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Tag: Purvanchal Panthers

  • Big moves, bigger money as UP Kabaddi heats up

    Big moves, bigger money as UP Kabaddi heats up

    MUMBAI: It wasn’t just tackles flying at the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2 player auction, wallets were too. Held in Noida, the high-voltage event saw 12 franchises flex their financial muscle, with bids totalling Rs 1.70 crore for a pool of 500 players.

    The newest entrant, Gazab Ghaziabad, made a “gazab” debut as the 12th team, joining heavyweights like Lucknow Lions, Kanpur Warriors, and Purvanchal Panthers. But the real drama unfolded at the bidding table. Vinay Tevathia topped the charts, bagging Rs 5.90 lakh from Aligarh Tigers, followed by Nitin Panwar at Rs 4.45 lakh for Ganga Kings of Mirzapur and Ashu Singh, snapped up by Noida Ninjas for Rs 4.35 lakh.

    The defending champions, Lucknow Lions, kept faith in their winning pride by retaining key players Arjun Deshwal, Vivek Chaudhary, Arpit Saroha, and Mohd Amaan.

    “UPKL has become a powerful platform for grassroots kabaddi talent and franchise value creation,” said SJ Uplift Kabaddi founder and director Sambhav Jain. “This season’s auction showcased strategic, disciplined bidding that has built balanced, competitive teams across the board.”

    The event also saw former IAS Awanish Kumar Awasthi, advisor to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, unveil the league’s broadcast partner for the next three seasons. Kabaddi star Rahul Chaudhary, UPKL’s brand ambassador, and senior officials from the state federation were among those present.

    Season 2 kicks off on 25 December 2025 in Noida, featuring 71 matches under the tagline “Apna bharat, apna khel – khel raha hai mera pradesh.” Matches will be broadcast live on Zee Sports and ZEE5, ensuring the spirit of kabaddi reaches every corner of the country.

    From blockbuster signings to fresh rivalries, UPKL’s latest season promises plenty of action, proving once again that in Uttar Pradesh, kabaddi isn’t just a game, it’s a full-contact celebration.

     

  • Purvanchal Panthers pounce into UPKL, expanding league to 11 teams

    Purvanchal Panthers pounce into UPKL, expanding league to 11 teams

    MUMBAI: The jungle just got louder and this time, it’s the Purvanchal Panthers making the roar. The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has added a fresh dose of energy (and a fierce new mascot) with the induction of its latest franchise, the Purvanchal Panthers, ahead of Season 2.

    The Panthers, co-owned by entrepreneurs Arnav Gupta and Aradhya Gupta, mark Upkl’s expansion to 11 teams: a move that not only broadens the league’s reach but also deepens its regional representation.

    Conceptualised and operated by SJ uplift kabaddi pvt. ltd., the league continues its mission to blend sport, culture, and opportunity across Uttar Pradesh. The Purvanchal Panthers’ emblem, featuring a powerful panther flanked by two leaping cats, encapsulates strength, precision, and unity: values that echo the grit and pride of the Purvanchal region.

    Citiyano De Resource Exim Pvt. Ltd director Arnav Gupta brings his experience in global trade and business innovation to the team’s management. “Joining the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League is more than a business decision; it’s about celebrating the strength and spirit of Purvanchal,” he said. “Through the Purvanchal Panthers, we aim to give our region’s athletes a platform to shine and make Purvanchal proud.”

    His co-owner and sister, Citiyano De Firenze director Aradhya Gupta, helms hospitality and sports initiatives that merge professionalism with community impact. “Kabaddi reflects the energy and resilience of India’s heartland,” she said. “With the Purvanchal Panthers, we want to channel that same spirit through inclusivity and passion.”

    SJ Uplift Kabaddi founder and director Sambhav Jain welcomed the duo to the league and said, “With every new team, Upkl strengthens its mission of combining sport, culture, and opportunity. Arnav and Aradhya’s energy and vision will add a new dimension to the upcoming season.”

    With the Panthers on board, the Season 2 line-up now boasts 11 teams. The player auction is set for November 3 in Noida, with matches kicking off on Christmas day. If the first season was about establishing the league’s roots, this one looks set to be about claws, culture, and competition.