A glamorous day at Greater NOIDA witnessed the launch of UP Yoddha’s new season for the Vivo ProKabaddi League (PKL) 2018. The event saw the presence of Shri Chetan Chauhan - Minister for Youth & Sports, Uttar Pradesh along with Shri Narendra Bhooshan (IAS) - CEO, Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority; Dr Prabhat Kumar (IAS) - Chairman, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority; Col. Vinod Bisht - VP, GMR League Games along with few members of our Yoddha squad. Col. Bisht initiated the proceedings, announcing Rishank Devadiga as the Yoddha captain, while Jeeva was named the vice-captain.

UP Yoddha is all about the elements of Uttar Pradesh, the many famous, heritage-filled places and the love for Kabaddi instilled into the hearts of UP citizens. Mr. Vinod Bisht later announced our campaign film with the message: “Saans Rok, Seena Thok”

Mr. Chauhan took the stage following the power-packed film, explaining how ProKabaddi has changed the way the sport was seen in India. “I am sure UP Yoddha would make us proud this season and I hope to see them come back home at the top,” he added.

Another major announcement on the day was the unveiling of our Captain and Vice-Captain for the upcoming season. The team management declared Rishank Devadiga as the man who will head the battalion while Jeeva Kumar was announced as his deputy. A combination of formidable experience and profound talent means our leadership unit strikes a good balance in the squad.

Our Yoddha squad donned the new home jersey at the unveiling, dripping in shared of red, blue and yellow. We play our first match of 2018 in Chennai, on October 8, against Tamil Thalaivas and we can’t wait for the season to begin!