Burmans buy Pune side

The Burman family, promoters of Dabur Group, has bought the Pune Franchise of the Indian Badminton League (IBL) which is scheduled to be held in six states across the country from August 14 to 31.

The Burman family -- which forayed into the field of sports with Indian Premier League and followed it up with the Hockey India League, successfully bid and bagged the ‘Pune Pistons’, one of the six franchises in the $1-million IBL.

“Having been actively involved in league sports in the country, we are elated to contribute towards the rise of IBL,” said Dabur Group Director Mohit Burman.

“The conceptualisation and design of this League is really interesting and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

“As in the case of our involvement in IPL as well as HIL, this is a personal investment by the Burman family and is not connected to Dabur India Ltd.”

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games doubles gold Medallist Jwala Gutta launched the Shuttle Express’ Pune leg -- at the Symbiosis Vishwabhavan School on Wednesday.

“I am really happy to be here with the kids who are playing not only to win the Shuttle Express but to be the next badminton champion for India,” Jwala said. “I wish everyone all the best.”