of high-impact moments during matches to Picture-In-Picture Ads that allow brands to seamlessly integrate their TVCs without going into commercial breaks and contextual augmented reality graphics as live game intervention – Star Sports delivers an immersive brand experience for viewers.

    Pro Kabaddi League is a celebration of India’s very own sport and the timing of the league merging with the festive season makes the 11th edition a powerful media solution for brands across categories looking to drive premiumization and achieve scale.

  • PKL Season 10 on Star Sports Network hits 226M viewers in initial 90 matches

    PKL Season 10 on Star Sports Network hits 226M viewers in initial 90 matches

    Mumbai: Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), continues to offset new benchmarks for Kabaddi viewership in the country. The league’s milestone Season 10 has captivated an astounding 226 million* viewers during the initial 90 matches, showcasing a remarkable 17 per cent increase in reach compared to season nine and making it the only sport outside cricket to cross the 200 million mark multiple times. Furthermore, the broadcaster has recorded 38 billion minutes* of watch time, 15 per cent higher than Season nine during the same period. Additionally, there has been a 22 per cent rise in TVR**, highlighting the growing popularity of Kabaddi among Indian sports enthusiasts.

    The PKL Season 10 has already surpassed last year’s viewership figures, with the playoffs and finals yet to be played. The playoffs will begin from 26th February 2024 at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium (G. M. C. Balayogi Indoor Stadium) in Hyderabad with the finals to played on 1 March 2024.

    “Pro Kabaddi League embodies the principles of intense competition, and a strong commitment to fan engagement. Our focus on showcasing India’s emerging Kabaddi talent has been pivotal in elevating the league’s stature. Season 10 reflects the league’s continuous expansion and development as we continue to break records. The past decade has been marked by growth, and a steadfast commitment to delivering a top-notch viewing experience. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to fans for their passionate support, and as we approach the milestone season’s conclusion, we are dedicated to delivering a grand finale,” said a Star Sports spokesperson.

    PKL Season 10 marks a significant milestone, solidifying its position as the second biggest sporting property in India. The league provides a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills alongside global icons on a grand stage. Players such as Maninder Singh, Arjun Deshwal, Mohammadreza Shadloui, and Ashu Malik have captivated audiences with their exceptional performances, making every match a thrilling spectacle.

    As the league unfolds, the competition intensifies with nine teams still in contention for the five open spots for the playoffs. With the business end of the season approaching, fans can expect an exhilarating conclusion to the league stages, filled with action-packed matches and nail-biting moments.

    Source:

    *BARC 2+U+R

    **BARC 15+ M AB

  • Pro Kabaddi League solidifies its position as the second most-watched league with 213 million viewers in the first six weeks

    Pro Kabaddi League solidifies its position as the second most-watched league with 213 million viewers in the first six weeks

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Pro Kabaddi League, has achieved a remarkable success during the halfway mark of the tournament, captivating an astounding 213 million viewers in the first 68 matches of Season 10. This signifies an impressive growth of 16 per cent in reach compared to the previous season, as reported by BARC. The surge in watch time, witnessing a notable 18 per cent increase to exceed 30 billion minutes, along with a 25 per cent rise in TVR** compared to Season 9, bear testimony to the escalating interest and fervour among fans for the electrifying action that the Pro Kabaddi League consistently delivers.

    A Star Sports spokesperson said, “Kabaddi has firmly established itself as India’s second most loved sport. Kabaddi’s success story is deeply rooted in its ability to resonate with both urban and rural audiences, creating a unifying thread that binds communities together. The caravan format, returning after a four-year hiatus, has brought novelty and excitement, connecting the sport with fans across diverse regions. The active participation of top celebrities at various venues has significantly heightened the league’s visibility and appeal. We express gratitude to fans for their continued support and passion for India’s sport and look forward to making the 10th season truly memorable.”

    The Pro Kabaddi League has not only elevated the indigenous sport to unprecedented heights but also stands as the exclusive non-cricket league consistently crossing the remarkable threshold of 200 million viewers. Star Sports unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled viewing experience is vividly demonstrated by these remarkable viewership figures, highlighting the enduring support and passion of the Indian audience for PKL.

    The league’s return to a multi-city caravan-style format, complemented by celebrity associations featuring some of the biggest superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Ballaya, Sudeep Kiccha, Tiger Shroff, Pankaj Tripathi, Vicky Kaushal, Manoj Bajpayee, and many more, has brought a layer of stardom into the fast-paced matches and attracted massive crowds who have been kept on the edge of their seats, contributing significantly to the league’s immense popularity.

    **Source: BARC India Urban 15+MAB

  • Trinity Entertainment partners with Dabang Delhi for Pro Kabaddi League

    Trinity Entertainment partners with Dabang Delhi for Pro Kabaddi League

    Mumbai: Trinity Entertainment and strategic consultants has joined hands with Dabang Delhi Kabaddi Club as the official marketing partner for the glorious tenth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). As part of this partnership, Trinity will spearhead a comprehensive marketing strategy, encompassing on-ground activations and an ambitious ATL campaign. Their meticulously crafted media plan is set to dominate Delhi’s landscape, starting from the Republic Day weekend, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement.

