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Tag: Pro Kabaddi League

  • With no LIVE audience, PKL teams opt for digital innovation to connect with fans

    With no LIVE audience, PKL teams opt for digital innovation to connect with fans

    Mumbai: With a week left for the launch of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season eight, the excitement is palpable among fans as well as the playing teams. For UP Yoddha, the latest edition offers another opportunity to level up their game from the play-offs and clinch the coveted trophy for the first time.

    The team has consistently made it to the playoffs in every season since its inception in 2017, but has yet to win the title. “We are very excited to have the PKL return after a hiatus of almost two years. The players cannot wait to be back in the competitive environment. And, this time we are more focused and energised to reach the final step and lift the trophy,” says GMR League Games and UP Yoddha CEO Vinod Bisht in an exclusive chat with Indiantelevision.com. 

    The team is all set to begin its campaign with a first match against defending champions Bengal Warriors on the opening day – 22 December. Unlike before, the latest edition of the league will be played without any LIVE audience due to Covid protocols, and with all teams integrated into a bio-bubble. But, that has not deterred the enthusiasm among the teams, says Bisht.

    “The players’ will to win and competitiveness will only get fiercer. But, they are mindful of the changing scenarios, the absence of fans, and a testing bubble life,” says the CEO.

    Bisht, a former commanding officer (CO) in the Indian Army started his Sports journey as a business mentor for Patna pirates in PKL, before teaming up with the UP Yoddha Franchise. Based in Greater Noida, the GMR Group-owned UP Yoddha franchise was introduced into the league in the fifth season and has been part of the league ever since.

    Talking about the post-pandemic impact on the overall experience of the game, Bisht says, “We would have loved to have a full-house cheering for us on home ground, but we need to be cautious of the situation we are in. The safety of our fans is our top priority. With everything that’s happening around, everyone needs to adapt. We just want our players to play passionately, and our fans to enjoy the game even if it’s from the comfort of their home.”

    All matches will be aired LIVE on Star Sports Network, the official broadcast network, and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, which has already unveiled its mega campaign, #JoBhidegaWohBadhega, featuring former Indian cricket team skipper MS Dhoni.

    Elaborating on how the franchise plans to elevate the experience for their fans who will be watching from home, Bisht says, “We are doing series of online activations involving our fans who we call the ‘Yoddha Toli’ and this Yodhha Toli will interact with our players and other fans through various innovative digital innovations.” The franchise will also focus more on social media interfaces, being mindful of the ongoing pandemic. “But, we definitely intend to meet all our fans at our state-of-the-art UP Yoddha BK Kabaddi Academy in Meerut once the season is over,” he adds.

    ABP News has come on board as the principal sponsor of the UP Yoddha for the 2021-22 season, and the channel logo will feature prominently on the players’ jerseys. “We are the only kabaddi team from Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in India population-wise and given the ongoing situation it was physically impossible to reach all corners of the state, and that’s where ABP News comes in,” says Bisht on association with the news channel. “Considering the popularity of the league, the partnership will help ABP News connect with a wider audience by capturing the interest of sports consumers across both rural and urban markets in the Hindi speaking states.”

    The partnership also comes at a time when the state of Uttar Pradesh is heading into polls, which creates its own buzz around activities associated with the state.

    This season, the team has also upped its game with the addition of star player Pradeep Narwal for a whopping ₹1.65 crore, becoming one of the most expensive players auctioned at a league outside of cricket.

    Talking about the growth in viewership of the sports event, Bisht says, “Kabaddi is one of those childhood games that you played with your friends, a sport that’s close to every Indian’s heart. It has been one of the most played sports in our country, and PKL has allowed teams to represent different parts of our country which shows how much the sport has grown over the years.”

  • Star Sports’ new promo has Telugu fans excited for PKL Season 8

    Star Sports’ new promo has Telugu fans excited for PKL Season 8

    Mumbai: Star Sports Network has unveiled a new promo for the Pro Kabaddi League Season eight capitalising on the excitement and anticipation building among its Telugu fans.

    The league is all set to return on 22 December. Owing to safety protocols, the entire edition of the Vivo PKL Season eight will be held at Bengaluru at a single venue, moving away from its traditional caravan format.

