Karbonn Smart KPL 2015: Jersey exchange between KPL players and Bengaluru Bulls Team

In admiration for each other

Bangalore, August 16, 2015: An eventful evening took place at the Chinnaswamy Stadium with Karbonn Smart KPL 2015 players and the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi team, Bengaluru Bulls players exchanging team jerseys to show solidarity towards the two sporting disciplines.

Present at the event were KPL players CM Gautham from Mysuru Warriors, S Arvind from Hubli Tigers, Bharath Chipli from Bellary Tuskers, KN Bharath from Belagavi Panthers, Shreyas Gopal from Namma Shivamogga, Ronit More from Mangalore United and GK Anil Kumar, representing Rockstars, along with the Bengaluru Bulls team members Gurpreet Singh, D Cheralathan, Rajesh Mondal and Ashish Chhokar.

With just two weeks left for the scheduled Karbonn Smart KPL 2015 and the Bengaluru Bulls Team having had a successful period at the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi league thus far, the coming together of the two teams signified much respect and regard for the two popular sports and also set the stage to ensure that grassroots level talent is promoted.

The KPL 2015 players and the Bengaluru Bulls exchanged jerseys in the presence of members of the Karbonn KPL 2015 Governing Council.

“The Pro Kabaddi League garnered a massive following last year and this year it has become even bigger and better. It is very heartening to see an indigenous game of India gaining the attention that it deserves. I have been following the matches since the first season and I can see the growth. Last night’s (Saturday) game against Hyderabad Titans was a memorable match. Hats off to the team and I congratulate them,” said Mr. P.R. Ashok Anand, Hon. President, KSCA.

The Karnataka Premier league, in its fourth edition of competition, has been sponsored by Karbonn Smart since the last edition. It has served as a platform for young cricketers, especially from the mofussil regions of the State. Players like K.C. Cariappa and J. Suchith who played for KKR and Mumbai Indians respectively in the IPL 2015 are examples of how KPL has been instrumental in unearthing talent. This year the matches will be held in Hubli and Mysore from September 2 to 19.

“Today is the most important and happy day for us. The KPL seems to have become a lucky charm for us. Last year we were struggling and after Jersey Exchange we made it to the last four. This year I hope we make it straight to the title having already made the last four”, said Uday Sinh Wala, CEO, Kosmik Group that owns Bengaluru Bulls franchisee.

“I have been following the KPL and I think this league is a path breaker. It is a great platform for youngsters and I feel it is a great initiative”, he added of the KSCA’s Premier tournament.

Left-arm seamer Sreenath Aravind, speaking on behalf of the KPL family thanked the Bengaluru Bulls owner, players and staff who made themselves available for the exchange function.

“I wish the Bulls win the Pro Kabaddi tournament”, he said, adding, “We welcome Namma Shivamogga into the KPL fold and wish them the very best. It is a great platform for youngsters and I wish all the youngsters the very best in the Karbonn Smart 2015 event”.

This evening was a great opportunity for the Pro Kabaddi players to come and meet us players from KPL and exchange jerseys. We thank the Bulls and wish everyone here the very best”.

Earlier, Vinay Mruthyunjaya, Spokesperson, KSCA, welcomed the gathering and in lighter vein said, “The Pro Kabaddi has been hogging all the limelight in the media and we are happy it will be over today, which also means that we will get some coverage for our KPL which starts on September 2”.

Also present at the function were KPL franchisee owners.

Karbonn Smart KPL 2015 matches will be telecast live on Sony Six while the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League 2015 is being aired live on Star Sports.