U Mumba beat Dempo Goa Challengers to set up summit clash against Jaipur Patriots
Trailing 4-7, U Mumba won the final four games to clinch 8-7 victory. U Mumba will play Jaipur Patriots in the Grand Finale on Sunday, guaranteeing a new UTT champion.
Yashaswini Ghorpade rose to the occasion, winning back-to-back games before clinching the decider 11–10 in a nerve-wracking finish.
Harmeet Desai gave Dempo Goa Challengers a strong start with a composed 3-0 win over Lilian Bardet, sealing the third game on Golden Point after Bardet had rallied from 2-6 down.
But U Mumba TT hit back through Bernadette Szocs, who handed Zeng Jian her first defeat of the season. Szocs took the first two games with sharp counterplay before Zeng salvaged the third 11-7.
In mixed doubles, U Mumba struck back as Akash Pal and Szocs recovered from 3-6 deficit to seal games one and three, winning their rubber 2-1. That victory trimmed Goa's lead to a slender 5-4 heading into the remaining matches.
Vitor Ishiy nearly sealed the tie for Dempo Goa Challengers, racing through the first two games against Abhinandh PB with scores of 11-6 and 11-4.
But Abhinandh refused to let U Mumba's campaign end quietly. Down 6-9 in the third, he clawed back with four consecutive points to snatch the game 11-9, keeping his side in the hunt heading into the final match.
Yashaswini grabbed the opportunity with both hands thereon, defeating Krittwika Sinha Roy across three close games to propel U Mumba to their maiden UTT final.
For her efforts, Yashaswini won both the Indian Player of the Tie and the Shot of the Tie awards, while Szocs claimed the Foreign Player of the Tie honour.
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First Post
a day ago
- First Post
Suhail Chandhok exclusive on growing a team in non-cricket market: 'We are a nation that loves heroes, not necessarily the sport'
U Mumba CEO and TV presenter Suhail Chandhok, in this exclusive chat with Firstpost, spoke about the challenges he faces as sports administrator, India's sporing culture and the future of Indian sports. Suhail Chandhok has worn many hats, including those of a cricketer, an actor, a TV presenter, and now CEO of U Mumba. However, he says that the transition to the administration side of this industry was 'natural' for him. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Suhail spoke about his journey, the challenges of being a young CEO, and his belief in building the right team culture. His love for sport began on the field, and when his playing days ended, he found a job as a TV presenter/commentator, doing stints for the Pro Kabaddi League, the Indian Premier League, and other sports. Now, Suhail has moved to the business side with kabaddi becoming his launchpad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On the financial side, Suhail revealed that sponsorship for non-cricket leagues hovers between Rs 3.5-5 crore a season, but he stressed that media rights are the real game-changer and play a big role in revenue generation. Suhail urged that more media platforms must back Indian sports. 'I think sponsorship is always something that is going to dictate a measure of success in some sense but I think that's not necessarily right, because sponsorship is only one metric of value. For instance, yes, you know, some teams are more successful than, let's say, three or four other leagues, whether it be volleyball, kho-kho, tennis, or badminton.' 'However, I think there is value that each sport brings to its own niche. Having said that, it has roughly been around the four to five crore mark in terms of sponsorship. That goes up and down, it yo-yos between three-and-a-half to four-and-a-half, five crores per season. 'Media rights are a big unlocking value, and I think we have to understand that media rights will always drive the overall value of a sport, of a franchise, of a team. That will continue to dictate value. However, that's where the market plays a big role. Today, we're again heading into what is potentially a monopoly market of Jio and Star coming together and I do hope that unlocking value continues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Suhail also warned about the growing trend of big conglomerates controlling all the stakes in major sporting leagues in India, especially in terms of broadcast. 'We shouldn't lean on a monopoly market. I do hope to see more and more media houses come in that want to house sport, whether it be global entities entering India, like Netflix and the WWE deal. It's a great dictate for what the future of sport might look like. When you look at the effect that a Formula 1 movie has had, or a Drive to Survive show has had, or WWE now being on Netflix, I do hope more global platforms look at Indian sport and Indian leagues as a potential. I think the next ten years are going to be very strong for India, and more platforms need to enter the market.' Suhail on taking PKL to next level The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has already grown into one of the biggest sporting leagues in India, second only to the IPL in stature. Suhail opened up about the gaps that can be filled by the PKL organisers to make the league even bigger in India. 'I think listening to the franchises' needs a little bit more is important. All of us – all 12 teams – are looking to work with the PKL to grow the sport. What we need to do is unlock the true value of the sport. While the league, as an entity, is largely owned by the broadcaster, I think we still need to separate the two and work with the teams, the stakeholders of the sport, and others who are genuinely trying to promote it.