    The latest promo- ‘Raa Chuddam’ speaks to the sports fans in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and celebrates the preparation of the home team ‘Telugu Titans’ for the upcoming season. The film features Telugu movie star Naga Chaitanya, who supports the ‘Titans’ and leads the chorus of support from fans to rally behind their team.

    “I am absolutely delighted that Pro Kabaddi League is returning after two years. As a Kabaddi fan and strong supporter of Telugu Titans, we are ready to back our team as they set foot on the mat. I will be closely following all the matches and hope that the Titans perform exceptionally well and bring the trophy home,” said Naga Chaitanya.

    Telugu Titans will begin their Vivo PKL Season eight campaign against Tamil Thalaivas on 22 December. The team has signed Rohit Kumar, who will also be the captain for the new season. Siddharth Desai will be the team’s vice-captain. The squad also features rising stars Rajnish and Rakesh Gowda among the raiders.

     

     

  • Pro Kabaddi League season 8 to begin in December

    Pro Kabaddi League season 8 to begin in December

    Mumbai: Mashal Sports plans to commence the eighth season of vivo Pro Kabaddi League in December 2021.

    The company has announced that the player auction for the latest season will take place between 29 and 31 August. The three-day auction process in Mumbai will be telecast on the Star Sports Network.

    This player auction will see domestic, overseas, and new young players (NYPs) divided into four Categories: Category A, B, C and D. Within each category, the players will be further subdivided as ‘All-Rounders’, ‘Defenders’ and ‘Raiders’. Base prices for each of the categories are Category A – Rs 30 Lakh, Category B – Rs 20 Lakh, Category C –Rs 10 lakh, Category D – Rs 6 lakh.

    The total salary purse applicable to each franchisee for its squad for season eight is Rs 4.4 crore. The player pool has been expanded to 500+ athletes including all squad players from PKL season six and seven, as well as all players who have represented the top eight ranked teams of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India’s (AKFI) senior men’s national Kabaddi championships of 2020 and 2021 amongst others.

    Before going into the auction, the PKL teams are also expected to exercise their choice of retention of PKL season seven squads as per the league policies. For each PKL season, teams are allowed to retain up to six players under the elite retained players category and up to six NYPs under stipulated conditions. Of the 500+ players from the player pool, players who are not retained by the franchisees will go under the hammer which will be broadcast live.

    “PKL season eight, will be conducted as per strict government rules and safety protocols with the support and cooperation of all our stakeholders and associates in the national kabaddi ecosystem under the AKFI”, said Mashaal Sports, chief executive officer and PKL, league commissioner, Anupam Goswami.

  • Star India retains media rights for Pro Kabaddi League

    Star India retains media rights for Pro Kabaddi League

    KOLKATA: Star India’s association with the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is set to continue as it has retained the League's media rights for the next five seasons (2021-2025).

    Mashal Sports, the organising company of the PKL, successfully concluded the auctions for media rights on 15 April, wherein Star India cast the winning bid worth Rs 180 crores per year, totalling Rs 900 crores for five years

    The broadcaster has retained the media rights at an average annual value, which is double of last season's rights fee. The company will be responsible for producing a world-class feed and a strong marketing commitment to the league.

    Mashal Sports & league commissioner of the Pro Kabaddi League CEO Anupam Goswami said, “Kabaddi is a magnificent indigenous sport. Mashal along with its supporters and partners including AKFI, our players, franchises and media rights partner have been able to create a strong media asset for our beloved fans in the form of the Pro Kabaddi League. The auction process has been guided by an independent auction committee, comprising eminent individuals. With this important step now over, we are excited to conduct a stellar PKL season 8 later this year. Our focus during this rights period will be to further build on the success of PKL and work closely with Star India to offer our fans more and innovative ways to engage with PKL through various mediums including television, digital and gaming.”

    Star India was the media rights partner for PKL for the first seven seasons of the league. This was the first time Mashal Sports offered the media rights to eligible domestic and global players through an open tender process.

