Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India] October 17: Lubi Industries LLP, one of India’s leading manufacturers of pumps and motors, has partnered with the Telugu Titans for the 11th season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Lubi Industries will serve as the Associate Partner for the Titans, further elevating its brand presence in one of the country’s most popular sports leagues.

The partnership provides Lubi Industries with an opportunity to connect with the passionate fanbase of the Telugu Titans and the PKL, while the Titans will benefit from enhanced brand visibility, particularly in their core markets across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The PKL enjoys significant viewership in both rural and urban regions, and with Lubi’s strong presence in the domestic and agricultural pump sector, this collaboration aligns well with its expansive market reach.

As part of the association, the logo of Lubi Industries will be prominently displayed on the shoulder blades of the Telugu Titans’ playing kits, offering prime visibility throughout the season. Lubi Industries’ commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative fluid management solutions resonates with the Telugu Titans’ determination to push boundaries in pursuit of PKL glory.

Commenting on the partnership, the management at Lubi Industries, said, “Kabaddi is a popular sport followed by many of our customers across rural and urban markets. This partnership allows us to celebrate the shared values of resilience, endurance and agility — qualities that define both the sport of kabaddi and our products. We are excited to be associated with the Telugu Titans and wish them the best for the upcoming season.”

Trinadh Reddy, CEO of Telugu Titans, said, “It’s a privilege for us to have an associate partner like Lubi Industries. Both the Telugu Titans and Lubi Industries share a common drive for success and have a strong presence across regions, making this partnership a powerful one. We look forward to an exciting season ahead.”

New Delhi : English Kabaddi players Felix Lee and Yuvraj Pandya recently achieved a lifelong dream by participating in the tenth season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). The recently concluded season, held across 12 Indian cities from December 2nd, 2023 to March 1st, 2024, provided them with a unique opportunity to compete on the sport's biggest stage.

Expressing his excitement, Felix stated, "The PKL experience was incredible. Kabaddi isn't as widespread in England, but I've been a devoted follower since season one. Honestly, I never thought I'd get the chance to play in the Pro Kabaddi League."

Yuvraj echoed this sentiment, highlighting the contrasting experiences between watching and playing. "It's a whole different world," he said. "On TV, you only see the 40 minutes of action on the court. In the PKL, you get the full experience – playing alongside and against the best in the world. We've participated in international tournaments, but nothing compares to the scale and intensity of the PKL."

Both players shared their journeys into Kabaddi. Yuvraj recounted starting at a young age with a local Hindu group. "The England Kabaddi team captain spotted me during a local tournament and encouraged me to train with them. That's how it all began," he explained.

Felix, on the other hand, discovered the sport in university. "I joined a Kabaddi club in my first year," he said. "During my first practice, I managed to catch a few defenders. I enjoyed the team atmosphere and kept playing. Eventually, that led to a spot on the England squad and then the PKL."

With their success, Felix and Yuvraj hope to pave the way for more English players in the PKL. "There are many aspiring Kabaddi players in England," Yuvraj asserted. "Our presence in the PKL will inspire them and show them what's possible. Hopefully, we'll see more English players in the league in the future."

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 5: Poojara Telecom, a leading & one of the most trusted mobile & tech retailers in west India with 350+ experience stores across Gujarat, Maharashtra & Rajasthan, are proud to announce its association as an official partner of the Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants team in the Pro Kabaddi League 2023 (PKL). The PKL is India’s premier kabaddi league, attracting millions of viewers across the country.

The partnership with the Pro Kabaddi League reaffirms Poojara Telecom’s dedication to fostering a sense of unity, athleticism, and entertainment within the community. Kabaddi, being deeply rooted in Indian culture, aligns perfectly with Poojara Telecom’s values of connectivity and community engagement.

“We are excited to partner with the Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants team and support their journey in the Pro Kabaddi League season 10,” said Mr. Rahil Poojara, Director of Poojara Telecom. “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.” He also added “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.”