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We must also clamp down on any rubbish that's going on. We need to be very stern and focused on the progress of the sport in one clear direction. The league has done a fabulous job of building it to where it is today, but now it's the league's responsibility to take it up an extra notch. How do we commit to the future of the sport when we already have such strong stakeholders?' 'In terms of stature, I think only the IPL is a rival. We have the Kotak family, the Screwvala family, the Adanis, JSW, the Bachchans, Capri Global, and other private investors in the mix. This is a strong core group of team owners who are not looking for a quick exit, which means the sport is in safe hands. When the sport is in safe hands, it's our responsibility to stay true to it, unlock its value, and not stunt its growth.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Suhail believes that it is important to support new entrants because it will only help the sport grow. 'It's equally important to support others around the sport who are trying to do good for it. At Elev8 India Sports, we follow a 'copyleft' policy – we want to see more and more people come in. It's not about copyright and blocking; it's about allowing people to enter, contribute, and help the sport grow. Kabaddi is still at a nascent stage, so we need more people to talk about it, work for it, and build it up. Blocking new entrants will only curb enthusiasm and growth.' Suhail stressed that growing the sport is not just the league's job, but a shared duty for everyone involved. 'Everyone has a responsibility to help the sport grow. At the same time, we must educate players about what is right and wrong. Addressing certain issues today will help the sport clean up its act for the future as well.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Suhail on issues non-cricket leagues face Suhail also talked about the challenges that a growing sport like kabaddi faces. He said that when big money enters a sport suddenly, it can sometimes distract players from the true motivation of why they started playing in the first place. 'When a lot of money comes into the sport very very quickly, players stop understanding what the true value of why they are playing this game. You start to play for the auction or you start to play for your personal value rather than the value of a team. I think it's only very natural. It happened with the IPL when there was sudden unlocking of value where players started playing for their franchises rather than playing for their nations. Rather than committing to the calender of a country, they started playing where the money was. That is happening with kabaddi as well and I think helping players understand why they are playing this sport, why the sport has give them so much.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'So, player education is important. At Elev8 India Sportz Yuva Series we do a lot of financial literacy, we do a lot player psychology, we work with players understand anti-corruption, what their true value is.' Suhail on positive and negative trends in non-cricket leagues Suhail said the most promising sign is that Indian sports culture is slowly expanding beyond cricket. However, he pointed out that India's tendency to idolise individuals rather than the sport itself is a major issue. 'I think the trend is that we are leaning towards not just cricket. And I think that's something that has to happen for a country to become a true sporting nation. Firstly, there's one big challenge in India: we are a nation that loves heroes and not necessarily the sport. When I worked on the badminton league, people would rush to watch your PV Sindhu versus Saina Nehwal.' 'But when you had a Carolina Marin facing off against a world number two and number one at the time, the stadium would be empty. So we appreciate heroes and not the sport, and I think that needs to change for India to take steps towards becoming a true sporting nation. However, look at the flip side — while we turned up in large numbers to watch a javelin event, we may have all turned up in 10,000 numbers to watch a Neeraj Chopra.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'But when you get there and watch Neeraj Chopra, you start to understand what the sport of javelin even is. So I think it takes a hero to bring about awareness to a sport and vice versa. But at the same time, I do hope that while 10-15,000 people turned up to watch a javelin event in Bangalore — and I think that's a sign that India is heading in the right direction — I hope that tomorrow, when Neeraj Chopra is not necessarily the only guy that's there, at least 5,000 people do turn up to watch a javelin event.' 'And I think that's going to be the hallmark of success going forward. Because while we are talking about a 2036 Olympic bid, I hope that we understand that we have to build sporting culture, and that starts with everyone playing a sport. When you play a sport, you'll automatically tune into watching a sport. And I think that's what I want for all of us to do.' 'But I think the trend is very positive — more and more people are taking to a tennis court, a badminton court, a table tennis table, a pickleball court, a paddle court, playing football with their friends, playing kabaddi with their friends in their neighborhood.' Suhail on turning down offers from IPL teams Suhail revealed that he turned down management offers from teams in three different sports, including IPL franchises, before joining U Mumba at what he called 'the right time.' 