    The Walt Disney Company India & Star India president K Madhavan said, “Over the years, we have made significant investments to enhance the aspirational value of PKL, making it the second most-watched sporting league in the country. By delivering an event broadcast of international standards, we have elevated the status of this indigenous sport, reinforcing our commitment towards building a multi-sporting nation. We will continue to work closely with Mashal Sports to take Kabaddi to greater heights.”

  • UP Yoddha partners with U.P. Kabaddi league to make a major strategic foray into Grassroots Kabaddi

    UP Yoddha partners with U.P. Kabaddi league to make a major strategic foray into Grassroots Kabaddi

    Greater Noida: UP Yoddha- the Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, based franchise of Pro Kabaddi League, today announced a major strategic partnership with U.P.  Kabaddi league, marking their foray into Grassroots Kabaddi within the state. UP Yoddha, in partnership with Hindustan publication intend to unearth grassroots level Kabaddi talent in the State. The league will be played from the 1st September – 13th October 2019.

    U.P. Kabaddi League which is in its second season, will feature 35 men’s teams and 8 women’s team from all over the state. The men’s tournament shall be divided in four zones played across Zone A – Agra (1st – 3rd September); Zone B – Kanpur (13th – 15th September); Zone C- Gorakhpur (9th -12th September); Zone D – Varanasi (9th – 12th September) and the finals in the City of Nawabs – Lucknow (10th – 13th October).  The women’s matches shall be held at Lucknow during the same time as the men’s finals.

    Speaking on the association, Col. Vinod Bisht, CEO GMR League Games said, “We are delighted to partner with the U.P. Kabaddi League. Being a franchisee from Uttar Pradesh it is our duty to support talented youngsters from the region, find the right platform to develop their game and make a professional career. In the last few years, we have unearthed a few talented youngsters like Nitesh Kumar, Sumit and Surender Gill from the state and we believe there is no dearth of talent in India’s largest and most populous state. Our’s is a constant endeavor to keep unearthing more and more local talent, giving the youth a viable career option.”

    All the matches will be played in the Pro Kabaddi League format and the scoring shall be akin the same. In the men’s category each zone will see two top teams qualify for Lucknow.

    The team bifurcation for each zone is as follows:

    Zone A – Agra – Eight District Teams

    Zone B – Kanpur – Eight District Teams

    Zone C – Gorakhpur – Nine District Teams

    Zone D – Varanasi – Ten District Teams

  • U Mumba ropes in 6 sponsors, 3 partners for Pro Kabaddi League 7

    U Mumba ropes in 6 sponsors, 3 partners for Pro Kabaddi League 7

    MUMBAI: U Mumba, the franchise owned by U Sports which is helmed by Ronnie Screwvala and Supratik Sen, got 6 sponsors and 3 partners on board for the upcoming Season 7 of the Pro Kabaddi League that starts on 20 July. While a few brands have been associated with U Mumba in prior seasons as well, a few new ones have deals across all the sport franchises under U Sports.

    The categories of sponsorship have been taken by the following: Indigo Paints as Presenting Sponsor, Haldirams as Powered by Sponsor, Mitashi as Electronics Partner, BKT Tires as Off Highway Tire Partner, Flamingo as Pain Management Partner, Je & Vee Infrastructure as Infrastructure Partner and Vihan Switches as Electric partner. In fact, Indigo paints was Presenting sponsor for U Mumba in season 6 as well. A few more sponsors are expected to come on board as the season begins.

    U Mumba also has Radio City as Radio Partner, Superfan AI as Fan Engagement Partner, Gold’s Gym as Fitness Partner, Dome@NSCI, SVP Stadium as Venue Partner and PayTM/Insider.in as Ticketing Partner for a second year running.

    Flamingo, flagship brand of Ascent Meditech Ltd. has backed U Sports not only in kabaddi, but also in volleyball (U Mumba Volley) and table tennis (U Mumba TT)

    As a brand, U Mumba looks to grow along with its partner brands. U Mumba believes in ensuring all brands get their desired visibility, engagement and more. It’s evident from the fact that some of our partners are with us in concurrent seasons.

