Mumbai, 3rd August, 2024: The much-anticipated Team Draft of the 2024 edition of Pro Govinda League took place at Taj Lands End in Bandra on Saturday, 3rd August 2024
The organizers of the league including Chairman and Founder of Pro Govinda League & MLA Mr. Pratap Sarnaik, Chairman & Founder of the Pro Govinda League, Mr. Purvesh Pratap Sarnaik, Pro Govinda League President & Working President of Yuva Sena (the youth wing of Shiv Sena), Mr. Mazhar Nadiadwala, Managing Director of Dome Entertainment & Director of Cineyug Group of companies and Mr. Mohomed Morani, Chairman & Director – Dome and Cineyug Group of Companies, along with the owners of the 16 franchises were present for the draft.
The owners arbitrarily picked their respective teams, boosting the excitement levels as hundreds of Govindas gear up for the thrilling competition on 18th August 2024.
The Konkan Giants became the first team to be picked up in the Pro Govinda League 2024 Team Draft after J Kumar Infraprojects owner Mr. Nalin Gupta drew the glittering green jersey from the pot. The Giants will be represented by Kokan Nagar Govinda. The Giants were followed by Satara Singhams to be picked up by Pratik Shelke-owned PRS Infra. The Singhams will be represented by Season 1 champions Jai Jawan Govinda.
The Latur Legends franchise went on to be picked up by Vinay Chugh-owned Eagle Infra India Limited. The ambitious Yash Govinda group will feature for Legends in Season 2. Led by Aksha Kamboj, Aspect Sports Private Limited drafted Amravati Gladiators who will be represented by the renowned Ashtavinayak Govinda. Ashtavinayak Govinda were the winners of the tournament when it was held outdoors in 2019.
Further, Shree Aagreshwar Govinda were drafted to play as Nashik Challengers, a franchise owned by Ranjit Singh Bindra & well-renowned singer Mika Singh while Gajanan Construction Limited owned by Vijay Patel drew Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Warriors. Shiv Ganesh Govinda will form the Warriors in the upcoming edition of the league.
COBX Gaming Private Limited backed by Mr. Rohan Gupta and Mrs. Anushka Gupta, then went on to draw the Raigad Royals jersey from the pot. The Hindu Ekta Govinda group will play for the Royals as they get ready to establish dominance in the league. Next up, Palladian Partners picked the Central Mumbai franchise and Om Brahmand Sai Govinda were drawn to represent the side.
The excitement for the Team Draft shot up once again as Siddhesh Kadam-backed Shreem Hyundai and Arjun Kandhari’s B Kandhari Group stepped up on the stage to draw their teams. The two corporates picked up Mira Bhainder Yodhas (Bal Utsahi Govinda) and Navi Mumbai Strikers (Om Sai Seva Govinda) respectively.
Meet Bros of the Bollywood fame along with film & television star Arjun Bijlani selected Pune Panthers. The ferocious Vignaharta Govinda group will represent the Panthers. Amravati Gladiators were the next franchise to be drafted in the Pro Govinda League 2024 Team Draft. The franchise was selected by Aspect Sports Private Limited, led by Aksha Kamboj. Ashtavinayak Govinda will form the Gladiators.
Mohit Singhal of Melstarr Information Technologies Limited followed suit to hand-pick Kolhapur Kings jersey from the pot. The Kings will be looking forward to a successful campaign with Balveer Govinda. Next up, Nagpur Ninjas were selected by JP Infra Realty Private Limited, owned by Vijay Jain. The Ninjas will aim for glory with Shiv Sai Krida Govinda, who boast of making it to the Limca Book of Records for their sheer brilliance.
A loud cheer ensued in the hall as Thane Tigers were picked up by Mr, Gopal Lalwani of the DGM Group. The exciting Aryans Govinda group, known to be one of the most promising teams in the league, will don the Tigers’ jersey in the upcoming season. Dheeraj Jethani-owned Konark Group of Companies drew Baramati Blasters, becoming the penultimate company to pick a side in the team draft.
Finally, the draft came to conclusion with Odyssey Sports LLP’s Bhavesh Shah picking up Western Mumbai. Hindmata Govinda will represent the franchise.
Following the draft, the franchise owners and league organizers addressed the media in a press conference.
:Mr. Pratap Sarnaik; Chairman and Founder of Pro Govinda League, Member of the Legislative Assembly said, “Dahi Handi emphasises on the rich Indian culture and is the perfect example of how people from different walks of life come together to celebrate one cause. The successful conclusion of Pro Govinda League 2024 team draft paves way for an exciting season which will usher the sport to a new era.”
Mr. Purvesh Pratap Sarnaik, Pro Govinda League President & Working President of Shiv Sena’s youth wing ‘Yuva Sena’ said: “It fills us with immense delight to see the response received for Pro Govinda League 2024 team draft. We are confident of reaching new heights through this edition of the league and take a step further towards our mission to promote Dahi Handi to a national level sport.”
Mr. Mohomed Morani, Chairman & Director, Dome and Cineyug Group of Companies: “It’s a matter of pride for us to be associated with Pro Govinda League 2024 and elevate the indigenous sport of Dahi Handi. The 16 teams finalised at the auction boast of bright young talent, who will be eager to showcase their great athleticism and team spirit during the season and we are looking forward to a highly competitive tournament.”
Mr. Mazhar Nadiadwala, Managing Director at Dome Entertainment & Director of Cineyug Group of Companies said: “The response received at the team draft is a testament to the potential this league holds. Through this edition, we aim to establish a solid platform for the young talent in the country to showcase and hone their skills and are confident of achieving our goal. We wish all the 16 teams the best of luck as they gear up to showcase the true spirit of Dahi Handi with passion, honour and glory.”
The much-anticipated second season of the Pro Govinda League 2024 will take place on 18th August 2024 at the Dome SVP stadium in Worli, Mumbai.
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