Mahindra felicitates Pro-Kabaddi League’s star player, Anup Kumar with its legendary 4X4 offroader

Anup Kumar (right) was felicitated by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today felicitated one of India’s most successful kabaddi champions, Anup Kumar with its legendary true blue 4X4 off-roader, the Thar. Anup received this honour as the Most Valuable Player at the recently concluded Pro-Kabaddi tournament.

The felicitation symbolizes the association of two strong entities both representing the DNA of being tough and rugged – Anup Kumar and the Mahindra Thar. Anup has emerged as a role model for the Indian youth and represents a sport that is quintessentially and truly Indian. The tough and rugged Thar is a perfect match for Anup Kumar and his sport, as they signify a deep rooted Indian connection.

The ‘Mahindra Thar’ is an ideal vehicle for India’s champion Kabaddi player, who, with his explosive performance at the recently concluded Pro-Kabaddi League captured the imagination of one and all. In fact, Anup epitomized Mahindra’s RISE philosophy by ‘Accepting No Limits’ and earning as many as 155 points while captaining the U Mumba team. His style and experience clearly made him stand out from the rest, as he averaged 5 raids per game and displayed consistency throughout the tournament.

Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Pravin Shah, Chief Executive, Automotive Division & International Operations (AFS), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said “It is my pleasure to felicitate Anup today with the Mahindra Thar. At Mahindra we are proud to be associated with a sport that is synonymous with the tough and rugged DNA of our products and this felicitation signifies the association of two strong entities.

Kabaddi clearly resonates with our brand, the Thar, which is a popular choice amongst lifestyle seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The Thar is an extension of the Mahindra legacy and is an ideal vehicle for India’s popular Kabaddi champion, Anup, who, with his explosive performance at the recently concluded Pro-Kabaddi League, has personified the Mahindra Thar attitude and is now all set to make a personalized statement with the vehicle”.

While receiving the keys to the vehicle, Anup Kumar, the U Mumba captain and the Most Valuable Player of the recently concluded Pro-Kabaddi League, said, “I am very pleased to own the Thar and I thank Mahindra & Mahindra for this very special gesture. With its tough and rugged looks and power-packed performance, the Thar is indeed a great compliment to my personality and I am looking forward to owning and driving this stylish off-roader.”

An Arjuna awardee, Anup is also one of India’s most successful kabaddi champions. At the inaugural edition of the Pro Kabaddi League, he captained the U Mumba team, the runners up of the tournament. Having bagged three gold medals at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 Asian Games, which recently concluded in Incheon, he continues to be one of the most indomitable forces of International Kabaddi.

One of the most experienced players in the country, the nimble footed and sharp witted Anup is the perfect mix of exuberance and composure, earning him a series of national and international accolades. Hailing from Karnal, Anup serves as an officer for the Haryana Police.

Thar, the true blue, stylish, 4x4 off-roader is targeted at both offroading enthusiasts and people wishing to make a unique retro style statement. It plays a significant role in shaping the lifestyle vehicle segment both in urban and rural India andis an extension of the Mahindra legacy. Popular amongst generations of off-road enthusiasts, style seekers and even war-veterans, not many vehicles share the same legendary past and iconic status of the Mahindra Thar.