    U Sports co-founder and MD, Supratik Sen said, "We are pleased to have all these sponsor and partner brands on board for season 7 of the Pro Kabaddi League. All our partner brands and sponsors share similar mindsets and ethos as U Sports, and we hope to have an engagement with them that is deeper than just being sponsors. As always, U Mumba has always engaged the right audiences and thus facilitates maximum traction for our sponsors! With strong brands like these backing the team, we will definitely do our best to live up to their and the fans expectations and reach for top honors.”

    Indigo Paints managing director Hemant Jalan said, "We have been a part of the U Mumba journey for a while now and the relationship has been nothing short of amazing. It is important to have similar mindset and goals. The engagement we got last season was wonderful and we’re looking to do more this season. The team over the seasons has shown tremendous progress and we could not be prouder to be associated with a team like U Mumba. Hoping for yet another successful season this time too!"

    Haldirams Food International Pvt Ltd, director, Neeraj Agrawal said, “We are extremely pleased to be a sponsor of U Mumba for the upcoming Season 7. Kabaddi is the most iconic & lovable sports after cricket in India, and in over the years PKL has grown as one of the biggest sporting properties, and we are proud to be part of it, U Mumba and our brand have perfect synergy. This is our first season with U Mumba, and we are as excited as the team is! We believe the team will deliver the best of their skills & conclude at the top order. On behalf of Haldirams family, I wish them all the very best”

    Ascent Meditech Ltd, founder and MD, Flamingo, Rajiv Mistry said, ‘’Pro Kabaddi, an action-packed platform for brands has changed the media consumption pattern among Indians drastically over the past seasons. Kabaddi players have now become household names and carry with them huge followers, who are majorly millennial. With Kabaddi or with any sporting activity, come injuries and pain. Flamingo, the official pain management partner of U Mumba would play a crucial role in comforting the pain among the players with its quality products thereby enabling them to excel in their pursuits and help emerge Kabaddi as the winner. He adds, Kabaddi acted as the perfect fit as Flamingo products are used by everyday consumers across age who strives to progress and refuse to stare at defeat due to niggles and pain.’’

    BKT Tires joint managing director Rajiv Poddar said, “Having been associated with 8 Kabaddi teams last season and receiving a fantastic response from our stakeholders, we are delighted to continue our association with Kabaddi this year as well. Being able to support some of the most competitive Kabaddi teams in the country is a matter of pride for BKT Tires. The U Mumba team has had great success over the past seasons, and we are delighted to be able to partner with the team this season.”

    Mitashi Edutainment Pvt. Ltd. founder and CMD, Rakesh Dugar said, “With longstanding associations with cricket and football, Mitashi is excited to collaborate with the U Mumba team for the 7th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League 2019. We share the team’s ethos and ideology with focus on hard work, companionship and sportsmanship. We encourage the promotion of home-grown talent and sports across India and Internationally. We are confident that our U Mumba team shall come through with flying colours and shall win the trophy in this edition of the PKL 2019."

    Vihan Electric Private Limited director Devendra Kumar Jain said, "We are very excited to be associated with U Mumba and are sure the journey is going to be a long lasting and fruitful one for both parties. As a team, U Mumba is young and motivated and that reflects on our brand energy too."

    Je & Vee Infrastructure MD Vinay Singh said, “At Je & Vee Infrastructure, as someone who believes in quality and excellence in everything we do, we see U Mumba is the one team that shares the same values. By partnering with them, we hope to connect with the common Mumbaikar and build long term relationships not only with audiences but with the team as well! We look forward to the next 3 months and more!”

  • Star Sports launches season 7 campaign ahead of vivo pro kabaddi league beginning july 20th 2019

    Star Sports launches season 7 campaign ahead of vivo pro kabaddi league beginning july 20th 2019

    MUMBAI: Star Sports, India’s leading sports broadcaster has announced the launch of the national campaign for Season 7 of VIVO Pro Kabaddi League. Depicting Kabaddi as a tough sport, the campaign highlights key aspects that players build over the course of the season which include strength, agility and absolute brute power. The campaign is conceptualized and created by the in-house creative team at Star Sports and was launched during the most anticipated clash between India and England at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on Sunday across TV and Digital mediums.

    The first TVC in the series stars Telugu Titans ace defender Vishal Bharadwaj. The other films that follow, feature kabaddi heroes such as ‘The Showman’ Rahul Chaudhari and Siddharth ‘Bahubali’ Desai.

