Adani Group and GMR Group have bought the Gujarat and Telangana franchises of Ultimate Kho-Kho League respectively. However, the group did not disclose its investment amount.
It is the first professional Kho-Kho league started by Amit Burman, Chairman of Kho Kho Federation of India and Dabur India Limited. The federation said it is trying to promote indigenous sport as a professional and competitive sport. The first edition of the league will be launched this year.
Sony Pictures Networks India has signed a multi-year agreement as the official broadcast partner of the league.
The Adani and GMR groups have created sports verticals to support Indian athletes. Adani also owns the Boxing and Kabaddi teams, while GMR owns the Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals.
League chief executive Tenzing Niyogi said 200 crores has been kept for the league. “We have always believed in creating a healthy mix of team owners who can share a similar approach to the development of non-cricketing sports,” said Niyogi. The collaboration with Corporate India as stakeholders is a strong step towards becoming the Ultimate Kho Kho sports movement.
Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises, said that Adani Sportsline is associated with other sports leagues to promote domestic sports and increase engagement among the national audience. “Our experience with kabaddi and boxing leagues has given us confidence that kho-kho leagues will do wonders for traditional sports. Our decision to participate in this league is an extension of our aim to create a world-class ecosystem that nurtures sports talent, fuels the sports economy and plays an enabling role in India’s journey to become a leading sports nation. plays.”
GMR Sports said that it has taken grassroots sports development initiatives in Delhi-NCR. The Telangana team was chosen to take advantage of the popularity of Kho-Kho in the South. “At GMR, we aim to promote sports amongst the youth, connect with the community at large and build a supportive ecosystem… With a vision to nurture grassroots talent, it has provided access to professional sports. “The academies that rain sports in India,” said Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Corporate Chairman, GMR Group.
Vinod Bisht, director and CEO of Delhi Capitals, an IPL franchise and UP Yoddha in the Pro Kabaddi league, said that in order to join the real India or “India”, they need to be involved in sports that are hugely popular, but There is no product that can connect with the community at large. “There was an urgent need for sports like wrestling, kabaddi and kho-kho. That’s why we have chosen to move to indigenous sports other than cricket and connect with India,” he said.
“People have fond memories of this particular game, and when I say I mean both genders. The way we are doing it on air is also exciting, the whole match will be done in 60 minutes. “
India’s sports media and sponsorship industry nearly reached 95 billion in FY20 but will be growing at a slow pace to reach 150 billion by 2024, said a report by sports-related employment agency Sporzo and FICCI. Industry to grow at a CAGR of 14% till 2020.