India loves Kabaddi! Riding on its massive three-season success, Star Sports Pro Kabaddi is all set to hit the mat for its fourth season in the last 24 months. The much awaited Season 4 will witness Puneri Paltan taking on Telugu Titans in Mumbai on June 25thin the league opener match. This will be followed by a clash between former Season 2 champions, U Mumba and the inaugural season champions, Jaipur Pink Panthers. Intense action, excitement and a heavy dose of #AsliPanga is expected to rock the second season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi in 2016.
The Season 4 auctions for the league have led to extremely well-balanced squads across the eight teams and the competition for the title will only get tougher from here. Following the success of the last three seasons, all teams have been preparing at their respective training camps. Interestingly, this season will see 24 international players from across 12 countries including Iran, Kenya, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, United Kingdom and more. The response has been overwhelming and showcases how the sport is being followed across the world.
Janardan Singh Gehlot, President, International Kabaddi Federation, said, “The sport must not only encourage our players, but also give countless millions who follow it a thrill. The past three seasons have proven that the country is ready to not only watch and accept more of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi, but also form loyalties toward players and teams. Season 4 will only reinforce that the Kabaddi eco-system will grow stronger as the league progresses.”
Also read: 5 reasons why Indian has fallen in love with Kabaddi
Star Sports Pro Kabaddi will reach out to over 114 territories including USA, UK, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa and New Zealand with an expected uptake in viewership as well. Season 3 saw an almost 36% increase in viewership over Season 2 and Season 4 will help Kabaddi rise to being India’s fastest and second most viewed sport.
Nitin Kukreja, CEO, Star Sports, said, “Over the last three years, Star India has led the way in showing that India is ready to be a multi-sport nation. A particularly successful example of this phenomenon is the growth of Kabaddi over the last 20+ months. With the aspirational narrative that the sport was given, each season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi has grown in stadia as well as on television, in rural as well as in urban audiences. The Season 4 auction unfolded a brand new chapter in Kabaddi with 149 players being drafted. Pro Kabbadi this season promises to be an even bigger opportunity to engage with the sport and its fans!”
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