“The Pro Kabaddi League is one of the best competitions in the country and it has helped elevate the profile of the sport. It is a story of dedication, hard work and enterprise, and of course entertainment. And the Gujarat Giants welcome on board Poojara Telecom as the Official Associate Partner, who have always displayed a penchant for putting all hands on deck while in pursuit of a goal. Our paths clearly have more than a common connect, and we are hoping this partnership stands the test of time,” said Sanjay Adesara, CBO, Adani Sportsline.

The partnership was stitched together by ITW Catalyst, “There was a natural synergy between Poojara Telecom and Gujrat Giants with both having the same commitment towards building community and connecting with the people of the country at a grassroot level, we at ITW always aim to create meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships and we are proud to have played part in executing this collaboration.” added Paroksh Chawla CEO, ITW Catalyst.

The Pro Kabaddi League, known for its high-octane action and widespread popularity, attracts a massive fan base across all age groups. Poojara Telecom’s association with the league is a testament to its dedication to connecting with diverse communities and contributing to the cultural fabric of India.

Entering its milestone 10th season, the Pro Kabaddi League stands as a dynamic force, securing its place as the second most-watched tournament in India. The league starts from 2nd December 2023 in Ahmedabad with 12 talented teams competing for the coveted trophy. The tournament kicks off with an exciting showdown as the Gujarat Giants take on the Telugu Titans in the opening game.

Poojara Telecom stands tall as the fastest-growing and most trusted mobile phone and tech retail chain across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, boasting over 300 experience stores. Spearheaded by the visionary founder Shri Yogesh Poojara, the brand has flourished, amassing a loyal customer base of over 1 crore satisfied individuals across 28+ years of stable performance in the mobile retail industry. The team’s unified vision drives them to deliver personalized and innovative products and services. Upholding values of genuineness, honesty, transparency, and commitment, these principles are not just Poojara Telecom’s culture but also the pillars that support its growth.

For more information, visit – https://www.poojaratele.com/

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London, Aug 21 (IANS) Three people were injured while a man was attacked with a sword following a brawl between two gangs during a kabaddi match in the UK.

Frightened spectators were seen screaming and fleeing the Derby Kabaddi grounds in Alvaston at around 4 p.m. on Sunday after sounds of gunshots were heard, according to a video which has gone viral on social media.

Armed police rushed to the scene where a witness described a man being shot at and then attacked repeatedly with a sword, the Mirror newspaper reported.

Other witnesses said two rival gangs attacked each other with hockey sticks, which ruined the kabaddi tournament.

Some people said they were unable to get to their vehicles with several reporting they saw up to 20 police cars.

Derbyshire Police said in a statement on Sunday night: "We were called to a large-scale disturbance at Elvaston Lane, Alvaston, at 3.51 p.m. on Sunday. Three people have been injured, one seriously. They have all been taken to hospital. There is large police presence in the area and officers are expected to remain at the scene for some time."

The police said that anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, can contact them quoting the reference 739 of August 20.

“What was supposed to be a positive and welcome return of our Punjabi sport of kabaddi in Derby has sadly ended in shameful circumstances," Derby resident Jas Uksingh wrote on Facebook.

“Gang violence is not acceptable at sporting events, and should not be tolerated by the community. The UK Kabaddi Federation must take necessary steps and safeguards to stamp this thoughtless violence out from national tournaments. I hope those injured are not too serious and make a full recovery,” the post added.

The tournament was advertised on the England Kababbi Federation website as part of a series of summer events, local media reports said, adding that expert players from across the UK were brought for the event.

The local Derby team is known as Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara Kabaddi Club, which has been playing the sport for over 30 years.

In a move to pay tribute to the country's soil and promote traditional sports, Surat City Police organized the 'Kabaddi Competition-2023' under the banner of 'Meri Mitti Mera Desh' in Surat. Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi was present to encourage the players and witness an exhilarating competition that took place on Sunday at Police Parade Ground, Athwalines.

