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The UPKL (Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League) will see its inaugural edition commence on July 11 and will go on until July 25 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
As many as eight teams will participate in the league, which will be played across two weeks and will have 55 matches. It is being organized by 1X Sports and the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi Association.
According to the UPKL 2024 schedule, every team will compete against the other seven teams twice in a round-robin format. The top four teams in the rankings will advance to the semi-finals. The winners of these semi-finals will face off in the final on July 25. All matches of UPKL 2024 are scheduled to take place at Noida Indoor Stadium in Uttar Pradesh.
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Awadh Ramdoot, Brij Stars, Ganga Kings of Mirzapur, JD Noida Ninjas, Kashi Kings, Lucknow Lions, Yamuna Yodhas, and Sangam Challengers are the teams that will take part in the league.
Ahead of the tournament, the auction saw around 350 to 400 players being auctioned on June 10, 2024. Here are the top five buys from the UPKL 2024 Player Auction.
Top 5 buys at the UPKL 2024 auction
#5 Mohit Baliyan (INR 1.40 lakh)
Ganga Kings of Mirzapur acquired the services of Mohit Baliyan at a price of INR 1.40 lakh.
The left-corner defender was last seen in action at the All India Pro Kabaddi Tournament 2024. He was a part of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) as well when he represented U Mumba in seasons 6 and 7.
He will be keen to contribute to the success of the Mirzapur side and repay the faith shown in him.
#4 Ashu Singh (INR 1.50 Lakh)
Right-cover defender Ashu Singh will represent the Awadh Ramdoots after they bought him for INR 1.50 lakh, also making him the third most expensive player in the auctions.
Ashu Singh made his PKL debut in the seventh season and has played for the UP Yoddhas ever since. He has 160 tackle points from 87 matches with four High 5s and 16 Super Tackles to his name.
Ashu will play a vital role for the Ramdoots in a crucial position in the defense.
#3 Abhijeet Malik ( INR 2.60 Lakh)
Young raider Abhijeet Malik caught attention at the UPKL 2024 auctions, attracting a handsome bid of INR 2.60 Lakh from the Sangam Challengers, making him the second most expensive buy.
Abhijeet was a part of the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the 10th edition of the PKL. He played just five matches but managed to score 16 raid points averaging 3.2 raid points per game, including a Super Raid.
Malik was also a part of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the Junior World Kabaddi Championship in 2023.
#2 Vinay Tevathia (INR 3.10 Lakh)
Vinay Tevathiya became the joint highest-priced player when the Yamuna Yodhas acquired him for INR 3.10 lakh.
He is a vital addition to their side, as he has crucial experience as a raider, being part of the Haryana Steelers since the 7th season of the PKL. Tevathia has featured in 76 PKL matches, amassing 372 raid points with 4.89 average raid points per game.
He has been impressive with a not out percentage of 76.53, 9 Super 10s, and 14 Super Raids.
Vinay will be expected to lead the raiding unit for the Yodhas in the UPKL 2024.
#1 Arjun Deshwal (INR 3.10 Lakh)
Indian Kabaddi sensation Arjun Deshwal became the most expensive player in the UPKL 2024 after he was bought for INR 3.10 Lakh at the player auction by the Lucknow Kings.
Arjun has risen through the ranks, establishing himself as one of the top raiders going around at the moment. He played a vital role in leading the Jaipur Pink Panthers to their second PKL title in the 9th edition.
Arjun represented U Mumba in seasons 6 and 7 before making his move to the Pink Panthers. He has 947 raid points from 91 matches with a staggering 10.41 average raid points per game.
He is certainly a player to watch out for in the UPKL 2024.
