Who are the new coaches for Gujarat Giants ahead of PKL 2025 auction?

Ahmedabad, May 21 (NationPress) As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 player auction approaches from May 31 to June 1, the Gujarat Giants, owned by Adani Sportsline, have executed key changes in their coaching staff to gear up for the upcoming season.

Jaivir Sharma has been appointed as the head coach, while Varinder Singh Sandhu assumes the role of assistant coach. This strategic shift is designed to forge a fearless, resilient, and title-contending team for the twelfth season.

With over three decades of coaching experience, Jaivir is a highly esteemed figure in the realm of Indian kabaddi. He boasts a championship-winning history and brings an extensive portfolio of tactical expertise to his leadership role.

Jaivir, who has been affiliated with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) since 1992, has played a pivotal role in the careers of numerous kabaddi players on both national and international stages. Under his mentorship, the Indian team has secured Gold medals at prestigious international competitions, including the Asian Games, Kabaddi World Cup, and several other significant tournaments.

“I’m thrilled to join the Gujarat Giants. My goal is to cultivate a fearless and humble philosophy within the squad, aiming to establish us as formidable contenders in the PKL. I’m thankful to Adani Sportsline for their trust in me and for this exciting opportunity. I eagerly anticipate the PKL auction and the chance to assemble a competitive team,” expressed Jaivir.

Since their inception in 2017, the Gujarat Giants have earned a reputation for nurturing star players like Rohit Gulia, Sachin Tanwar, Sunil Kumar, Parvesh Bhainswal, and Pawan Sehrawat, who have all become integral figures in the league.

As two-time finalists in the PKL, the Gujarat Giants also pride themselves on fostering emerging coaching talent. A notable example is Manpreet Singh, who rose through the ranks to become one of PKL's most successful coaches.

Continuing this legacy is Varinder, an accomplished coach with elite kabaddi experience and 17 years of commendable service in the Indian armed forces. He brings a unique blend of leadership, discipline, and modern tactical insights to his new position with the Gujarat Giants, working closely under Jaivir's mentorship.

Varinder has previously served as the head coach for the Indian women’s kabaddi team, leading them to numerous historic Gold medals, including at the 19th Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, and the 6th Asian Kabaddi Championship 2025 in Iran. He has also coached the Punjab state team and the Indian Air Force (IAF) in various tournaments, playing a crucial role in developing a winning mindset among young athletes.

On his new journey as an assistant coach, Varinder remarked, “I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Gujarat Giants family. This is an amazing opportunity to be involved in one of the world’s largest Kabaddi leagues. I’m also looking forward to experiencing the player auction for the first time and building a robust squad for the upcoming season. I am committed to contributing to the success of Gujarat Giants alongside our head coach, Jaivir.”

Welcoming the new coaching team, Sanjay Adesara, chief business officer of Adani Sportsline, stated, “We are pleased to have Jaivir Sharma and Varinder Singh Sandhu join the Gujarat Giants. Both coaches bring invaluable experience and qualifications, and we are confident their expertise will lead us to our ultimate goal: winning the title.”

“At Adani Sportsline, we prioritize supporting young players and coaches by providing them with the right platform to thrive. We believe Varinder’s addition to the team, under Jaivir's mentorship, will significantly bolster our journey towards achieving great success for Gujarat Giants,” he added.