Pro Govinda League Launches Fourth Season with Ambitious Olympic Aspirations

The Pro Govinda League has officially launched its fourth season, with Suryakumar Yadav as the new brand ambassador. League President Purvesh Sarnaik aims to elevate the traditional Dahi Handi sport to the Commonwealth Games and eventually the Olympics. The opening ceremony featured team captains forming a human pyramid, celebrating the cultural significance of Govinda. Sarnaik is committed to a 25-year plan to achieve Olympic inclusion, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the talent of 3,200 players. With strong community support, the league is set to take Dahi Handi to a global audience.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 16, 2026, 23:37 IST

Kickoff of the Fourth Season

The Pro Govinda League (PGL) commenced its fourth season on August 16, featuring Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India's T20I World Cup-winning team, as the brand ambassador for this year.

Aiming for Global Recognition

Purvesh Sarnaik, the league president, has ambitious plans to elevate the traditional Dahi Handi sport to the Commonwealth Games and ultimately the Olympics.

To celebrate the season's launch, team captains participated in a ramp walk and formed a human pyramid, showcasing the cultural essence of Govinda during the opening ceremony.

Suryakumar Yadav Takes Over as Brand Ambassador

Following Chris Gayle's tenure as brand ambassador last year, Suryakumar Yadav has now taken on this role for the current season.

"We have been organizing Pro Govinda for three years, and this is our fourth season. We are successfully promoting this soil-based sport, which originated in Mumbai, to a global audience through Pro Govinda. This initiative supports around 3,200 players in establishing their unique identities," Sarnaik stated.

"Last year, we had international cricket star Chris Gayle as our ambassador, and this year, we are proud to have our own 'Mumbai boy', Suryakumar Yadav, who has captained the Indian team," he added.

"As we expand Dahi Handi, we plan to involve various celebrities in Pro Govinda. Our goal is not just to grow ourselves but to elevate our Govindas. We aspire to take this journey beyond Mumbai, Maharashtra, and India, fulfilling our dream of global recognition," he concluded.

A 25-Year Vision for Olympic Inclusion

Sarnaik expressed his vision of introducing the Dahi Handi sport to the Olympics, despite skepticism from others. He is committed to working for up to 25 years to achieve this goal, starting with the Commonwealth Games.

"I want to emphasize that dreaming is not wrong. My dream is to bring the Dahi Handi festival to the Olympics. While some may laugh at this idea, I am determined to invest the necessary effort, even if it takes 25 years. I will begin with the Commonwealth Games and then aim for the Olympics, and I will not stop until I succeed. Pro Govinda showcases 3,200 athletes, and such a sport deserves Olympic recognition," he stated.

Sarnaik noted that Pro Govinda has garnered significant support over its initial three seasons, helping to raise awareness of the Dahi Handi sport beyond Mumbai and Maharashtra. "We have successfully organized Pro Govinda for three years, and this fourth season has received tremendous support and affection from the public. Our dream of making Dahi Handi recognized globally is becoming a reality," he said.