The logo and mascot of the Indian Volley League (IVL) 2011, to be held from May 29 to June 25, were launched in the open air ambience of Rock Heights here on Monday night.
The logo has the abbreviation IVL and its expansion, Indian Volley League, enclosed in a circle, symbolising a volleyball. The mascot is a baby elephant, using its forefeet to toss a ball, simulating the ‘dig,' the double-handed stroke to receive the sphere.
After IVL Chairman V. Ravikanth Reddy, former India captain and Arjuna awardee, welcomed the gathering, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, A.P. Minister for Ports, Airports and Infrastructure, the chief guest, wished the event success, even hoping it would match the Indian Premier League (IPL), if not surpass it.
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Conceived on the lines of cricket's IPL, the high-profile function had the team captains walking down the ramp in the company of models, striking poses for the camera when unveiling their side's official jerseys.
Spectacular fireworks lit the night sky as the Sam and Bosco dance troupe entertained the gathering to the beat of Bollywood hits and remixes.
The six sides, with captain's names in brackets, are Karnataka Bulls (T.D. Ravi Kumar), Chennai Spikers (Nada Rajan), Maratha Warriors (G. Pradeep), Yanam Tigers (R.C.H. Krishnam Raju), Kerala Killers (K.P. Shaheem) and Hyderabad Chargers (Ukkarapandian).
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Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) Secretary-General K. Murugan said 85 per cent of IVL earnings would go to players.
Without being too ambitious, it sought to make a sound start after two years of deliberations, he added. Three matches a day, starting at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. will be held in indoor stadia at Bangalore, Chennai, Yanam or Pune and Hyderabad.