'I unfortunately can't give you a full disclosure on those. All I will say is it's been across three different sports. I think the timing was such that it came at the right time with kabaddi. Since then, there's been a couple of others as well, including IPL teams. I will come back to I guess cricket in many ways and forms was one opportunity that, that came and went. I just thought that it would've taken a much bigger commitment in terms of time, and I don't think I would've been able to do broadcast at all if I took on a slightly larger commitment as well,' he said. 'Uh, but also I think it was the ability to do it at the right time, right? And I've always been someone that believes that things happen when they need to happen. And I think, you know, saying yes to the right opportunity is absolutely critical as well. There have been opportunities not just in India, but outside of India as well — again, very exciting stuff. And it's always nice to know you're wanted, right? I think that means you're doing something right.' Suhail on his equation with U Mumba owner Ronnie Screwvala While Suhail doesn't own a stake in U Mumba, he has full autonomy in running things as a CEO. He also acknowledged that he leans on his father-in-law, Ronnie Screwvala (owner of parent group U Sports), for advice related to the finances of the team. 'Unfortunately, not (on being asked if he owns a stake in U Sports). I am purely here as a consultant and a CEO. But look, I think there are positives and negatives to being so closely related to a franchise and to the owner of a team, especially when someone is of Ronnie's stature as well. I think he's an extremely hard taskmaster, and I think with that comes two sides, right? You have to have a great deal of transparency and honesty with yourself and, therefore, with him as well, and I was very clear about it when I took on the role." 'I think there's even more pressure when you take on a role where you're so closely related. There's so much more that you have to have in terms of belief so that you can put aside anything that anyone could potentially say. The good thing is that everyone knows I come in with a lot more sporting knowledge than many others here, and I think that for me was the number one conversation I had with Ronnie. I said, 'You know what? If it's a business decision, if it's something related to finance, I want to make sure that the door to you is open and I can come and have a chat and get the advice I need from you. But when it comes to sporting decisions, they have to be mine and mine alone.' And, you know, to this date, he's honoured that.' 'But at the same time, when it comes to the business side of things, I have the ability to tap his brain, and I think that's something wonderful to have. So while there is the added pressure of that, I think when you have the conviction of knowing you know the subject better than anyone else, you go in with that confidence.'
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Business Standard
05-08-2025
- Business Standard
PKL 2025: U Mumba full squad, schedule and live streaming details
U Mumba, one of PKL's most storied teams, are eyeing a comeback to the top after several years of falling short of finals appearances. With the right mix of retention and fresh signings, they enter 2025 boasting a balanced squad: the all-round presence of Aanil Mohan (₹78 lakh) and the ever-reliable defensive duo of Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bhainswal bring power to their defence. The attack is strengthened by promising young raiders like Ajit Chouhan and dynamic right raider Satish Kannan, supported by foreign all-rounders such as Amirmohammad Zafardanesh. Guided by coach Anil Chaprana, U Mumba have a blend of experience and youth that could see them quickly climb the ranks and make a strong run for their long-awaited second PKL crown. PKL 2025: U Mumba full squad Sunil Kumar, Rohit, Amir Mohammad Zafardanesh, Satish Kannan, Mukilan Shanmugam, Ajit Chouhan, Deepak Kundu, Lokesh Ghosliya, Sunny, Rinku Sharma, Parvesh Bhainswal, Ravi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Sandeep Kumar, Aanil Mohan, Amarjeet PKL 2025: U Mumba full schedule Date Match No. Teams Venue August 30, 2025 Match 4 U Mumba vs Gujarat Giants Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag August 31, 2025 Match 5 Tamil Thalaivas vs U Mumba Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag September 03, 2025 Match 12 Haryana Steelers vs U Mumba Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag September 05, 2025 Match 15 U Mumba vs Bengaluru Bulls Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag September 10, 2025 Match 25 U Mumba vs Telugu Titans Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag September 11, 2025 Match 27 U Mumba vs Patna Pirates Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag September 18, 2025 Match 40 U Mumba vs Puneri Paltan SMS Indoor stadium, Jaipur September 23, 2025 Match 48 Jaipur Pink Panthers vs U Mumba SMS Indoor stadium, Jaipur September 25, 2025 Match 50 Dabang Delhi K.C. vs U Mumba SMS Indoor stadium, Jaipur October 01, 2025 Match 58 U Mumba vs Tamil Thalaivas SDAT Multi purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai October 02, 2025 Match 60 Gujarat Giants vs U Mumba SDAT Multi purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai October 08, 2025 Match 72 Puneri Paltan vs U Mumba