Guru Gram(Haryana), January 30 (HS): The much-awaited Global Indian Overseas Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) on Thursday announced captains for the men's and women's franchises. This league, which has given Kabaddi a global identity, will see participation from many countries like Egypt, Kenya, Argentina, Taiwan and Poland.

The inaugural season of GI-PKL includes six women's and six men's teams. All the teams represent the culture and linguistic richness of India. The teams have been named according to their regional identity. These include men's teams Marathi Vultures, Bhojpuri Leopards, Telugu Panthers, Tamil Lions, Punjabi Tigers, Haryanvi Sharks, while women's teams include Marathi Falcons, Bhojpuri Leopards, Telugu Cheetahs, Tamil Lions, Punjabi Tigresses, Haryanvi Eagles.

Shiv Prasad has been given the command of Bhojpuri Leopards as captain and Vikas Dahiya will lead Haryanvi Sharks. Marathi Vultures and Punjabi Tigers have appointed Kapil Narwal and Savin Narwal as captains respectively. Sunil Narwal will lead Tamil Lions and Sandeep Kandola will lead Telugu Panthers. Talking about the women's teams, Pushpa Rana will lead Haryanvi Eagles and Meena Kadian will lead Bhojpuri Leopards. Marathi Falcons and Punjabi Tigresses have appointed Tanu Sharma and Meera as captains respectively. Julie Bhati will represent Telugu Cheetahs, while Suman will be seen handling the reins of Tamil Lions.

On the selection of captains, Kanthi D Suresh, President of Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association said, As we have equal feelings for both male and female players, the captains of all the teams have been announced. Since then, these players are not only leading their teams but are also playing an important role in motivating them. We believe that their leadership and dedication will lead to a competitive season.

Each franchise owner will have the reins of one men's and one women's team, which is the first arrangement of its kind in Kabaddi history. Ever since the league was announced, the players have started rigorous training. Savin Narwal, Sandeep Kandola, Ajay Kumar and Kapil Narwal are among the players who are sweating it out in practice sessions. Apart from this, national gold medalists like M Anitha, Indra Rohini, Arul Santhiya and Selvarebik have also started training sessions in their respective states.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar