The highly awaited second season of the Pro Govinda League 2024 will take place on August 18 at the Dome SVP stadium in Worli, Mumbai.
Recently, the tournament also witnessed the team draft for season 2 in Mumbai last week. The 16 franchises in the draft were the winners of a recently held pre-qualifying round that included 32 teams.
The event was attended by key members of the organising committee, including Pratap Sarnaik, Chairman and Founder of the Pro Govinda League and MLA; Purvesh Pratap Sarnaik, Chairman and Founder of the Pro Govinda League; Mazhar Nadiadwala, President of the Pro Govinda League and Working President of Yuva Sena (the youth wing of the Shiv Sena); and Mohomed Morani, Managing Director of Dome Entertainment and Director of the Cineyug Group of Companies.
As the event developed, the Govindas’ excitement grew in preparation for the competition, which will take place in a few days.
In an exclusive conversation with SportsMint Media, Mr Mohomed Morani, Chairman & Director of Dome and Cineyug Group of Companies, discussed the league’s vision, safety environment, and expansion strategies.
1. What was the primary selling point for attracting investors and teams to the Pro Govinda League?
Our focus was not primarily commercial. This year, we implemented a draw system to ensure fair competition. Our goal was to secure sufficient funds to operate the league rather than maximize profit. Despite this, we received overwhelming interest, with over 50 potential owners applying within 48 hours. Selecting just 16 teams was challenging due to the unique appeal of this league.
Govinda is a confluence of religion, culture, sport, and tourism. It’s a thrilling spectacle with inherent risks, which we’re addressing through stringent safety measures. Our experienced team, including my involvement in leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Abu Dhabi G10, ensures fair play and adherence to regulations. We’ve created a comprehensive rulebook to maintain transparency and consistency across all teams.
2. How did your previous experience in sports administration contribute to the Pro Govinda League?
Our company has a 40-year history in event management, hosting major sporting events like the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT). Coupled with our sports management expertise, this knowledge was invaluable in structuring the Pro Govinda League. Our partners brought deep cultural understanding, while we contributed the operational framework for a successful sports league.
3. Can you elaborate on the insurance and safety measures in place for the league?
The Government of India, under the leadership of Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr Eknath Sambhaji Shinde, has officially recognized Govinda as a sport and implemented insurance coverage for all Govinda Pathaks. This ensures protection for participants not only during the league but throughout the Govinda festival.
4. What is the target audience for the Pro Govinda League?
We anticipate a nationwide viewership. The sport’s thrilling nature and substantial community involvement will drive interest. Each participant has an average family size of four, amplifying the potential fan base. Additionally, the existing grassroots following among Govinda enthusiasts will contribute to the league’s popularity. We plan to leverage broadcast channels to reach a wider audience and explore opportunities in fantasy sports.
5. What is the commercial strategy for attracting sponsors before the Pro Govinda League 2024?
While this year’s focus is on establishing the league, we are optimistic about future commercial growth. We aim to build the Pro Govinda League into a major sporting event, similar to Kabaddi. We believe strong foundations will attract significant sponsorship in the coming years.
6. Will there be specific guidelines for teams regarding sponsor selection?
We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the league and adhering to government regulations. Surrogate advertising will not be permitted. Our focus is on sponsors that align with the league’s values and uphold ethical standards.
7. Are there plans to involve celebrities in the league beyond ownership?
We have secured prominent celebrities like Mika Singh, Arjun Bijlani, and Meet Bros as team owners. We will explore additional opportunities to leverage celebrity influence to enhance the league’s appeal.
8. What marketing initiatives are planned to promote the league?
A comprehensive marketing campaign is underway, including outdoor advertising, media coverage, and digital promotions. We expect significant buzz following the press conference and throughout the league.