SONIPAT: The JSW Sports-owned Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) team, Haryana Steelers announced on Tuesday that it has included Indian sports apparel brand Alcis Sports and global smartphone maker, Xiaomi in its roster of official partners for the upcoming Season 6 of the competition.
Interestingly, Alcis Sports was the official kit supplier of the Kabaddi Masters 2018 in Dubai and is also serving in the same capacity at the recently-launched Inspired Institute of Sport in Vijaynagar, India’s first privately funded high performance training centre for athletes that has been initiated by JSW Sports.
Alcis will be providing the team with technologically advanced sportswear to enhance their comfort and performance, equipped with features such as Dry-Tech — which doesn’t hold sweat and moisture for long, and made with anti-microbial, anti-odour and anti-static finishes.
Commenting on the association, Roshan Baid, MD of Alcis Sports said: “We are glad to be associated with Haryana Steelers for the sixth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League. Kabaddi being an indigenous sport is extremely close to our hearts and it is encouraging to see its growing popularity in the last couple of years. We were the official kit partner for 2018 Kabaddi Dubai Masters and our products were highly appreciated internationally.”
On the other hand, this will be Xiaomi’s first association with Kabaddi and its biggest one in Indian sport so far.
“Haryana Steelers are a truly promising team and Xiaomi is delighted to be witnessing the team’s new journey as its official smartphone partner. This season is going to be an exciting one with Haryana Steelers joining in. We look forward to witnessing a year of action-packed performance from the team just like how the year 2018 has been one of the incredible achievements for Xiaomi.” Karan Shroff, head of Brand Marketing, Xiaomi India said.
The franchise has also added bit of a local flavour this season off the mat, naming the famous Bollywood Dhaba of the city as its official dhaba partner. Steelers’ CEO Mustafa Ghouse also took the opportunity to name the 2012 London Olympic medallist and champion wrestler, Yogeshwar Dutt as its brand ambassador. Dutt hails from the city of Sonipat, making him a perfect fit for the franchise.
“We are delighted to have Yogeshwar joining the Haryana Steelers as Team Ambassador. He has, through the years, been a fantastic role model to everyone beyond the wrestling mat. He is an icon for the country and the state and we are certain his presence will help elevate the sport in all the right ways.”Ghouse said.
Dutt expressed delight at the development.
“Haryana has always been a home to Kabaddi and when JSW Group bought a team that represented the state on a national platform, I was quite delighted. I look forward to seeing how we can work together to deepen the state’s association with the Sport through the Steelers and I look forward to cheering for the team I can truly call my own. I am looking forward to the upcoming season, especially the home leg in Sonipat, which also happens to be my hometown.” the Khel Ratna awardee said.
The Steelers will be led by Surender Nada and boast of the most expensive buy of Season 6 in the auction, Monu Goyat who smashed the all-time record at Rs. 15.1 million. Entering their second season, they will play their opening game on 8 October against Puneri Paltan in Chennai. Following that, the team will then play at home, where they would be looking to maintain their home-leg dominance from the last season. All matches will be played at the Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai, Sonipat.
The franchise has priced its tickets starting from Rs. 499 for the side stands, while central seating is priced at Rs.700 and hospitality seating is worth Rs. 1250. Tickets for the home leg have been made available online on Paytm and Insider, allowing fans to show a unique QR code/number on their phones to gain entry.
The Steelers will create history with the same as this will be the first time in India that a sports team will be implementing a paperless ticketing system.
