Tag: U Mumba

Union Budget 2024: Record Rs 3442 cr boosts India’s sports sector
Mumbai: During her speech, the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated, “The country is proud of our youth scaling new heights in sports. The highest-ever medal tally in Asian Games and Asian Para Games in 2023 reflects a high confidence level. Chess prodigy and our Number-One ranked player Praggnanandhaa put up a stiff fight against the reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsson in 2023. Today, India has over 80 chess grandmasters compared to little over 20 in 2010.”

Sports budget allocation 2024-25
- Khelo India: Rs 1045 Cr
- SAI: Rs 822 Cr
- National Sports Development Fund: Rs 18 Cr
Here are the post-budget reactions of India’s sporting business stakeholders

Punit Balan Group chairman & managing director Punit Balan shared his thoughts on the budget allocation stating, “The government’s proactive stance towards sports through this increased allocation of funds will provide the impetus for Indian athletes to shine brightly in international competitions, contributing to the continued growth and success of the country’s success on the global stage. With the Paris Olympics looming on the horizon, we are confident that our youth will make it the best-ever campaign for India.”

Reflecting on the government’s sustained commitment to the growth of sports in India, Ultimate Kho Kho CEO and League Commissioner Tenzing Niyogi highlighted, “Last year, we witnessed a Rs 300 crore increase in sports allocations, which contributed to India’s success in the Asian and Para-Asian Games. The government’s continued commitment is evident in the latest budget, with a total allocation of Rs 3442 crores, which reflects a significant increase from the previous year’s budget. The increased allocations not only boost the morale of our athletes but also serve as a testament to the government’s vision for developing and nurturing sporting talent. As India gears up for the upcoming Paris Olympics, this heightened financial support will pave the way for a promising era for sports in the country.”

One of the key beneficiaries of this augmented budget is Khelo India, which has received a significant increase from Rs 880 crores to Rs 900 crores.

“The substantial allocation in this year’s budget not just for the sports sector but also for Khelo India will play a pivotal role with regard to grassroots development. This support for our athletes across all sporting disciplines will facilitate more participation and lead to more medals at the Olympics and other international tournaments,” commented U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok.

Concurring with him, Yuva Kabaddi Series CEO Vikas Gautam emphasised, “The commendable allocation in this year’s budget marks a significant stride towards transforming India into a sporting powerhouse. By prioritising grassroots infrastructure via increasing the Khelo India budget, we are not just investing in facilities but nurturing the latent talent that resides in every corner of our nation. This budget reflects a visionary approach, recognizing that the true potential of our athletes lies in the foundation we build for them today. It’s a resounding commitment to creating a robust sports ecosystem and with our combined efforts I hope this will fuel the aspirations of our youth and propel India to new heights on the global stage.”

Gamepoint co-founder & CEO Aditya Reddy believes that the impact of sports extends beyond the field, offering massive economic opportunities.

“PM Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai stated that the government has resolved to make the country an important centre of the global sports ecosystem. He also highlighted that sports was not just limited to the field, but also presents a huge economic opportunity, he said the country’s sports-related industry will be worth at least Rs 1 lakh crore in a few years. Given the positive approach of the government towards sports, we hope that post the Lok Sabha elections, the new government will increase the budget allocation and announce new measures for the growth of Indian sports,” noted Aditya Reddy.

Alongside the increased budget allocations, FM Nirmala Sitharaman praised the achievements of the country’s youth in sports and highlighted the confidence level reflected in India’s highest-ever medal tally at last year’s Asian and Para Asian Games during her speech.

In addition, she proudly stated that India now boasts over 80 Chess Grandmasters which is a significant increase from just over 20 in 2010 and sparked optimism among the country’s sporting business stakeholders.

Punit Balan, whose PBG-owned team Balan Alaskan Knights competed in the inaugural Global Chess League (GCL) last year said, “Our FM, Nirmala Sitharaman, acknowledging the remarkable achievements of our youth in sports, particularly in chess, reflects the bright future of the sport in our nation. We take pride in Raunak Sadhwani, the prodigy of Balan Alaskan Knights, being one of India’s 80 Grandmasters.”

