The anticipation is building as the six franchises of Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) brace themselves for the Season 2 Player Draft scheduled in Bhubaneswar on November 21. With a substantial purse of ₹3.90 Crore at their disposal, the franchises will engage in a spirited battle to assemble a formidable lineup from the pool of 275 players. Maharashtra takes center stage with 18 players, showcasing their prowess following a triumphant performance in the recently concluded National Games in Goa.
Amit Burman, in collaboration with the Kho Kho Federation of India, spearheads the promotion of UKK, aiming to revolutionize the growth of indigenous sports with increased dynamism and engagement. The league, after its inaugural season, has rapidly climbed the ranks to claim the title of India's third-largest non-cricketing league in terms of audience outreach.
Each franchise, with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 35 players, will navigate 35 draft rounds to finalize their team compositions for the upcoming edition. Of the 293 players in the pool, 18 retained players fall under the 'Power Players' category, Season 1 players not retained are termed 'Pole Players,' and the new set of players recommended by franchisees or the Kho Kho Federation of India are dubbed 'Dream Players.'
The defending champions, Odisha Juggernauts, have retained four players, while Chennai Quick Guns and Gujarat Giants have retained three players each. Mumbai Khiladis, Rajasthan Warriors, and Telugu Yoddhas have retained two or three players, adding to the strategic intrigue of the draft.
Season 2's exciting action will be broadcast live on Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) sports channels and streamed on Sony LIV, ensuring fans don't miss a moment of the UKK spectacle.