VIVO Pro Kabaddi, successfully concluded the first day of the Player Auction in Mumbai. The first day of the auction saw the 1 crore barrier breached six times with Monu Goyat leading the way to VIVO Pro Kabaddi history. Day 1 was dominated by New Young Players and Category-A stars, with franchises finding the perfect balance between experienced and young players to craft winning teams. Star Marquee players Rahul Chaudhari, Monu Goyat and Deepak Niwas Hooda were the top buys in the auction, picked up by Teams Telugu Titans, Haryana Steelers and Jaipur Pink Panthers respectively. Fazel Atrachali is the highest valued international player, at INR 1 crore.
Mr. Anupam Goswami said: It has been a historic day for VIVO Pro Kabaddi and it’s wonderful to see so many talented players who are under the radar, make such a difference to franchisee decisions at
VIVO Pro Kabaddi S6 auctions. Kabaddi has proven to be a viable career option for emerging talent and with 6 players crossing the INR 1 crore mark, it is a defining moment in VIVO Pro Kabaddi history, setting a benchmark for inspiring youngsters who look to make a difference in the game.
Commentating on crossing the crore mark Deepak Hooda said “I am extremely excited but understand my responsibility for Jaipur Pink Panthers in the upcoming VIVO Pro Kabaddi 2018. I am feeling extremely proud today! I was expecting bids to come close to INR 1 crore but could not believe it when it passed 1 crore and kept going. I will definitely miss Pune because I played 3 seasons with them and got to know them quite well. I am now going to go home as fast as possible to celebrate this incredible day with my sister and her children!”
Commentating on being the first international player to cross the crore mark, Mr. Fazel Atrachali said “I am very happy to be back in my second home – U Mumba. I have immense respect for the U- Mumba team because it is where it all began for me. The fact that I beat the record for the highest bid player (INR 1 Crore for 1 Player) in VIVO Pro Kabaddi is truly an incredible feeling.”
Monu Goyat commentating on being the highest bid player said “I am extremely happy to be the highest paid player this season, there is a huge responsibility to deliver and I am glad to receive this opportunity. I will now focus on increasing the standard of my game and playing the best, I can.
Rishank Devadiga: I’m very happy with today’s auction, I never thought that I would be auctioned at such a high rate with such a high bid, this is very joyous moment for me and especially for Pro Kabaddi League this season. Seeing kabaddi on such a high platform is a great feeling as there were 6 players who fall in the crore club, and none of us expected to see kabaddi have such a tremendous change. All I can say is that we as kabaddi players are couldn’t be happier.
Rahul Chaudhari speaking on being retained with Telugu Titans said” I am very happy that my team has retained me and I am glad to be back to Telugu Titans. Every year the league witnesses’ massive jumps along with a tremendous growth in fan following and I am extremely happy to be a part of the Pro Kabaddi family. I have started my training and am looking forward to this season. It is a growing period for kabaddi and I think by the time the younger generation will step into the auctions, the bid may start at 6-7 crores. Kabaddi is only going to grow and I urge parents to send their children to play kabaddi. “
The Vivo Pro Kabaddi Player Auctions 2018 was an event of many firsts:
- Haryana Steelers make VIVO PKL history by making the highest bid of INR 1. 51 Crore Raider Monu Goyat.
- Rahul Chaudhari was the second highest bid player, bid by Delhi but retained by Telegu Titans via FBM for INR 1.29 crores
- Deepak Niwas Hooda was the third highest bid player, bought by Jaipur Pink Panthers for INR 1.15 crores.
- Rishank Devadiga was the fourth highest bid player, bought by Puneri Paltans for INR 1.11 crores.
- Fazel Atrachali became the first ever crorepati in VIVO Pro Kabaddi history, bought by U Mumba for INR 1 crore