    Siddharth ‘Bahubali’ Desai, star raider of Telugu Titans who features in the campaign said, “The journey of being a kabaddi player is extremely tough; it involves intense practice to become highly skilled at the sport. I have battled it hard to get back to my fittest self after the injury I sustained last season. Being a contact sport and having to raid against 7 world class players is not an easy task and I have to keep thinking on my feet to score maximum points for my team. I don’t think there is any other sport that requires this kind of quick thinking and strength to make a difference in a matter of 30 seconds, this campaign throws light on this fact. We are glad to start the league with our home leg in Hyderabad and look forward to maximum support from our fans.”

    ‘The Showman’ Rahul Chaudhari, star of Tamil Thalaivas this season said, “I am looking forward to winning the title for the first time as we have a very balanced side. Playing under Ajay’s leadership will bring out the best in me and all of us. As far as the TVC is concerned, it brings out the truest meaning of the sport that Kabaddi is not just a contact sport but involves high amount of agility, bravery and strategic thinking. I’m excited to start our new season with my return to Hyderabad against Telugu Titans as it will be a big game, especially as I will be wearing the Tamil Thalaivas jersey.”

    VIVO PKL, the second most watched league in the country and a sporting spectacle that’s growing with each passing year returns with Season 7 on 20th July 2019. The opening match will be played in Gachibowli stadium, Hyderabad between Telugu Titans and U Mumba. Fans can catch the LIVE coverage with telecast beginning at 7:00 pm and matches beginning at 7:30 pm on the Star Sports Network and Hotstar.

  • Bajaj Electricals Ltd. donates Kabaddi Mat to Central Sports Academy Abhinav Dnyan Mandir to promote sporting activity among kids

    Bajaj Electricals Ltd. donates Kabaddi Mat to Central Sports Academy Abhinav Dnyan Mandir to promote sporting activity among kids

    Mumbai, January 21, 2018: Bajaj Electricals Ltd., India’s leading player in consumer durables, fans, lighting and engineering projects company donated Kabaddi mat to the Central Sports Academy Abhinav Dnyan Mandir, Karjat. The event is facilitated by Pro Kabaddi League and through this donation Bajaj Electricals aims to promote sporting talent & improving physical and mental well-being of around 200 kids. The school received the Kabaddi mat by Mr. Anuj Poddar, Executive Director– Bajaj Electricals Limited.

    Originated in India, Kabaddi has been one of the most popular games in India played on various levels and with the advent of Pro Kabaddi League in 2014, the sport has become a mainstream sporting activity in the country. The sport not only requires rigorous physical activity but also focused approach which helps improving mental fitness. Kabaddi is proven to improve stamina, speed, agility, multitasking ability, overcoming fears, presence of mind, concentration and self esteem. With these physical and mental benefits, Kabaddi is one of the quintessential games for school going kids to help them tackle daily life difficulties and achieve success.

    Commenting on the occasion Mr. Anuj Poddar, Executive Director, Bajaj Electricals Ltd. said, “Kabaddi is truly a sport with pan India appeal and connects to every age group, resonating with what we stand for as a brand. Bajaj Electricals as a company and Bajaj as a group are known to be socially responsible and believe in giving back to the society. Bajaj Group supports more than 5400 students through its initiative – ‘Krida Vikas’, which caters to 15 schools. We thank Pro Kabaddi League and Star Sports for facilitating Bajaj Electricals to donate Kabaddi mat to one of these schools. Through the mat donation to Central Sports Academy Abhinav Dnyan Mandir – Karjat, we are encouraging children to take up this incredible team game and we hope to see many Kabaddi champions emerging from the school.”

    Anupam Goswami, League Commissioner, Vivo Pro Kabaddi commented, “A sport can only grow if the partners associated with it actively work and invest in growing public and community engagement with the sport. We are glad that Bajaj Electricals and Star Sports will handover this Kabaddi mat for enthusiastic use by the students of Central Sports Academy Abhivan Dnyan Mandir, Karjat. I look forward to champions emerging from the same mat in the near future”

    Bajaj Electricals Limited has been a responsible corporate citizen of India and contributes fairly in the development of society at large. Company’s CSR activities are based on four crucial pillars – Diversity and Inclusion, Employee Volunteering, Community Initiatives and Sustainability. Apart from promoting health in school kids, the company is also helping underprivileged kids in their education and building a sustainable environment for them.

