Bengal Warriorz, a prominent team in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), are gearing up for another thrilling season. As the PKL season 11 approaches, anticipation is building among fans and players alike.
The squad had a poor performance in the first two seasons. The team’s performance, however, improved after the third season, and they qualified for the playoffs in 2016. However, following a rough season in the 2016 PKL season (June), they completely overhauled their squad. After that, the squad routinely made the playoffs in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Speaking about the eventual PKL 2019 winners, the team has made strategic purchases for the forthcoming season, and the success of Indian sports recently has created a favourable environment for the league’s development.
In an exclusive interview with SportsMint Media, Mr Apurv Gupta, COO, Contact Sports, Capri Sports, and Bengal Warriorz, shared his insights on the team’s preparations, the league’s future, and the impact of recent sporting events.
1. Eight players were acquired for over INR 1 crore this year, indicating increased spending power among teams. What are your thoughts on this trend?
This is fantastic for the sport. Each year, records are being broken, and more players are being valued at higher prices. This shows the growth and popularity of the league. These players have become household names among fans.
2. Given India’s recent success in the Paris Olympics, do you believe it will boost viewership and interest in Kabaddi?
India is on a remarkable sporting journey. The growth of sports, leagues, and fan engagement over the past five years is impressive. Any positive development in Indian sports benefits all. The Olympics was a fantastic experience, and I hope it gives Pro Kabaddi League a boost. However, PKL has been quite successful on its own. Our focus now is to engage existing fans and attract new ones to PKL and Kabaddi.
3. Last year, league viewership increased by 17%. How do you think this will impact sponsors’ interest in teams?
Increased viewership is always beneficial. While viewership is one factor, there are other factors to consider when attracting sponsors. We expect the growth in viewership to positively impact our sponsorship efforts.
4. With a relatively empty calendar until December, do you think cricket’s absence will help Kabaddi gain more eyeballs?
I hope so. It’s difficult for me to say definitively, as broadcasters have deeper analytics on viewership. However, having a clear window for matches, prime-time slots, and strong broadcaster support puts us in a good position to have another successful season. I am confident we will see a boost in viewership for PKL.
5. Maninder Singh was acquired for over two crores last year but was bought for a lesser amount via the Final Bid Match card this year. From a business standpoint, how do you view this?
Maninder Singh is one of the most prolific raiders in the league. He performed exceptionally well for us. We were thrilled to see the price at which we could acquire him. This allowed us to build a stronger squad with a mix of experienced players like Fazel Atrachali and Maninder Singh, along with promising young talent. Auctions can be unpredictable, and this time, Maninder Singh’s bid worked in our favour.
6. Maninder Singh has been a star player and the face of the team. Was this a key reason for re-signing him?
Maninder Singh’s legacy in Bengal is well-known. He was always on our radar, and we were excited to retain him. His presence is popular with fans, and we aim to provide a long-term enjoyable experience for our supporters.
7. Bengal Warriorz narrowly missed qualification last year. How will you approach sponsorship with a focus on commercial aspects and the addition of new players?
Performance is crucial in sports. We have been building a balanced squad with a mix of experienced players and young talent. We are confident in our ability to attract sponsors, as our team’s performance and the presence of experienced players like Fazel Atrachali and Maninder Singh are attractive to potential partners.