The positive sentiments were echoed by Suhail Chandhok who expressed, “As mentioned by FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian athletes have been making their presence felt on the International stage and that is a significant indication of our country becoming a sporting powerhouse. Our upGrad Mumba Masters’ grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi, Harika Dronavalli, and Koneru Humpy securing Medals at last year’s Asian Games 2022 have brought immense pride to Indian chess, with Vidit also going on to secure a place in the prestigious Candidates tournament.”

With the continued support from the government, the sports sector in India is poised for further development and a bright future for athletes across various disciplines.
February 2, 2024
Will Union Budget boost catapult India to Olympic glory in Paris 2024 and beyond?

Mumbai: With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, the spotlight is blazing on India’s sports sector as we eagerly await the Union Budget 2024. In 2023, the industry witnessed a historic budget boost, soaring by over Rs 300 Crores to reach Rs 3397.32 Cr – a testament to the government’s commitment.

Khelo India emerged as the frontrunner with a whopping allocation of Rs 1045 Crores, playing a game-changing role. Now, with the global stage beckoning in Paris and future Olympic bids, the nation’s sports enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats, anticipating how the upcoming budget will script India’s sports narrative for the world.

Here are the quotes from the various industry experts on pre-Union Budget allocation for the sports sector

Punit Balan Group chairman & managing director Punit Balan expressed his optimism, stating, “Last year’s significant boost in the sports budget showcased the government’s commitment to supporting athletic talent. Considering the Paris Olympics 2024 this year, I hope to see a continued emphasis on encouraging and building future stars. The combination of grassroots initiatives like Khelo India and the professional leagues is essential for nurturing talent and ensuring a sustainable ecosystem for Indian sports.”

Ultimate Kho Kho CEO and league commissioner Tenzing Niyogi emphasised the need for strategic allocations, noting, “Aligning with the nation’s vision to host the 2036 Olympics under the leadership of our prime minister Shri Narendra Modi, we expect a strategic allocation for non-cricketing sports for infrastructure and talent development across diverse sporting disciplines. Furthermore, the allocation of funds from NSF is also of utmost importance as it will serve as a catalyst for nurturing grassroots programs and identifying as well as developing raw talent. An increase in the National Skill Development Fund is also imperative. This is not only in line with making India a multisport-playing nation but also with the creation of more opportunities through the PPP model to engage and entice additional corporate participation in the Sports Movement.”

As the sporting landscape in India evolves, U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok emphasised the importance of channelling resources into the development of indigenous sports leagues, the identification of talent, and the nurturing of grassroots initiatives.

“With the rapid development of emerging homegrown sports leagues, we anticipate an allocation of funds to elevate their prominence in the country. We also hope for a strategic focus on talent identification and grassroots development which to me are crucial pillars for creating a vibrant sports ecosystem. Investing in these areas will not only promote but also contribute to the sustainable development of diverse sporting disciplines,” he said.

Addressing the crucial aspect of international-level coaching, facilities, and sports sciences, Yuva Kabaddi Series CEO Vikas K Gautam commented, “The allocation of funds towards the training of coaches is crucial, given the current lack of infrastructure and the absence of internationally standardized coaching facilities. It is imperative to recognize that only well-trained coaches can cultivate athletes to compete at the international level. Emphasis on holistic development programs, focusing on talent identification and nurturing, nutrition, and sports science, to create a well-rounded ecosystem for aspiring athletes.”

Gamepoint co-founder & CEO Aditya Reddy brought attention to the fiscal aspects of the sports sector, emphasizing that reducing GST could play a pivotal role in its transformation by remarking, “To transform the sports sector in India, it is imperative to encourage and incentivise private sports organisations. This can be made possible by reducing the GST on sports services from 18 per cent to 12 per cent, incentivising the establishment of sports goods manufacturing in India through a PLI scheme for sports equipment, and facilitating access to government, railways, and PSU sports facilities for the general public. If necessary, involving private organizations in managing these facilities under a PPP model can enhance both management and maintenance efficiency.”

January 19, 2024
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.

