Mumbai Khiladis, a formidable team backed by the Punit Balan Group (PBG), has successfully secured five major sponsorships for the ongoing Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2. This impressive feat, which totals a combined sponsorship amount exceeding INR 8.30 Crores, showcases the rising popularity and commercial potential of traditional Indian sports like Kho Kho.
Punit Balan Group owned Mumbai Khiladis onboard 5 major brands for Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2; secures INR 8.30 Crore+ in sponsorship
1XBat, a renowned sports news portal, will be the Title Sponsor for Mumbai Khiladis. Its logo will take pride of place on the front of the team’s jersey.
Additionally, Mylab Discovery Solutions Pvt Ltd, a dynamic biotechnology company based in Pune, has signed on as the Powered by Sponsor. Their logo will be prominently displayed on the back of the team’s jersey.
Joining the roster of associate sponsors are Generic Engineering Construction and Projects Limited, a BSE and NSE-listed construction company, Pharm Deal, a pharmaceutical distribution company from Pune, and Jet Fleet Aviation, a prominent private aviation company. Their logos will embellish the jersey sleeves, while Jet Fleet Aviation will also have its branding at the nape of the neck.
Punit Balan, Chairman & Managing Director of PBG, expressed his excitement over this landmark achievement. “The significant sponsorship we’ve secured signifies the growing interest and potential in non-cricket sports in India. It underscores the untapped potential of traditional games like Kho Kho. Ultimate Kho Kho has successfully brought this homegrown sport into the mainstream, making it one of the top three leagues in India. We believe Mumbai Khiladis will play a pivotal role in promoting the sport and propelling its growth in India and beyond.”
The Punit Balan Group’s commitment to fostering sports development in India is evident. They have invested in nine sports leagues, both in India and globally, and support nearly 60 promising sports talents across the country. The sponsorship amount received by the Mumbai Khiladis sets a new benchmark for the league and for indigenous sports leagues in India.
Punit Balan added, “At PBG, we believe that investing in non-cricket sports is crucial for sustainability. Our values align closely with those of our sponsors. With a shared vision to uplift indigenous sports, we are committed to creating a sustainable ecosystem for non-cricket sports to thrive in India.”
As per GroupM’s ‘India Sports Sponsorship Report 2023’, sports sponsorship in India reached INR 5907 Cr ($Mn 748) in 2022, marking a growth of 105%. Emerging sports recorded overall revenue of INR 1503 Cr ($Mn 190), representing an incremental value of INR 829 Cr ($Mn 104).
Mumbai Khiladis, with standout talents like Captain Aniket Pote, defender Pritam Chougule, and all-rounder Subhasis Santra, are set to face off against the Gujarat Giants in their second match of the season today, December 26.
Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2, promoted by Amit Burman in association with the Kho Kho Federation of India, is taking place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha. The matches are broadcast live on Sony Sports Network’s channels and streamed on Sony LIV daily at 7 PM.
