Could Mohammadreza Shadloui Lead Gujarat Giants to Glory in PKL Season 12?

Ahmedabad, Aug 19 (NationPress) The Gujarat Giants, owned by Adani Sportsline, have officially appointed Mohammadreza Shadloui, a prominent star in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), as their captain during a press conference held in Ahmedabad, where they also revealed their new jersey design.

The 12th season of the PKL is set to commence on August 29 in Vizag, with Gujarat Giants kicking off their campaign against U Mumba the very next day at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium. This season, the team will compete in 18 league matches, all targeting the championship title.

The announcement event featured head coach Jairvir Sharma, assistant coach Varinder Singh Sandhu, and Adani Sportsline's Chief Business Officer Sanjay Adesara.

This year's PKL auction was a milestone for the Gujarat Giants, highlighted by the acquisition of the Iranian powerhouse Shadloui for a remarkable Rs 2.23 crore, marking the highest bid in PKL Season 12. A two-time PKL champion and the reigning MVP, Shadloui is known for his exceptional defensive skills and strong leadership.

On his new role, Shadloui expressed, “I am honored to lead the Gujarat Giants in PKL 12. With a youthful squad primarily in their early to mid-20s, we are a vibrant and energetic team. We are eager for the upcoming season, and I appreciate Adani Sportsline and our coaches for placing their trust in me. We will strive to give our all.”

Head coach Jairvir Sharma, who boasts over three decades of coaching experience, shared, “I feel just as excited and nervous as any player, as this will be my inaugural PKL season. Our pre-season training in Bengaluru has equipped us well. Adani Sportsline has provided excellent support, and we are determined to return to Ahmedabad with the title and celebrate together.”

Assistant coach Varinder Singh Sandhu remarked, “We underwent rigorous training in Bengaluru and are completely prepared for PKL Season 12. This will also be my first season in the league, and I am thankful to Adani Sportsline for the opportunity. Our goal is to deliver consistent strong performances throughout the season.”

Sanjay Adesara, the Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, emphasized, “Our expectations are clear – the Gujarat Giants are committed to delivering an exceptional kabaddi experience to fans in Gujarat and across India. We adhere to our philosophy of nurturing talent, and the team’s youthful average age underscores this. With our coaches’ proven expertise, our objectives are defined, and the team is ready to deliver a colossal performance this season.”