January 10, 2024
Indian sports ecosystem thrives in 2023: A year in review

Mumbai: In 2023, India witnessed a remarkable period filled with record-breaking feats and notable breakthroughs across various sporting domains. It has undoubtedly been a monumental one for the Indian sports ecosystem through significant achievements including:

In the Union Budget 2023: The sports sector has received its highest-ever budget allocation in history. With an over 300 crore jump, the sports sector has received Rs 3397.32 Cr allocation in the new FY 2023-24 Union Budget. Khelo India received a whopping 1045 Cr funding.

Asian Games Glory: Setting a new benchmark with a record-breaking haul of 107 medals, the nation’s athletic prowess took centre stage, contributing significantly to this remarkable achievement. Notably, the standout performance in athletics marked phenomenal growth, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of the total medals—a testament to the country’s escalating dominance on the sporting stage compared to previous editions.

Following are the quotes from personalities on how things went for the Indian sports ecosystem in 2023, achievements and milestones by their company this year and what they are aiming for in 2024:

Punit Balan Group chairman & MD Punit Balan

The past year has been a monumental journey for the Indian sporting landscape, especially for non-cricketing sports, and we take immense pride in the significant strides made by the Punit Balan Group in the sporting industry. Our strategic investments in over nine leagues, both nationally and internationally, have contributed toward creating a thriving and sustainable ecosystem for Olympic, indigenous and non-Olympic sports in the country.

The success of Mumbai Khiladis, the Ultimate Kho Kho team, serves as a powerful testament to the growing appeal of non-cricketing leagues among brands as well as the audience. This season, we achieved a remarkable milestone by securing massive sponsorships that only vindicate the market dynamics as well as also highlight the confidence that sponsors place in our vision for the growth of sports in India.

Taking our influence to the global stage, PBG had acquired a team, PBG Eagles in the World Tennis League played in Abu Dhabi and what is even more heartening is winning the World Tennis League Season Two title. This strategic move was a big step toward establishing our footprint across the global sporting market, having the world’s best players, including World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev.

At PBG, our commitment is not limited to mere team ownership in mainline sports. We are devoted to empowering athletes and propelling them toward their Olympic dreams. A case in point is our Handball League team, which also became the season one champion. With the Paris Olympics in mind in 2024, our focus is to increase our support for more athletes, offering them the necessary resources and backing to excel internationally.

A shining example of this commitment is Indian Tennis Star Rutuja Bhosale, a PBG-supported athlete who clinched a gold medal in mixed doubles tennis at the Asian Games this year. Her triumph brought glory to our nation and fueled her aspirations for an Olympic berth, for which she is currently working hard.

In 2024, our focus will remain on creating a lasting impact in the sports industry, supporting athletes, and continuing to build sustainable sporting business models for non-cricketing sports, inspiring more people to invest in sports and building a strong stakeholder ecosystem.

Ultimate Kho Kho CEO and league commissioner Tenzing Niyogi

The year 2023 was distinguished by historic milestones and remarkable achievements for indigenous sports, with Ultimate Kho Kho spearheading the charge. In a groundbreaking initiative, Ultimate Kho Kho has achieved a significant milestone this year as it secured Series A funding from the UK-based BNP Group and became the first sports league in India to secure private equity investment and was a testament to our commitment to propelling the trajectory of Kho-Kho, both within India and on the global stage.

In our continued pursuit of making Ultimate Kho Kho larger, bolder, and the ultimate source of entertainment for Bharat, we strategically selected Odisha as the host for the highly anticipated Season 2. This decision was fueled by the ambition of elevating the profile of Kho Kho across the nation, and Odisha, being the sports infrastructure capital of India, provided the ideal platform for our vision. Beyond the promise of thrilling Kho Kho action, Season 2 marked the introduction of the NextGen. Thirty-three exceptionally talented players, aged between 16 and 18, were drafted, reflecting UKK’s dedication to identifying and nurturing emerging talent.

Another significant accomplishment was the nomination of Nasreen Shaikh, the Indian women’s Kho Kho captain, for the prestigious Arjuna Award. This recognition is a substantial boost to women’s Kho Kho and sets the stage for the much-anticipated women’s Ultimate Kho Kho league in the country, which is currently in the works. Looking towards 2024, we aim to build an even more robust structure of Ultimate Kho Kho, driven for the players (both men’s & women’s) and inducting new team owners to develop the Kho Kho universe.

