U Mumba Unveil Season 12 Jersey, CEO Suhail Chandhok Backs Team Unity
Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 :- As U Mumba gear up for Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League, beginning on August 30, the franchise will step onto the mat in a special jersey honouring their historic 2015 championship win. On the eve of the new campaign, U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok expressed confidence that the team’s strongest weapon this year is their togetherness and unity, coupled with intense pre-season preparation.
Chandhok explained that the team had closely analysed last season’s shortcomings and worked hard to bridge those gaps. “We went back, identified the areas that needed fixing and addressed them very sharply. We’ve strengthened our squad—Sandeep is back, Anil is back, Satish too, and we have Zafar Danish, an exceptional all-rounder who can both defend and raid. It’s a very balanced team that has gelled together wonderfully,” he said at the official jersey unveiling ceremony in Mumbai.
Longest Pre-Season Camp in PKL History
The franchise organised an unprecedented 50-day training camp, the longest ever in PKL history, designed to build both fitness and team chemistry. According to Chandhok, this extended camp created a family-like bond within the squad. “We have players from Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and many other states, but here they have come together as one unit. That’s our biggest strength this season,” he added.
The camp was spearheaded by Pratiek Ninawe, a former international sprinter who has introduced modern fitness science into kabaddi. Training began with mobility assessments to close individual weaknesses, before progressing to strength drills, endurance conditioning, and sprint mechanics. Players reportedly crossed the 110 kg squat benchmark, trained in explosive movement, and built the stamina required for high-intensity kabaddi matches.
New Jersey: Tribute to Season 2 Triumph
U Mumba unveiled their Season 12 jersey which is inspired by the iconic 2015 (Season 2) championship kit. Staying true to the team’s signature orange-and-black colours, the design also includes modern touches such as a nod to Mumbai’s international airport, symbolising a connection between past glory and future ambitions.
Team captain Sunil Kumar, who will lead the squad this season, said: “Though I wasn’t part of the 2015 win, that victory under Anup Kumar is a huge inspiration for all of us. Wearing this tribute jersey reminds us of the benchmark U Mumba has always set. My goal is to carry forward that legacy with the experience of our senior players and the energy of our youngsters, and chase our second title this year.”
Legacy Beyond Results
Franchise owner Ronnie Screwvala reflected on the significance of their 2015 triumph, calling it a “breakthrough moment” not just for the team, but for kabaddi in India. “It proved that kabaddi could succeed commercially and culturally at a national level. For U Mumba, it was about creating professional structures, investing in talent, and treating sport with the same seriousness as any business. A decade later, that victory still defines our vision—sustainable growth, building long-term value, and creating a legacy that goes beyond just trophies,” he said.
A Tradition of Talent and Innovation
With 111 league-stage wins and appearances in three consecutive finals in their first three seasons, U Mumba remain one of the most successful franchises in PKL history. The team has consistently produced homegrown players who went on to represent India, cementing its role as a breeding ground for kabaddi talent.
Now, the franchise is pairing that legacy with modern sports science, setting new benchmarks in physical preparation and performance. By blending experience, fresh energy, and cutting-edge training methods, U Mumba are eyeing nothing less than a second PKL title in Season 12.
