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NEW DELHI, 18 July 2013: In yet another series of Franchise announcements, the Indian Badminton League (IBL) today announced the franchise owners for Mumbai Masters. Renowned actor Nagarjuna along with cricket legend and former India captain Sunil Manohar Gavaskar and Hyderabad-based businessman V Chamundeshwarnath have won the bid for the Mumbai Franchise. The consortium is all set to make an entry into the business of sports and create a mark in the $1 million Indian Badminton League.
Speaking on the association, celebrated actor Nagarjuna said, "Badminton as a sport has rendered our country immense global presence and limelight for which we all are proud of. We saw huge potential in the Indian Badminton League in terms of not only boosting the game in the country but also working with talented youngsters at grass root level by giving them a platform to prove themselves through Shuttle Express. We look forward to a strong and successful association with both BAI and Sporty Solutionz for all the editions of IBL."
Speaking on the occasion, the iconic Sunil Gavaskar said, "I am proud to be associated with badminton which I?ve always admired and passionately followed and played a bit as a fan. The sport has produced legends and recorded many milestones for India and I hope my association with the Indian Badminton League proves to be a worthy contribution to the great sport of badminton."
Speaking on the association, V Chamundeshwarnath said, "The decision to enter the sports business through IBL was because we envisioned a great future for the league in the entertainment portfolio. We realise that people these days are looking for newer ways of entertainment and this League will come as a refreshing change for every sport lover."
Speaking on the development, Mr Ashish Chadha, CEO, Sporty Solutionz, the ?Commercial Partner? for IBL, said, "We welcome the consortium comprising of the trio of Nagarjuna, Mr Gavaskar and V Chamundeshwarnath as owners of Mumbai Masters in the IBL. With a legendary sportsman like Sunil Gavaskar as the co-owner of the team, there is no doubt that Mumbai Masters will stand out as a star squad."
Speaking on this occasion, Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta, Badminton Association of India President & MP said, "Mumbai will be a perfect catalyst for nurturing badminton and the IBL. We appreciate Nagarjuna, Mr Gavaskar and Chamundeshwarnath for their zest to take on this endeavor with us and welcome them to the IBL family."
As few of the franchisee have requested for a two-day workshop ahead of the IBL Auction, the IBL Governing Council has accepted their requests. Hence, the IBL Franchisee Meet will now take place in New Delhi on July 21, followed by the IBL Players Auction on July 22.
The $1-million Indian Badminton League is set to launch on August 14, 2013, with some high-voltage action expected between PVP?s Hyderabad Hotshots and BOP Group?s Banga Beats. The 2013 IBL will feature six franchises and will run for 18 days. Each franchise will host a two-day leg and the League will showcase a grand total of 90 matches, providing broadcasters and in-stadia spectators with more than 100 hours of LIVE "family entertainment" which will also be viewed by a significant international audience. The matches will be held during late afternoon and evening to coincide with prime time television and providing a convenient time for the stadium audience. The LIVE IN-stadia entertainment, combined with high-octane on-court action is expected to further hook viewers onto this new adrenalin packed LIVE family entertainment format attracting a much younger fan base, which also includes women and children.
The top four franchises in the League will clash in the semifinals and the winners will meet in the grand final on August 31, which will be played out in Mumbai, for the richest prize money tournament in badminton till now.
The IBL is also running the biggest school championship for badminton in India - Shuttle Express. The IBL School Programme is expected to touch five lakh children in more than 120 schools in six major cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow Pune and Bangalore. The Shuttle Express offers Rs 10 lakh as prize money and an opportunity to train at the world-class Pullela Gopichand Academy to the young talent.
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