  • Tata Motors inks multiyear partnership with the Pro Kabaddi League

    Tata Motors inks multiyear partnership with the Pro Kabaddi League

    MUMBAI; The Commercial Vehicles Business Unit (CVBU) of Tata Motors today announced a three-year long partnership with the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) as Associate Sponsor, starting this season. Concurrently, Tata Motors will extend their commercial support to Pro Kabaddi franchisee U.P. Yoddha as the principal sponsor for the second consecutive year. With the aim to promote and encourage sporting talent across India and overseas, this partnership is in line with the Tata Motors objective to strengthen its long-term association with Kabaddi. Through this partnership, Tata Motors hopes to build deeper connections with stakeholders across India, including drivers, fleet owners and the general public at large.

    This year, Tata Motors will be introducing two new elements in the league. The best defender will be awarded the “Tata Ace Defender of the Match” award after each game. Tata Ace Defender of the Match will culminate into “Tata Ace Defender of the Season” at the end of the Season. Tata Motors will also give out the title of “Tata Ace Fan of the Match” with winner getting a golden chance to watch one of the Live PKL match from the designated VIP Box and also get an opportunity to appear on television.   

    Commenting on this development, Mr. Girish Wagh, President – Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors said, ‘Games like Kabaddi have always been at the forefront to connect with the masses in India exemplifying the energy, the passion and dynamism which the Tata Motors Commercial Vehicle Brand has always been associated with. Kabaddi as a sport is a passion in our hinterland and PKL is elevating the game through high visibility and appeal to the country at large. Commercial Vehicles are the backbone of our economy and in some manner touch everyone’s life on an everyday basis– and Kabaddi as a sport is also one for the masses and touches all sections of Society. We are truly delighted to partner with the Pro Kabaddi League franchise and continue our association with the U.P. Yoddha team. We are confident that these associations will reap great benefits in building deeper connections with more natural roots in the heartland of India – something few other sports or marketing events can ever match.

    In India, an indigenous sport like kabaddi, that has been around for thousands of years, enjoys a considerable following among the masses. But unlike cricket, its relatively recent and more mainstream counterpart, kabaddi does not garner the recognition and monetary compensation it warrants. By forging a three-year alliance with the Pro Kabaddi League, Tata Motors aims to alter this scenario for the better.

    This is not the first tryst Tata Motors has had with the Pro Kabaddi League. Tata Motors began the association with Kabaddi with U Mumba in 2016, for two consecutive seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League. Since last year, the company has been associated with U.P. Yoddha and has extended their commercial support as the principal sponsor of the team this year as well. The PKL has the second highest viewership of any sport in India. The League has grown from 8 teams to 12 teams, and the period has also been extended to 3 months this year.

    Tata Motors is passionate about the ‘Sportification of India’. The company is committed to promoting and discovering sporting talent and enabling the youth of this country to achieve their dreams. In recent times, the company has been associated with various sports including wrestling (WFI), cricket (IPL) and football (Jamshedpur FC).

  • Star Sports EVP and marketing head Shubhranshu singh quits

    Star Sports EVP and marketing head Shubhranshu singh quits

    MUMBAI: Star Sports executive vice president and head of marketing Shubhranshu Singh has quit Star India after a four-year stint.

    Incidentally, Star Sports has got a new CEO in Gautam Thakar, who joined the company from 15 January. Singh’s last day at the organisation was mid-January.

    Singh was instrumental in delivering various successful marketing campaigns for the channel, including the entire Pro Kabaddi marketing strategy. According to a source, he will be embarking on a new assignment outside the broadcast industry.

    Singh had joined the company in December 2013 after a two-and-a-half-year stint at Visa as marketing director for India and South Asia. An experienced marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience, Singh holds an MBA degree in international business from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. He has also worked on channel development and customer marketing.

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