The fifth edition of the Vivo Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) will have prize money of Rs 8 crores ($1,244,800) -- a significant and unprecedented jump of Rs six crores. The title winners will take home Rs three crores ($466,800), it was announced on Saturday.
The runners-up will be awarded Rs 1.8 crores ($280,080), while the team that finishes in the third place will win Rs 1.2 crores ($186,720), according to a release.
The Most Valuable Player prize, previously awarded to Kabaddi stars like Anup Kumar and Manjeet Chillar, is also receiving a boost this season, with the awardee set to win Rs 15 lakh ($23,340).
A total of 12 teams will clash in 138 matches during the league, commencing on July 28 in Hyderabad.
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PKL Commissioner Anupam Goswami said: "Even before the commencement of its fifth season, VIVO Pro Kabaddi has already traversed significant landmarks, beginning with a ground-breaking sponsorship deal, to record bids at the player auction, and now a remarkable elevation of the consolidated prize money.
"The winning sum to be awarded to season 5 champions is at par with renowned leagues, making the PKL trophy a highly coveted one."
The first match will see Telugu Titans take on new team Tamil Thalaivas.
--IANS
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