SDAT Multi purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai October 10, 2025 Match 76 Bengal Warriorz vs U Mumba SDAT Multi purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai October 13, 2025 Match 82 U Mumba vs UP Yoddhas Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi October 16, 2025 Match 89 Telugu Titans vs U Mumba Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi October 19, 2025 Match 98 U Mumba vs Haryana Steelers Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi October 21, 2025 Match 101 U Mumba vs Jaipur Pink Panthers Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi October 23, 2025 Match 107 UP Yoddhas vs U Mumba Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi PKL 2025: Live streaming and telecast details of all U Mumba matches When will PKL 2025 begin? The PKL 2025 will begin on August 29 at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag. When will U Mumba play their first match in PKL 2025? U Mumba will start their PKL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Giants on August 30 at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag. How many matches will U Mumba play in PKL 2025? U Mumba will play a total of 18 matches in their PKL 2025 campaign during the league stages. All the PKL 2025 matches of U Mumba will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network in India. All the PKL 2025 matches of U Mumba will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
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Business Standard
05-08-2025
- Business Standard
PKL 2025: Gujarat Giants full squad, schedule and live streaming details
Gujarat Giants will start their PKL 2025 campaign against U Mumba on August 30 at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag Aditya Kaushik New Delhi The Gujarat Giants have left no stone unturned in their quest for a maiden PKL title. Their most sensational move is bringing in Iranian powerhouse Mohammadreza Shadloui for a record ₹2.23 crore after his stellar MVP season — which significantly upgrades their defence and adds raiding versatility. The Giants have retained explosive raiders like Rakesh Sungroya and Parteek Dahiya, and have further deepened their bench by recruiting experienced campaigner Ajith V Kumar. The squad boasts promising young raiders and a new coaching set-up led by Jaivir Sharma, making them a dangerous dark horse this season. While the wholesale squad overhaul could pose early chemistry challenges, Gujarat's blend of star talent and hungry young guns makes them one of the most exciting prospects to watch in PKL 2025. PKL 2025: Gujarat Giants full squad Himanshu Singh, Himanshu, Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh, Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, Shubham Kumar, Lucky Sharma, Nitin Panwar, Milad Jabbari, Rohit Kumar, Ajith V Kumar, Visvanth V, Amit, Sumit, Himanshu Yadav, Ankit, K Harish PKL 2025: Gujarat Giants full schedule Date Match No Team 1 Team 2 Venue August 30, 2025 4 U Mumba Gujarat Giants Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag September 01, 2025 8 Puneri Paltan Gujarat Giants Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag September 06, 2025 18 Tamil Thalaivas Gujarat Giants Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag September 09, 2025 24 Gujarat Giants Jaipur Pink Panthers Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag September 11, 2025 28 Dabang Delhi K.C. Gujarat Giants Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag September 15, 2025 33 Gujarat Giants Haryana Steelers SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur September 22, 2025 45 Gujarat Giants Bengaluru Bulls SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur September 23, 2025 47 Gujarat Giants Telugu Titans SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur September 29, 2025 53 UP Yoddhas Gujarat Giants SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai October 02, 2025 60 Gujarat Giants U Mumba SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai October 04, 2025 64 Gujarat Giants Bengal Warriorz SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai October 09, 2025 74 Gujarat Giants UP Yoddhas SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai October 10, 2025 75 Gujarat Giants Dabang Delhi K.C. SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai October 14, 2025 83 Patna Pirates Gujarat Giants Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi October 15, 2025 87 Gujarat Giants Tamil Thalaivas Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi October 19, 2025 97 Telugu Titans Gujarat Giants Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi October 21, 2025 102 Haryana Steelers Gujarat Giants Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi PKL 2025: Live streaming and telecast details of all Gujarat Giants matches When will PKL 2025 begin? PKL 2025 will begin on August 29 at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag. When will Gujarat Giants play their first match in PKL 2025? Gujarat Giants will start their PKL 2025 campaign against U Mumba on August 30 at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag. How many matches will Gujarat Giants play in PKL 2025? Gujarat Giants will play a total of 18 matches in their PKL 2025 campaign during the league stages. All the PKL 2025 matches of Gujarat Giants will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network in India. All the PKL 2025 matches of Gujarat Giants will stream live on the JioHotstar app and website in India.
