Patna: Patna Pirates would represent Bihar in Pro-Kabaddi League 2014, an IPL styled Championship for Kabaddi slated to start in July this year. Its Patna franchise, has been named Patna pirates and is owned by Rajesh Shah. Noted Kabaddi player Rakesh Kumar would be the captain of the team, while Rambir Singh Khokhar is the coach. Patna Pirates has chosen Kankarbagh Indoor Stadium as its Home ground. The first edition of the tournament will start on 26 July 2014 with eight franchises consisting of players from around the world.
Other members of Patna pirates include, Waseem Sajjad, Satish Singh, Tae Deok Eom, Ravi Dalal, Kuldeep Singh, Dovlet Bashimov, Mandeep Kumar, Ram Kumar Saha, Somvir Chhillar, Gurvinder Singh and Sunil Kumar.
The Logo of Patna Pirates was unveiled last week. Rakesh is the most expensive player in the league, bought at a record fee of Rs. 12.8 lakh. He is an Arjuna Awardee and was part of the Indian squad that won gold at the Asian Indoor games 2013 and Asian Games 2010.
Speaking on the occasion, Shah said, “We are delighted to launch our team identity today. Kabaddi is an Indian game with historical relevance and has a potential to become a global sport. There is huge talent for the game in our country and I hope the team will showcase the resilient ethos of the people of Patna.
“I appeal to the people of this city to come forward and support Patna Pirates. We have a state of the art facility in the Kankarbagh indoor stadium, an incredible coach in Rambir Singh Khokhar and a strong team. The package is wonderful”.
Meanwhile Rakesh said “I am honoured to be chosen as captain of this talented side. I would like to thank Mr. Shah for embracing a sport like Kabaddi which will go a long way in promoting this ancient sport and giving the sport a professional status. I am confident that Patna Pirates will bring laurels to this city and state of Bihar.”
The Pro Kabaddi league is being organised by the International Kabaddi Federation, Asian Kabaddi Federation and Amateur Federation of India. Star Sports will be the official broadcast partner for the event, where top kabaddi players from across India and the globe will participate in a show of intense competition. It is an initiative of Mashal Sports to promote the game of Kabaddi in India.
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan is the owner of Jaipur Pink Panthers, the Jaipur franchise of Pro-Kabaddi League.
Filmmaker Ronnie Screwvala is the Owner of U Mumba, the Mumbai Franchise of Pro Kabaddi League.
Bollywood Superstar Shahrukh Khan has confirmed that he would be there to promote the matched of Pro-Kabaddi League, thereby making it an event of much fanfare.