The women's team of Surat Headquarters emerged victoriously with 53 points, defeating the Zone-5 team, who scored 9 points. Meanwhile, the men's category saw a closely fought match where the Surat headquarter team scored 35 points, but Zone-3 was declared the winner with 41 points. Both the women's and men's winning teams were awarded a prize of Rs 31,000 each, along with the winner's trophy.

During the event, the Minister of State for Home spoke about the 'Meri Mitti Mera Desh' program initiated by the Prime Minister across India to honor freedom fighters and border soldiers. The campaign involves the construction of Amut Vatika using soil collected from all the villages across the country, from taluka-district to Kartavyapath of Delhi.

He emphasized the importance of encouraging interest in traditional soil-related games in today's technology-driven era where children are often more inclined towards mobile and computer games. Sanghvi praised the Surat Police for organizing the competition with the intention of boosting the internal and external energy of the policemen, in line with the state government's goal to foster sportsmanship and fitness.

Notable attendees at the event included Police Commissioner Ajay Tomar, District Public Prosecutor Nayan Sukhdwala, VNSGU Vice-Chancellor Dr. K.N. Chavda, D.C.P. (Traffic) Amita Vanani, District Sports Development Officer Chetan Patel, city leaders, players, and a large number of police personnel.

The 'Kabaddi Competition-2023' in Surat not only showcased the passion for a traditional Indian sport but also highlighted the spirit of unity and patriotism through the 'Meri Mitti Mera Desh' campaign. The success of the event reflects a commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting physical fitness, setting a commendable example for communities across the nation.

Ahmedabad, April 29 (IANS) With an aim to bring significant contributions towards indigenous sports like Kabaddi, Ram Mehar Singh - coach of the Adani Gujarat Giants in the Pro Kabaddi League, strongly believes that the 'Little Giants' programme could be a gamechanger.

He also feels that such programmes are essential to elevating the profile of the sport in the state and a great tool to connect with grassroots talent.

Talking about the importance of undertaking such initiatives, Ram Mehar Singh said, "It is time that we make Kabaddi a big sport in Gujarat and programmes like Little Giants, which commenced last year, can help us drive this narrative to a wider audience. And for the Little Giants to compete with big names like the Maharashtra Kabaddi Club and the Haryana academies, we must create more awareness. Another pivotal aspect of this programme is hoping that the state produces more professional Kabaddi players. This is a great initiative by the Adani Gujarat Giants."

The Little Giants programme is currently running across four major cities, namely, Ahmedabad, Surat, Baroda, and Rajkot. Soon, the team will be holding player trials across the state which will help them to create a buzz about the game and it will also pique an interest among people.

The process of becoming a good sportsman begins at an early age, especially when children are in school and hence the team feels that encouraging school children will enable the initiative to elevate the profile of the sport.

The second season of the Little Giants programme is all set to begin soon. In the inaugural edition, more than 3,000 kids from over 224 schools across Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot participated. The numbers are expected to increase in the upcoming editions.

Quizzed about what are some of the measures that need to be taken to ensure that these children perform well, Singh suggests, "We have to ensure that the kids selected for higher training in the programme are well looked after, maintain a healthy diet and can balance their studies and practice sessions. Kits and other necessary infrastructure should be provided to them."

He also further added, "The coach also needs to be attuned with each kid to help them perform well. The Adani Sportsline team has done a fabulous job to bring in a world-class setup for these kids. Nurturing kids through this programme can help us put up at the national level, making everyone and our country proud."

Mumbai: Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) franchise U Mumba on Friday appointed Suhail Chandhok as their new CEO.

As per Unilazer Ventures Pvt. Ltd - the owners of U Mumba, Chandhok will oversee the management and development of the PKL season 2 champions.

