In a thrilling showcase of competitive bidding, national badminton champion Mithun Manjunath secured the spotlight as the highest bid during the Grand Prix Badminton League (GBPL) players’ auction. The upcoming GBPL Season 2, scheduled from August 27 to September 9, promises an exciting display of talent and sportsmanship.
Hailing from Bengaluru and aged 25, Mithun Manjunath made waves recently by stunning world No.7 Loh Kean Yew at the Australian Open. His outstanding performance garnered attention, ultimately leading to his acquisition by the Chennai Superstarz for an impressive sum of Rs 14.5 lakhs. The intense bidding war ensued between the Chennai Superstarz and the Bengaluru Tigers.
With a base price set at Rs 8 lakhs, Mithun Manjunath was categorized as an icon player, emphasizing his exceptional skills and potential within the league.
The auction also saw the selection of 15 international players, each contributing to the diverse talent pool of the league. Shin Baek Cheol, a prominent shuttler from the Republic of Korea, secured the second-highest bid. The Bengaluru Tigers successfully acquired Cheol for a sum of Rs 14 lakhs. Another talented Korean player, Lee Dong Keun, became a part of the Gujarat Lions team with a bid of Rs 13 lakhs.
Adding further excitement to the event, B Sai Praneeth, the World Championships bronze medallist, was sought after by the Northeast Rhinos, securing his participation for Rs 10 lakhs.
The fifth-highest bid was placed on Polina Buhrova of Ukraine. The Mumbai Wolves drafted her for a significant amount of Rs 9 lakhs, showcasing the league’s commitment to showcasing international talent.
The GBPL consists of eight dynamic teams, namely Bengaluru Tigers, Hyderabad Hounds, Chennai Superstarz, Gujarat Lions, Kerala Tuskers, Mumbai Wolves, Pune Panthers, and Northeast Rhinos. Each team had a player purse of Rs 35 lakhs to strategically curate their roster. The team structure includes an icon player, a minimum of two Tier-1 players, a minimum of two Tier-2 players, and a minimum of two women players. Additionally, teams have the option to include up to two international players in their lineup, fostering a vibrant and globally inclusive league environment.
