When I conceived the idea of the ProKabaddi league over a decade ago, it was a hard task to find people to take ownership of a franchise. Many thought it was a wild idea, despite the success of the IPL. They felt Kabaddi was too niche a sport to gain any widespread viewership.
Among the people I approached was my friend
@udaykotak
Uday was understandably skeptical & offered to be the title sponsor instead of taking up a team. I told him the need of the hour was to complete the franchise network; a title sponsor could come later. I suggested that his son
@jay_kotakone might enjoy the experience of managing the team.
Happily, as an act of friendship & faith in me, he took ownership of the Pune franchise.
The first few years were disappointing and challenging. But Jay & his mother Pallavi developed a passion for the sport & began actively managing the team, slowly nurturing talent & honing the team’s skills.
As a co-owner of
@ProKabaddi I am equally supportive of each team. But I have to confess that when
@PuneriPaltan won the title last night, it was especially emotional for me.
Thank you
@udaykotak for your support and faith. Thank you Pallavi &
@jay_kotakone You have set an example of how sports franchises should be managed—& enjoyed!
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