U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok

The sports ecosystem in the country has grown by leaps and bounds in 2023, transitioning from a nation of sports spectators towards becoming a truly dedicated sporting nation. This is evident in our remarkable performance at the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games, where we secured 107 and 111 medals, respectively. We are taking significant steps away from just Cricket too and to a diverse range of sports, reflecting our dedication to fostering a comprehensive sporting culture.

Personally, through the strides made in Kabaddi through the Yuva Kabaddi series, we have witnessed a substantial boost at the grassroots level and its positive impact extending to the Pro Kabaddi League. Our investment in young talent is yielding results and we are confident that we are on the right track in terms of empowering the youth through sport.

From the U Mumba perspective, we eagerly anticipate building on our early successes in the Pro Kabaddi League and aim to secure a spot in the playoffs this season. Through the Yuva Kabaddi series, we reached over 1000 Kabaddi players in 2023, and our goal is to surpass that number in the upcoming year. We aim to contribute more players to the Pro Kabaddi League and extend our impact to women’s Kabaddi across various states, establishing ourselves as a Pan-India sports product.

The year 2023 has been a significant and positive chapter for sports in India, and we are looking forward to carrying this momentum into the future.

Gamepoint co-founder & CEO Aditya Reddy

In 2023, we experienced the first full year without any effects of Covid. The Indian sports ecosystem bounced back strongly achieving significant milestones in major international sports events. For instance, in the Asian Games, India surpassed a three-figure mark for the first time in the medal tally, securing 107 medals. Our remarkable journey in the Cricket World Cup included reaching the finals with ten consecutive wins. As common people returned to playing sports, there was a renewed interest. The government also played an active role by increasing India’s sports budget for FY 2023-24 by 11 per cent with a major chunk allocated to Khelo India to actively promote sports culture in India. Additionally, numerous sports startups emerged, while existing ones expanded operations nationwide.

In 2023, Gamepoint trained 4000 students, enabled more than 1 lakh people to play sports and conducted 100 plus corporate sport events. Significant milestones for the company include partnering with Decathlon to promote sports and the launch of a new sport, Pickleball, at Gamepoint. On the financial side, an important achievement was to become EBITDA positive which is rare for sports companies in India.

In 2024, we are looking forward to making an even bigger impact on the participative sports market and expanding Gamepoint from eight centres in one city to 16 centres in three cities. Also, the target in 2024 will be to increase our revenue share by 50 per cent.

January 2, 2024
U Mumba’s valuation soars 60 per cent with eight new sponsors in PKL season 10

Mumbai: U Mumba, backed by eight brands, has garnered maximum sponsorship with a valuation increase of 60 per cent in the latest edition of the Pro Kabaddi League. Amassing these sponsorships is a testament to the growing stature of Brand U Mumba and the strong appeal and vision that the Mumbai team has in Kabaddi across India.

U Mumba had signed top sports news portal Melbat Live as its title partner and has partnered with Macho Hint as it’s powered by Partner, a millennial and Gen Z-focused brand in the innerwear category which is a sub-brand category from the stables of the renowned brand, Macho.

For the associate partner category, U-Mumba has onboarded six brands led by Rajdhani Besan, pioneers in producing agro-food products in India, along with pioneering construction firm Je & Vee Infrastructures, and internationally acclaimed beauty, skincare, personal care, and cosmetic products manufacturer Vi John.

Great White Electricals, innovators in the home electrics space, the Indian Public Sector Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and the well-renowned footwear brand, Abros Shoes are all also donning the Mumbai colours in Season 10.

U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandok commented on the team’s high marketability, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome some new distinguished partners & the return of a couple too, to the U Mumba family. United by a shared vision of the brand’s identity, values, offerings, and success, we are confident that we will be able to elevate and inspire brand loyalty for U Mumba to new heights. We have a strong vision in place for the growth we want to see for our team and the trust placed in us by these esteemed brands is a testament to the value we have meticulously built over the years, showcasing the power of brand recognition. Our Indian sport of Kabaddi has truly taken the world by storm and continues to be a trusted vehicle for brands that need a targeted platform to reach a massive consumer base that is pan-India.”

