The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) will feature eight teams and 55 matches. Organized by 1X Sports and the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi Association, the league will use a round-robin format where each team plays every other team twice. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for July 25 at Noida Indoor Stadium.
Teams include Awadh Ramdoot, Brij Stars, Ganga Kings, JD Noida Ninjas, Kashi Kings, Lucknow Lions, Yamuna Yodhas, and Sangam Challengers. The UPKL 2024 auction on June 10, 2024, saw around 350 to 400 players bid on, with the top five purchases highlighted.
Here are the top five players acquired from the UPKL 2024 Auction.
5. Mohit Baliyan (INR 1.40 lakh)
The Ganga Kings of Mirzapur have signed Mohit Baliyan for INR 1.40 lakh.
Baliyan, a left-corner defender, recently competed in the All India Pro Kabaddi Tournament 2024. He also played in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) for U Mumba during seasons 6 and 7.
He is eager to help the Mirzapur team succeed and to justify the trust they have placed in him.
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4. Ashu Singh (INR 1.50 Lakh)
Right-cover defender Ashu Singh will join the Awadh Ramdoots, who secured him for INR 1.50 lakh, making him the third priciest player in the auction.
Ashu Singh started his Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) career in the seventh season and has been with the UP Yoddhas since then. He has accumulated 160 tackle points across 87 matches, including four High 5s and 16 Super Tackles.
He is expected to be a key player for the Ramdoots in a critical defensive role.
3. Abhijeet Malik ( INR 2.60 Lakh)
Young raider Abhijeet Malik made a splash at the UPKL 2024 auctions, drawing a notable bid of INR 2.60 Lakh from the Sangam Challengers, making him the second highest-priced player.
In the 10th season of the PKL, Abhijeet was with the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Though he played only five games, he scored 16 raid points, averaging 3.2 points per game, and recorded a Super Raid.
Additionally, Malik was a member of the Indian team that clinched the gold medal at the Junior World Kabaddi Championship in 2023.
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2. Vinay Tevathia (INR 3.10 Lakh)
Vinay Tevathiya became one of the highest-priced players when the Yamuna Yodhas secured him for INR 3.10 lakh.
Tevathiya is a significant addition to their team due to his valuable experience as a raider. He has been with the Haryana Steelers since the 7th season of the PKL. Over 76 PKL matches, he has accumulated 372 raid points, averaging 4.89 raid points per game.
He boasts an impressive not-out percentage of 76.53, along with 9 Super 10s and 14 Super Raids.
The Yodhas will look to Vinay to spearhead their raiding efforts in the UPKL 2024.
1. Arjun Deshwal (INR 3.10 Lakh)
Indian Kabaddi star Arjun Deshwal has become the highest-paid player in the UPKL 2024, with the Lucknow Kings securing him for INR 3.10 Lakh during the player auction.
Arjun has quickly risen to prominence, now recognized as one of the top raiders in the game. His significant contribution helped the Jaipur Pink Panthers secure their second PKL title in the 9th season.
Before joining the Pink Panthers, Arjun played for U Mumba in seasons 6 and 7. Over 91 matches, he has accumulated 947 raid points, averaging an impressive 10.41 raid points per game.
Expect Arjun to make a strong impact in the UPKL 2024.
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