Deepak Hooda to lead Puneri Paltan in Season 5 of Pro Kabaddi League

Pune, July 12, 2017: Puneri Paltan, one of the top performing teams in Pro Kabaddi League, today confirmed Deepak Hooda as captain for the upcoming season. Known as the ‘Raiding Machine’, Deepak has been associated with the team since season 3. Post this announcement, Deepak Hooda and few key players, along with the team management and sponsors, unveiled the new jersey for season 5.

Mr.Kailash Kandpal, CEO Puneri Paltan along with Deepak Hooda and head coach BC Ramesh, addressed the press conference to share this news.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kailash Kandpal, CEO Puneri Paltan said, “We have a lot of talented players in the team for this season. Our team is an amalgamation of both experience and talent. This season looks very promising for us and we hope to win the title. We as Puneri Paltan, are committed towards Kabaddi as a sport and intend to promote it right from the grass root level. Along with the players and fans here, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors who have shown faith in us and continue to support us.”

Commenting on the announcement, Deepak Hooda said “I am extremely humbled to be appointed as captain. I am grateful to the management for having faith in me. We are putting in lot of efforts to train and build our team. Our head coach is very insightful and guides us at each and every step. With this new team and continuous guidance from our head coach and mentor, we are pretty confident that we will give our best in this season.”

Mr. Ashutosh Khosla, President Sales and Marketing Force Motors said, “Kabaddi is an indigenous and popular sport followed by many of our customers in rural India. Power, agility and teamwork form the three pillars of this sport. Our Trax range of Multi Utility Vehicles and Balwan agricultural Tractors resonate the qualities that make this team a top level contender. We are pleased to be the principal sponsors of our local Pune team- Puneri Paltan. Given the team’s track record, we are hopeful for a spectacular performance. I wish all the players very best for this season!”

On the occasion, Mr. Anurag Vohra, India Business Head, Kirloskar Brothers Limited remarked “It’s truly a matter of pride and honour for an India-based company like KBL to be associated with a traditional Indian sport like Kabaddi as there is a natural commonality between the two. Kirloskar Pumps has been irrigating rural agriculture fields since 1926 and the origins of Kabaddi can also be traced back to the early 20th century rural India. Both embark a sense of “Make in India” feeling, and yes, both are representing Pune on the global stage."

Puneri Paltan is one of the key teams in the Pro Kabaddi League and finished in the top four in the last two seasons. This year the team has gone through a massive transformation and retained Deepak Hooda the only player, from the last season. It is a perfect blend of experience and young talent. Veteran players like Dharmaraj Cheralathan, Rajesh Mondal and star young players like Sandeep Narwal, Deepak Hooda, and Girish Ernak add to the strength of the team. They also have two international players – Takamitsu Kono and Ziaur Rahman.

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 5 will begin from 28th July, 2017 and Puneri Paltan will be playing its first match with U Mumba on the same day in Hyderabad.