    Trinity Entertainment’s creative director and managing director Fahad Chowdhary said, “We are thrilled to join forces with Dabang Delhi Kabaddi Club for the marquee 10th edition of Pro Kabaddi League. Our goal is to enhance the fan experience, promote the team’s achievements, and contribute to the overall success of PKL. Together, we aim to create lasting memories for fans and position Dabang Delhi as a force to be reckoned with in the world of Kabaddi.”

    The Spokesperson of Do it Sports CEO DDKC M. Durganath Wagle said, “We are elated to onboard Trinity as our strategic partner. We are confident that proven track record in delivering exceptional marketing strategies will help us achieve our targets. We believe this partnership will take us a step forward in the tenth edition of Pro Kabaddi League, enabling us to reach a larger audience, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement.”

    Trinity’s approach extends beyond traditional strategies, with a focus on day-to-day content creation and campaigns uniquely tailored around the franchise’s table position. This innovative tactic aims to bridge the gap between Dabang Delhi’s athletes and their dedicated fan base, creating an immersive and interactive experience.

    Notably, Pro Kabaddi League stands as the second-most followed league in India after the IPL, with live broadcasts on premier channels like Star Sports, Hotstar, and other Disney Star TV networks. Trinity’s involvement is poised to elevate the league’s reach and impact. Dabang Delhi Kabaddi Club, boasting one championship title and a consistent top-performing record in the league, brings a rich history and competitive spirit to the partnership. Trinity is enthusiastic about contributing to the team’s success both on and off the mat.

     

  • Prisma AI partners with Jaipur Pink Panthers

    Prisma AI partners with Jaipur Pink Panthers

    Mumbai: Fusing the excitement of homegrown sports with the power of cutting-edge technology that is made in India, Prisma AI announced a partnership with the Jaipur Pink Panthers, the professional Pro-Kabaddi League team.

    The partnership aims to introduce a next-generation ticketing system powered by Prisma AI’s verification platform Veri5 that allows audiences to enter using facial recognition technology instead of a QR code, making the tedious task of entering the stadiums quick and hassle-free. It also adds a layer of AI-powered security enhancements for the fans and the organizers.

    By deploying Prisma AI’s unique visual AI algorithms, the system effectively helps minimize large crowds and wait times accompanying any sporting event, allowing for quick and efficient access and elevating the stadium experience for fans, teams, and organizers.

    A turning point in the Pro-Kabaddi League, this fusion of technology and sports will be the first time a global Indian AI company will collaborate with an Indian sporting team to deliver an unrivalled experience.

    As part of the partnership, Prisma AI is closely working with the Jaipur Pink Panthers team and paytm insider to bring the power of computer vision to drive fan engagement and access to the venues for a seamless and secure experience.

    Jaipur Pink Panthers owner Abhishek Bachchan said, “Our collaboration with Prisma AI marks a groundbreaking phase in sports technology. This partnership reflects Jaipur Pink Panthers’ dedication to adopting technological advancements for the betterment of our devoted fan base.”

    Prisma AI chairman and group CEO Dr Shreeram Iyer said, “As an Indian company, we take great pride in collaborating with the Jaipur Pink Panthers, representing a sport deeply embedded in our country’s culture. Our partnership aims to utilize computer vision for an improved in-stadium fan experience, streamlined venue access, and enhanced venue security.”

    The Gratitude Company founder and Prisma AI advisor Juspreet Singh Walia said, “We are thrilled to announce the exciting collaboration between Jaipur Pink Panthers and Prisma AI. This partnership signifies a strategic alliance between two innovative forces in sports and technology. Together, we aim to redefine the landscape of fan engagement and performance analytics.

  • Tiger Shroff ignites Pro Kabaddi League in Mumbai with star-studded presence

    Tiger Shroff ignites Pro Kabaddi League in Mumbai with star-studded presence

    Mumbai: The Mumbai leg of the Pro Kabaddi League commenced with a glamorous launch, featuring notable personalities like Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi. Tiger Shroff, the ambassador for Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, brought an additional dose of excitement as he graced the stadium during the recent match between U Mumba and Dabang Delhi, infusing the event with his charismatic presence.

    The star of ‘Student of the Year 2,’ who portrayed a Kabaddi player in the film, fondly reminisced about his experience learning the sport for the movie. He expressed admiration for the Kabaddi players’ fitness and dedication, stating, “The dedication I witness in their fitness routines is truly inspirational. Kabaddi demands a specific level of flexibility, agility, and strength, and I can confidently say that these players have set a commendable standard. Without a doubt, we have some of the fittest men in the country playing this game.”

