HYDERABAD: Babhubali star Rana Daggubati has been signed up as the brand ambassador of the Stars Sports Pro Kabbadi. With the third edition set to begin at Visakapatnam from January 30, Daggubati will lend his glamour to the growing popularity of the indigenous league.
“I’m glad that I have come closer to the game as an ambassador. This is the sport which every Indian plays in his childhood. In fact, Telugu films have a connection with this game and including hits like OkKadu was based on kabaddi.”
Daggubati said many Indians love watching cricket on television. “But ever since Pro-kabaddi has started, it has become popular and has become a favourite among television viewers.’’ On this occasion, a promo was released with Daggubati playing the lead role in supporting Telugu Titans. He ended the short capsule with a slogan with “Dummunda” (Le Panga). Later on, he posed for pictures with Titans’ star player Rahul Chaudhari.
The Star Sports Pro Kabaddi will cash in on the popularity of Daggubati in promotion of the game, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana where the league is a big hit. It was a proud moment for Charu Sharma, the main behind the birth of Pro Kabaddi. “It is just fabulous to be in a city which I grew up and today both Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam are part of this game.
When I mooted the idea, everyone laughed. It is our own game. We are the Asian Games champions. A vibrant and robust sport, it somehow did not get its due in Indian sport, particularly on television. My journey began ten years ago at Doha Asian Games in 2006 where the stadium was full on all the days. I was amazed at the popularity because this game is played in every nook and corner of the country. It convinced me up that if marketed properly, it can get the audience. It was tough proposition. Thanks to the Star Sports and other franchises, we are into the third edition. The game has brought a new revolution to the Indian sport. We have just brought back the glory of our own sport.’’
Anupam Goswami of sports content said the pro kabaddi league is far ahead of many other sport as far as viewership is concerned. “It is young and is as popular as FIFA World Cup, eight times more than Wimbledon and nine times more than Premier League football of England. What is remarkable is that it has strong roots in AP where the viewership is very high. Pro kabaddi has added an important portfolio to the Star Sports.”
Sai Prasad of Maa TV felt that there is burst of viewership for this game. “It has set a new standard. The first year was an experiment , the second edition was a commitment and seeing the popularity of the game it has become a responsibility for us.