U-Mumba has also forged collaborations with 92.7 Big FM; Nivia, a noteworthy homegrown sports brand; Swades Foundation, a premier NGO in Mumbai; Fast&Up, a foremost nutrition provider and Baller Athletik, India’s pioneer in energy-enhancing transformative clothing as promoting partners for the season.

According to the ‘India Sports Sponsorship Report 2023’ by GroupM, Sports Sponsorship in India recorded a figure of Rs 5907 Cr ($Mn 748) in 2022 with a growth of 105 per cent. Emerging sports witnessed an overall revenue of Rs 1503 Cr ($Mn 190), which in YoY terms represents an incremental value of Rs 829 Cr ($Mn 104).

U Mumba is set to take on Telugu Titans next in their Pro Kabaddi League match in Noida on the 30 of December before the Pro Kabaddi caravan moves to Mumbai for U Mumba’s Home leg starting on the 5 of January.

Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India stats showed the opening weekend of PKL Season 10 alone witnessed 80.1 million viewers, clocking a 32 per cent increase from the 2022 season, with consumption increasing by 27 per cent to 2.7 billion minutes over just the first four matches.

December 27, 2023
U Mumba unveils PKL Season 10 Jersey

Mumbai: In a glittering ceremony on Wednesday, U Mumba brought together the power of sport and entertainment on one stage to celebrate and unveil the landmark Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 U Mumba Jersey in the presence of Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal and the squad members at the META India studios in Mumbai.

U Mumba is geared up for an exhilarating season ahead. Designed with careful consideration and attention to details, the new jersey serves as a powerful statement of the team’s commitment to excellence, unity, and capturing the enduring spirit and resilience of Mumbai that U Mumba team stands for.

The new jersey was launched in the presence of Vicky Kaushal in and as Sam Bahadur along with team owner, Ronnie Screwvala, CEO Suhail Chandhok apart from the Season 10 core team members Surinder Singh, Mahender Singh, Rinku, Girish Ernak, Guman Singh and Pranay Rane.

“Interwoven with elements that encapsulate the heart and soul of Mumbai city, the jersey captures the energy, diversity, hustle and indomitable spirit of the melting pot of people that Mumbai represents. Each thread tells a story, echoing the pulse of a city that never sleeps, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines U Mumba,” said U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok.

One of the key striking features of the jersey is the representation of the ocean, an homage to the original inhabitants of Mumbai, the Koli community and to the element of water that forms the essence of Mumbai, a City of Seven Islands.

“The waves symbolise the ebb and flow of obstacles that our players may encounter throughout the Pro Kabaddi League season and it serves as a reminder to be fluid, like water, adaptable to change, agile, resilient and open to any challenges that lie ahead,” Suhail further added.

U Mumba Captain & Vice-Captains announced the team also took the opportunity to announce the captain and vice-captains for the upcoming season with Surinder Singh set to continue at the helm and Rinku Sharma and Mahender Singh as his deputies.

Meta India director of content and community partnerships Paras Sharma also commented, “We actively foster sports fandom on our platforms, continuously collaborating with teams and the ecosystem to broaden their audience. Collaborating with the U Mumba team enables us to connect creators and public figures, aiming to boost kabaddi’s popularity ahead of the Pro-Kabaddi League and offer creators opportunities to engage with athletes from varied sports.”

The team also announced local (Mumbai) icon player, Girish Ernak as the Spirit of Mumba Captain, who is specially assigned the task to nurture young talents in the side from various parts of the country and ensure the positive spirit of U Mumba is always intact through the ups and downs of the competitive season.

Follow U Mumba’s journey in the Pro Kabaddi League and witness the team wearing their hearts on their sleeves, quite literally, with the unveiling of this exceptional new jersey on our social media handles.

November 30, 2023
U Mumba onboards Melbat Live as title partner for Pro Kabaddi League Season 10

Mumbai: U Mumba has joined hands with top sports news platform, Melbat.live as the title partner for the team for the tenth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League which commences on 2 December 2023.

Melbat.live is an international sports news portal dedicated to cricket, Kabaddi, and Football news and not only actively supports sports taking place in India, but other Asian countries as well.

