Gujarat Giants Revamp Coaching Staff Ahead of PKL 2025 Auction
Strategic Changes for Gujarat Giants
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 21: As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 Player Auction approaches, scheduled for May 31 to June 1, the Gujarat Giants are implementing significant changes, including a new coaching team, as announced by the franchise.
The objective is to cultivate a fearless and competitive squad ready to contend for the title in the upcoming twelfth season.
Jaivir Sharma has been appointed as the head coach, with Varinder Singh Sandhu stepping in as the Assistant Coach for the Gujarat Giants.
With over thirty years of experience, Jaivir is a highly regarded figure in Indian kabaddi. He boasts a championship-winning history and brings extensive tactical knowledge to his new role.
Since 1992, Jaivir has been associated with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), playing a crucial role in the development of numerous kabaddi athletes. Under his leadership, the Indian team has secured gold medals at prestigious events, including the Asian Games and the Kabaddi World Cup.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the Gujarat Giants, Jaivir stated, “I am thrilled to be part of the Gujarat Giants. My goal is to instill a fearless and humble philosophy within the team, making us a formidable contender in the PKL. I appreciate Adani Sportsline for their trust in me and this exciting opportunity. I eagerly anticipate the Panchkula auction and the chance to build a strong, competitive team.”
Since its inception in 2017, the Gujarat Giants have established a reputation for nurturing star players like Rohit Gulia, Sachin Tanwar, Sunil Kumar, Parvesh Bhainswal, and Pawan Sehrawat, who have all become prominent figures in the league.
As two-time finalists in Panchkula, the Gujarat Giants also take pride in fostering young coaching talent, providing them with opportunities to excel. A notable example is Manpreet Singh, who rose through the ranks to become one of the most successful coaches in Panchkula's history.
Continuing this tradition, Varinder brings a wealth of experience from elite-level kabaddi and 17 years of distinguished service in the Indian armed forces. He will collaborate closely with Jaivir as he transitions into his new role with the Gujarat Giants.
Varinder has previously served as the head coach for the Indian women's kabaddi team, leading them to multiple gold medals, including at the 19th Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, and the 6th Asian Kabaddi Championship 2025 in Iran. He has also coached the Punjab state team and the Indian Air Force (IAF) at various tournaments, including the National Games 2023 and 2025, where he played a pivotal role in fostering a winning mindset among young athletes.
Regarding his new position and upcoming debut as an assistant coach in Panchkula, Varinder expressed, “I am truly excited to join the Gujarat Giants family. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of one of the largest Kabaddi leagues globally. I am also looking forward to experiencing the player auction for the first time and am committed to helping the team achieve its goals alongside our Head Coach, Jaivir.”
Welcoming the new coaching staff, Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, remarked, “We are thrilled to have Jaivir Sharma and Varinder Singh Sandhu join the Gujarat Giants family. Their extensive coaching experience and strong credentials will be invaluable in our pursuit of the title.”
“At Adani Sportsline, we are dedicated to supporting young players and coaches by providing them with the right platform to thrive. We believe that Varinder’s addition, under Jaivir’s mentorship, will enhance our journey towards achieving great success for the Gujarat Giants,” he added.