    Shroff also emphasised the pride he feels as the brand ambassador for Kabaddi, said, “It’s truly an honor to be associated with this organization. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Pro Kabaddi League on reaching its 10th season. Managing and sustaining numerous seasons is an arduous task, and today, it’s commendable to witness the league’s endurance. I recognize Kabaddi’s impressive ascent, swiftly becoming the second most-watched sport, following cricket, in a relatively brief period”.

    During his visit, the ‘Heropanti’ actor engaged in a playful segment with Dabang Delhi’s Ashu Malik and U Mumba’s Mahender Singh, where both players recited dialogues from his movies. Tiger Shroff also took the opportunity to practice some Kabaddi moves and skills, adding a touch of fun to his visit.

  • Noida welcomes Pro Kabaddi League after a four year hiatus with open arms

    Noida welcomes Pro Kabaddi League after a four year hiatus with open arms

    Mumbai: Kabaddi was the eventual winner as UP Yoddhas, the franchisee owned by GMR Group representing Uttar Pradesh, returned to its home base in Noida for the Pro Kabaddi League season 10 after a long wait of four years and two seasons this year. Kabaddi fans turned up in huge numbers celebrating the spirit of Kabaddi to watch their favourite teams play at the Noida Indoor Stadium, that hosted the Noida leg of the 10th Pro Kabaddi League season 10 for the first time. With over 90% occupancy rate in the first four days of the Noida leg that kicked-off on 29 December 2023 to conclude on 3 January 2024, Kabaddi fans from Delhi NCR couldn’t get a better and a happier way to call in the New Year.

    Speaking on the successful start to the home leg of UP Yoddhas, GMR League Games marketing head Sujoy Ganguly said, “We are overwhelmed to see how the fans have come out in fully strength to celebrate Kabaddi in Noida. This is a testimony to how the sport is loved and celebrated in this part of the country. As a team we are grateful to our fans who have left no stone unturned to support their team and I look forward to their continued support not just for the next few days but also the season ahead.”

    UP Yoddhas started their home leg on a positive note against Bengaluru Bulls with a 34-33 win. Captain Pardeep Narwal led the team from the front as he earned the highest points (10) in the match. However, in their next two games against Dabang Delhi K.C. and Patna Pirates, the Yoddhas missed out on victory despite Captain Pardeep Narwal’s stellar performances and are currently ranked tenth in the standings with 21 points in their kitty. 

  • Gujarat Giants announced partnerships for 10 Season Pro Kabaddi League

    Gujarat Giants announced partnerships for 10 Season Pro Kabaddi League

    Mumbai: Gujarat Giants owned by Adani Sportsline, is one of the Pro Kabaddi League teams. The team which is based out of Ahmedabad has welcomed on board their official partners for the landmark 10 season of the Pro Kabaddi League.

    The official partner’s logos will be on the Gujarat Giants’ jersey for the season with ACC Limited prominently featuring as the front logo partner. That apart, Fortune Foods takes up their spot on the back of the jersey and the shoulders.

    The jersey’s right sleeve proudly showcases the Poojara Telecom logo followed by the Adani Group logo, while the left sleeve highlights the Dafa News logo.

    League11, a fantasy sports platform, secures the rights to display its logo on the team’s shorts. Additionally, the Shiv Naresh, who are among the most sought-after sports apparel organisations in the country, will have their logo on the nape of the jersey.

    Speaking on the partnership, Adani Sportsline CBO Sanjay Adesara said, “We are thrilled to welcome all our sponsors on board. Their belief in the Gujarat Giants’ potential and our shared passion for kabaddi fortifies our determination to excel in the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League 2023. These partnerships bring a promise of continued support for the Gujarat Giants family, and we are keen to ensure that it stands the test of time.”  

    Ajay Kapur, ACC Cement opened up about the collaboration CEO stating, “This partnership is a fusion of tradition and ambition, a synergy of two brands with the same passion and a common goal of nation building. We believe that this partnership is a beacon of the united pursuit of excellence and a symbol of the enduring bond between the two strong teams. Together, we will embark on a journey of transcending boundaries, breaking barriers, and empowering our youth.”

    Poojara Telecom director Rahil Poojara said, “We are excited to partner with the Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants team and support their journey in the Pro Kabaddi League season 10, Kabaddi is a great sport that promotes teamwork, agility, and fitness. We believe that this partnership will help us connect with our customers and promote healthy living in Gujarat. Kabaddi holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians, and we believe in the power of sports to bring people together. This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to the community but also allows us to connect with a diverse audience across the nation.”

    These partnerships between the brands and Gujarat Giants signify a mutual commitment to the Indian kabaddi sports ecosystem. The ongoing 10 season of the Pro Kabaddi League, one of India’s premier tournaments, continues to captivate audiences with action-packed matches among 12 talented teams, who are battling it out for the title

    The 10 Pro Kabaddi League had begun in Ahmedabad, with the Gujarat Giants emerging as the best team in the first leg of the tournament. The Gujarat Giants have previously made the finals of the Pro Kabaddi League twice, and with Captain Fazel Atrachali and coach Ram Mehar Singh, will be hoping to land the elusive title in this season.