Chandigarh, 19th October, 2024: Disney Star, the official broadcaster of PKL Season 11, continues its tradition of delivering top-tier sports coverage by welcoming kabaddi legends Ajay Thakur and Rahul Chaudhari on the broadcast for the first time this season. They will join a star-studded lineup of commentators, anchors, and experts, giving fans an immersive and unparalleled viewing experience by providing fresh perspectives, deep analysis, and their personal connection to the game. Catch the thrilling PKL Season 11 opener as Telugu Titans take on Bengaluru Bulls on 18th October, 8:00 PM onwards, followed by Dabang Delhi K.C vs U-Mumba, LIVE & Exclusive on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.
Ajay Thakur, revered for his iconic raids and leadership, has left an indelible mark on the sport, having captained India to an Asian Games gold. Rahul Chaudhari, known as the ‘Showman’ of kabaddi, is a trailblazer, being the first to surpass 1000 raid points in PKL history and a key member of India’s 2016 Kabaddi World Cup-winning team. They will be joined by Rishank Devadiga, a former PKL champion, giving fans an unparalleled opportunity to experience the game through the eyes of its most iconic and influential players.
Ajay Thakur said “It’s an absolute honour to join the expert panel for PKL Season 11. Kabaddi has been my passion since childhood, and being able to stay connected to the sport even after retirement feels like a true blessing. I’m deeply grateful to Disney Star for trusting me with this opportunity to be the voice of PKL this season. I look forward to sharing my insights and love for the game with the fans who have supported me throughout my journey.”
Rahul Chaudhari said “I’ve always dreamed of sharing my kabaddi journey on the grandest stage, and now, being a part of the broadcast, I have the chance to do just that. Fans will get to experience PKL from my perspective, and I’m excited to give them a deeper look into the game that has shaped my life. With the best kabaddi talent on display, Season 11 is set to be unforgettable. A huge thanks to Disney Star and Mashal Sports for making this dream a reality, and I can’t wait for the action to begin.”
Sanjay Banerjee, Ocean Sharma, Harshit Sharma, Prasad Kshiragar, and Mohit Choudhary will headline the Hindi commentary team, providing detailed and exciting coverage for the vast Hindi-speaking fan base. For the English feed, experts like Navneeth Krishna and Stalin Mathias will engage the audience with their nuanced commentary, ensuring that fans feel connected to the game.
A well-rounded broadcast team known for their dynamic on-screen presence including Puranjeet Dasgupta, Vrajesh Hirjee, Swedha Singh, Padamjeet Sehrawat, Suren Sundaraman, and Arohi Thatte will add their unique voices to the matches, ensuring a holistic and engaging fan experience
Marathi-speaking fans will be treated to expert commentary from the two time PKL Champion, Vishal Mane in addition to Gautami Aroskar, Prasad Kshiragar, and Nilesh Natu, offering a deep dive into the sport with a local flavour.
PKL Season 11 will be available in six languages— English, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada—ensuring fans across India can enjoy the game in their preferred language. Disney Star has elevated the PKL experience by incorporating behind-the-scenes content, exclusive player interviews, and interactive segments during live matches, significantly boosting fan engagement and creating a more immersive viewing experience across platforms. Fans are now able to connect with the stars of their favourite teams on a personal level, as the network takes them on a journey through the player’s life and success in the PKL. Celebrity integrations have also broadened the league’s appeal, with stars like Riteish Deshmukh starring in the Marathi promo-film, Sudeep Kichcha in the Kannada promo-film, and A-listers like Alia Bhatt, Bhuvan Bam, and cricket icons KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya attracting new audiences throughout the country.