LUCKNOW – The UP Yoddhas, owned by GMR Sports, unveiled their new jersey for the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12. The team also announced its leadership, with a strong focus on nurturing young talent and building a sustainable, high-performing squad.
In line with GMR Sports’ core philosophy of fostering emerging talent, Sumit Sangwan has been named captain, while Ashu Singh will serve as vice-captain. Both players have been with the franchise since Season 7, demonstrating the team’s commitment to continuity and long-term development.
A Vision for Continuity and Young Talent
Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, highlighted the team’s strategic approach. “Our focus has always been to maintain a consistent and positive environment within the team,” he said. “We believe in giving opportunities to young players and building a squad with a long-term vision. As the UP Yoddhas step into the new season, we will continue to uphold this philosophy and our unwavering commitment.”
Head Coach Jasveer Singh noted the team’s balance of experience and fresh talent. “We have created a team that finds a perfect balance between seasoned players and new, talented ones,” he stated. “Our goal is to give young players the confidence to play with freedom, while our senior players provide guidance and stability. We are well-prepared and confident of a strong performance.”
Newly appointed captain Sumit Sangwan expressed his gratitude. “It is an honor to lead the UP Yoddhas in Season 12,” he said. “The trust the team has placed in me is something I intend to repay with a strong performance on the mat. Our team is united, and with the support of our fans, we are determined to make this a memorable season.”
The team has retained 13 core players from the previous season and has added key new players through the auction to strengthen the squad. Ashu Singh, as vice-captain, will work alongside Sumit to anchor the team’s defense.
Nurturing Future Stars
Six players from the team’s developmental unit, the Yuva Yoddhas, have been promoted to the main squad. These players are a product of the UP Yoddhas Academy, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to training and nurturing top kabaddi talent from across Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing the team’s long-term vision.
The UP Yoddhas will kick off their Season 12 campaign against the Telugu Titans on August 30 at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