“We welcome Melbat Live as our principal partner for this landmark Season 10 and their support is very important for the team. Collaboration with a popular sports news portal will help us expand our fan base as well as introduce the sport of Kabaddi to a whole new audience from across the world. As a team, U Mumba believes to hold a certain standard of play as well as promote team culture that is not only unique but also sets a benchmark for others to follow at the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL),” commented U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok.

As part of this title sponsorship, Melbat Live’s logo will feature on U Mumba’s playing and training kits, and across social media. The logo will also be prominent at Mumba’s iconic home venue, the Dome at NSCI Stadium. The sponsorship will extend through the PKL season until February 2024.

“This partnership with U Mumba is important for our strategy to support growth of sports in India. U Mumba is one of the most recognisable brands in India’s sporting landscape, and its popularity will only help to promote the Melbat Live news portal. We are aware that U Mumba is the first squad in the league to set up an official fan club and will do everything to provide fans with up-to-date information on the team’s progress,” the Melbat. live head of sponsorships and strategic partnerships said.

Melbat.live has planned several collaborative activities and competitions with U Mumba during the season. They will also host a special gathering with the Club’s fans, bridging the gap between the team and fans. The news portal’s social media will also be a place to engage in order to get exclusive merchandise adorned with player signatures and match tickets for upcoming matches.

November 28, 2023
U Mumba joined forces with One8 Run Club; promoting health & fitness among Mumbaikars

Mumbai: With the purpose of promoting health and fitness, U Mumba collaborated with One8 Run Club for a special 5k run organised to empower people with the knowledge and motivation needed to take charge of their health, well-being, physical fitness, mental clarity, and overall quality of life. The run was flagged off from the Play The Turf in Malad (West) at 6.30am on Sunday.

In attendance at the event were former U Mumba Kabaddi stars Vishal Mane, Rishank Devadiga, Ajinkya Kapre, among them was current retained new young player Pranay Rane and U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok to motivate the runners. The goal of this partnership was to create an atmosphere where people from all backgrounds and sports come together to celebrate the spirit of being fit and healthy.

“One8 Run Club and U Mumba collaborated because there is a similar embodiment of spirit. The spirit of Mumbai, tenacity, grit, bounce back and all of these come in when you are running and you hit that wall and push through that wall when you are playing professional sport. You are always up against it, you are always have rough days, tough days and it’s about finding that inner spirit. I think for us it was a very natural fit with One8 Run Club. Virat Kohli is someone who embodies the same fighting spirit as well and someone who is an ambassador of the One8 Run Club. It is first of many collaboration between U Mumba and One8 Run Club,” commented Chandhok.

At the end of the run, members of the One8 Run Club also interacted with U Mumba Kabaddi stars, where they shared their fitness regime and the importance of daily workouts. The participants also shared some lighter moments with the U Mumba Kabaddi players as they took selfies with them.

For a youngster like Rane, this was a completely new experience but his love and passion for Kabaddi and fitness was apparent at the event.

“Running is above everything else in terms of health, it is important even in a sport like Kabaddi. Even if you don’t visit a gym, you should ensure to walk or run every day it has a great impact on health. I go for runs every morning, it’s part of my workout. I feel happy to see so many people here who are health conscious and motivating each other,” Rane said.

The event was concluded by project head of One8 Run, Gurbaksh Virdi, “The collaboration between One8 Run Club and U Mumba was born from a shared mission: to connect and engage the vibrant Mumbai community while promoting the significance of fitness. Additionally, it offers a valuable opportunity to engage with the highly fit athletes of U Mumba. These athletes can impart their knowledge and experiences to the runners, serving as a source of motivation and inspiration.”

U Mumba with this innovative partnership aims to build a stronger connect with the city and the people of Mumbai.

September 11, 2023

vivo Pro Kabaddi set to offer INR 8 crore in prize money for Season 7

Mumbai: The ‘Toughest Week’ of vivo Pro Kabaddi League Season 7 is all set to treat fans with exciting matches at EKA Arena by TransStadia, Ahmedabad. vivo Pro Kabaddi announces a consolidated prize money of INR 8 crore for the seventh edition.

vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 7 offers a consolidated prize money that is at par with prominent leagues with teams and players competing for glory and an attractive prize pool. All the teams qualifying for the Playoffs are assured of some prize money, with the champions to bag INR 3 crore. The runners-up will be handed INR 1.8 crore, third and fourth placed teams will win INR 90 lakh each and the fifth and sixth position teams will win INR 45 lakh each. The remainder of the prize money pool will be towards various individual awards.

