Huge hike in prize money for Pro Kabaddi League
New Delhi July 15 (IANS) The fifth edition of the Vivo Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) will have prize money of Rs 8 crores ($1 244 800) -- a significant and unprecedented jump of Rs six crores. The title winners will take home Rs three crores ($466 800) it was announced on Saturday.
The runners-up will be awarded Rs 1.8 crores ($280 080) while the team that finishes in the third place will win Rs 1.2 crores ($186 720) according to a release.
The Most Valuable Player prize previously awarded to Kabaddi stars like Anup Kumar and Manjeet Chillar is also receiving a boost this season with the awardee set to win Rs 15 lakh ($23 340).
A total of 12 teams will clash in 138 matches during the league commencing on July 28 in Hyderabad.
PKL Commissioner Anupam Goswami said: "Even before the commencement of its fifth season VIVO Pro Kabaddi has already traversed significant landmarks beginning with a ground-breaking sponsorship deal to record bids at the player auction and now a remarkable elevation of the consolidated prize money.
"The winning sum to be awarded to season 5 champions is at par with renowned leagues making the PKL trophy a highly coveted one."
The first match will see Telugu Titans take on new team Tamil Thalaivas.
--IANS
pur/bg