Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) player Mohammadreza Shadloui of Iran was named captain of the Gujarat Giants, owned by Adani Sportsline, and their new uniform was unveiled in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
The Gujarat Giants will play their first game against U Mumba at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium the following day when the 12th edition of the PKL gets underway in Visakhapatnam on August 29.
According to a release from Adani Sportsline, the squad has 18 league-stage games planned this season with a solid focus on winning the championship.
“This year’s PKL auction was a landmark for the Giants, headlined by the signing of Iranian powerhouse Mohammadreza Shadloui for Rs 2.23 crore, the highest bid of PKL Season 12. A two-time PKL champion, reigning MVP and multiple-time Best Defender, Shadloui brings unmatched defensive firepower and proven leadership credentials,” it said.
Shadloui stated he was happy to be appointed and that his team would give it their all in the competition.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to captain Gujarat Giants in PKL 12. With most of our squad in their early to mid-20s, we are a young, energetic, and dynamic unit. We are excited about the season ahead, and I thank Adani Sportsline and our coaches for trusting me with this responsibility. We will give our best,” stated the new captain.
The team wants to return to Ahmedabad with the championship, according to head coach Jairvir Sharma.
The Gujarat Giants will do their utmost to provide “a world-class kabaddi experience” to Gujarati and Indian fans, according to Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline.
“We have always lived by our philosophy of providing a platform for talent to excel, and the team’s young average age reflects that. With our coaches’ proven track record, our objectives are clear, and the team is ready to put in a giant performance this season,” Adesara added.
