A new campaign of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is just around the corner, with the 11th season set to kick off on October 18th in Hyderabad. However, before the big opening day, players of Puneri Paltan took part in the celebrations of Maharashtra ’s biggest festival – Ganesh Chaturthi . This festival, filled with joy and festivities, began on Saturday, September 7th.

To celebrate this festival that honours Lord Ganesha, three players of the Puneri Paltan’s side that will aim to defend their title in PKL Season 11, skipper Aslam Inamdar, Akash Shinde and Pankaj Mohite, paid their tributes to the world-famous ‘Lalbaugcha Raja,’ an idol of Lord Ganesha that is in Lalbaug, Mumbai, on Monday.

The idol is kept at Lalbaug till the day of the Ganpati Visarjan – September 17. Among the devotees on Monday were the three kabaddi players, who enjoyed the festivities with friends and fans, and clicked pictures with the coveted PKL trophy.

“We are very happy to be here, celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with the famous Lalbaugcha Raja. The atmosphere is something that I have experienced as a young kid, also being here, in front of this idol, is an experience everyone should have. The love of Lord Ganesh is felt among all his people during this auspicious period, so I am blessed to be here with two of my teammates,” said Puneri Paltan captain Aslam Inamdar.

The Telugu Titans will face off against the Bengaluru Bulls in the first match of PKL 11 on October 18 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. The defending champions Puneri Paltan will start their PKL 11 campaign on 21st October against the Patna Pirates in Hyderabad.