"We are delighted to welcome Suhail to the U Mumba family, joining as CEO. From being a professional sportsman and a respected figure in the sporting landscape, to his extensive knowledge of the ecosystem of Kabaddi and other sports in the country, Suhail will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the company," said Ronnie Screwvala, U Mumba team owner, in a media release.

"I am looking forward to working with him to deliver on our plans for U Mumba in our 10th year of the franchise and beyond," he added.

Hailing from three generations of sports, Suhail brings over a decade of experience in the world of sports and entertainment. He has been a professional cricketer and a renowned sports presenter as well.

"U Mumba is a franchise with a rich legacy, known for its fantastic team culture and I look forward to building on the vision that's been created and all the success so far. As a franchise that represents the City of Dreams, I'd love for our franchise to remain a team that players aspire to represent and we hope our team culture always reflects that, as we create an environment where players get to express themselves & come away as more complete players and individuals," said Chandhok.

"U Mumba has always unearthed, nurtured and promoted some of the best young sporting talent and I'm thankful to the management and Ronnie for the responsibility of carrying that legacy forward as we enter a new, exciting chapter for this team," he added.

The 35 year old, who has been involved in sporting entities such as the IPL, PKL, Indian Super League, Premier Badminton League, Hockey India League and the Yuva Kabaddi Series amongst others, will take on responsibilities with immediate effect.

(IANS)

Mumbai (IANS) Mashal Sports, the organisers of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) on Thursday announced that they are exploring the launch of an annual professional league for women's kabaddi players on similar lines as the men's league, which is now in its 10th year.

The league is likely to be called the Women's Kabaddi League.

"Our plans for a professional women's kabaddi league are based on the success we have seen in the men's league and our commitment to grow kabaddi as a modern world-class sport from India. We will be working with our various stakeholders, including the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) to launch the women's league," said Anupam Goswami, CEO, Mashal Sports & League Commissioner, Pro Kabaddi League.

The proposed professional league for women will draw upon Mashal Sports' experience and learnings from the Women's Kabaddi Challenge, a three-team test tournament that Mashal had organised and conducted with the support and sanction of AKFI in 2016.

Kabaddi players who participated as members of the competing teams -- Firebirds, IceDivas and StormQueens --recall the Women's Kabaddi Challenge as the highest quality kabaddi tournament they had ever participated in.

"Ever since the launch of Pro Kabaddi league in 2014, women kabaddi players in India have aspired to a professional kabaddi league of their own. Now, a women's version of PKL will be a big dream come true for every woman kabaddi athlete in India, and also for women kabaddi athletes from other countries," said V Tejeswini Bai, who captained the winning Storm Queens team at the Women's Kabaddi Challenge in 2016, in a media release.

Tejeswini is part of the galaxy of Arjuna Award winning women kabaddi athletes in India, and also captained the Indian women's team the last time it won the gold medal at the Asian Games, at Incheon in 2014.

As per organisers, the views of India's leading women kabaddi players are seconded by India's leading male kabaddi players as well, particularly those who are recognized by millions of PKL fans as leading players of the men's league.

"Pro Kabaddi has transformed the lives and image of men kabaddi athletes across all of India. I know if Mashal Sports does a women's league, it will do the same for women kabaddi athletes," said Ajay Thakur, former India captain who has also been awarded the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri. T

Thakur's views are seconded by Pardeep Narwal, the iconic highest point-scoring raider from Pro Kabaddi.

"The quality and popularity of Pro Kabaddi League has enabled us to acquire pride and respect as kabaddi players. I know that a women's PKL will guarantee the same recognition and reward for our women athletes," he said.

As traditional and long-standing a sport as kabaddi is, it began gaining traction in recent years after the launch of the Pro Kabaddi League in 2014. Season nine of PKL attracted cumulative viewership of 222 million on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of PKL and reached millions of viewers through Disney+ Hotstar.

The play-offs and final of Season 9 saw a cumulative reach of 66 million, a 32 percent increase over the previous season.