The top 6 teams to clash in the ‘Toughest Week’ are Dabang Delhi K.C., Bengal Warriors, Haryana Steelers, UP Yoddha, U Mumba and Bengaluru Bulls.

Format of the Playoffs leading to the ‘Toughest Panga of the Year’ on 19th October 2019 is as follows:

Date	Stage	Fixture
14^th October	Eliminator 1	Rank 3 v Rank 6
14^th October	Eliminator 2	Rank 4 v Rank 5
16^th October	Semi-final 1	Rank 1 v Winner of Eliminator 1
16^th October	Semi-final 2	Rank 2 v Winner of Eliminator 2
19^th October	Final	Winner of Semi- final 1 v Winner of Semi-final 2

Link to the format for the playoffs: Format for Playoffs

Here is the complete breakdown of this season’s prize money for the Top 6 teams:

Category	INR (Cr)
Winners	3.00
Runners Up	1.80
3rd Place	0.90
4th Place	0.90
5th Place	0.45
6th Place	0.45

The LIVE coverage of the ‘Toughest Week’ of vivo Pro Kabaddi League Season 7 begins at 7:00 pm with the pre-show KBD LIVE, whilst matches begin at 7:30 pm and will broadcast on the Star Sports Network and Hotstar.

Book your tickets on bookmyshow: bit.ly/2pzcvJs. Tickets can also be bought offline at the box office at EKA Arena by TransStadia. This year vivo Pro Kabbadi is also introducing a Fan Fest including live concerts on each of the Playoff days. Gates open for the Fan Fest at 3:30 pm with the concerts beginning at 5:30 pm

October 11, 2019

Dome, NSCI to host yet another season of pro kabaddi league for the fifth consecutive year this july 2019 for home team U Mumba

MUMBAI: Dome, NSCI, India’s premier entertainment and leisure destination, is set to host all matches assigned to Mumbai team U Mumba for the seventh season of the Pro Kabaddi league, from the end of July 2019 onwards. Known for their incredible versatility, Dome is hosting the event for the fifth consecutive year, which is a testament to their expertise as a leading indoor sports arena.

Supporting the indigenous sport of Kabaddi, the league is an initiative by Mashal Sports and Star India, to bring back the sport into the national spotlight. As the official broadcasters, Star India has brought Kabaddi into home audiences live from the arena. Showcasing their support to this ground-breaking initiative, Dome, NSCI, is the proud home turf of U Mumba, Mumbai’s very own team, and is gearing up to ready the arena for a number of exciting matches for the fifth consecutive season. Sports enthusiasts in the city are already in a hurry to book their seats for the league, with tickets now live on PayTM and Insider.in

Mazhar Nadiadwala, Managing Director, Dome Entertainment, says, “With seven successful seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League, the sport has definitely become one of the leading sporting events in the country. It is a pleasure to consistently be able to deliver the best arena for an indigenous sport like Kabaddi to shine. Associating with Star India, the official broadcasters, this is our fifth time hosting the event, and it continues to be just as thrilling to host them as it was the first time. Partnering with USports, we are thrilled to watch our home team, U Mumba take the arena and fight for the trophy. We feel honored to have been chosen for the event yet again, and we hope to continue to be associated with them in the future, as well.”

The venue has also previously hosted leading sports events like Matrix Fight Night, Brave India – MMA, IOS Boxing, and more. By hosting Pro Kabaddi League for the fifth time, Dome has definitely established themselves as one of the leading sports destinations in the country.

Supratik Sen, MD & Co-Founder, U Sports says, “The team and the fans always look forward to U Mumba playing at home during the Pro Kabaddi League. We always try to give the fans maximum seating as they love to watch the match live. Not only that, the experience is also an important factor which Dome has. Even with the high costs, we spare no expense to give our fans the best!”

July 26, 2019