MUMBAI: Insurekot Sports Pvt. Ltd., a Mumbai-based firm, today announced the launch of 'Puneri Paltan', the franchise that will represent Pune in Pro Kabaddi League 2014. Pro Kabaddi League is slated to kick-off later this month. On the occasion, the Puneri Paltan team logo, anthem and jersey were also unveiled.

Puneri Paltan will be captained by Wazir Singh, who has a long and distinguished record in the sport of Kabaddi. Wazir Singh has represented India, the State of Rajasthan and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). He was part of the team that won the Silver medal for India at the 2011 South Asian Beach Games. Ramphal Kaushik, winner of the Best Coach Award 2011 of CISF, is the official coach of Puneri Paltan.

Sumanlal Shah, Director, Insurekot Sports Pvt. Ltd., said, "Kabaddi is an ancient Indian sport that has lost out to other sports in terms of popularity and investments over the years. The sport is an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage. It is also a hugely competitive and dynamic sport that makes for compelling viewing. Insurekot Sports Pvt. Ltd. is extremely proud to promote Kabaddi and be associated with Pro Kabaddi League. We are geared up with our team, Puneri Paltan, for an exciting season ahead.”

Speaking on the occasion, Karthi Marshan, Director Insurekot Sports Pvt. Ltd., said, “A truly Indian sport, Kabaddi represents both 'attack' and 'defense'. We have captured this essence in the Puneri Paltan logo, aptly represented by the 'sword' and 'shield' as well as in the lyrics of the team’s anthem. More importantly, we have used this theme as a guiding principle in putting together a fabulous team."

The Puneri Paltan team includes Wazir Singh (Captain), Arabinda Khuntia, Jitesh Joshi, K Balamahendran, Mahipal Narwal, Manoj Kumar, Mostafa Noudehi (Iran national), Nitin More, Pravin Niwale, Simon Kubura (Kenya national), Sunil Lande and Waleed Hasani (Oman national).

Wazir Singh, Captain of Puneri Paltan, said, “It is my privilege and honour to lead this team. I would like to express my gratitude to Insurekot Sports Pvt. Ltd. for reposing faith in the team and in the sport, which is by and large recognised as a rural and semi-urban sport in India. I am sure this professional format of Kabaddi will make it popular. I urge every individual from the city of Pune and across the country to extend their support to Puneri Paltan and the League. I am confident that our team will pose a strong challenge and we look forward to a hard-fought and successful tournament.”

The Pune franchise has also launched the team anthem sung by well-known music director, Ajay Gogavale (of Ajay-Atul fame). The anthem captures elements of power, tactics and strategy involved in this heritage sport, and is all set to rekindle the passion and spirit of fans and supporters across India.

Puneri Paltan is currently undergoing training sessions at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex located at Balewadi in Pune, and will be playing its first match in Mumbai on July 27, 2014. The inaugural edition of Pro Kabaddi League starts on July 26, 2014.