MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports will be introducing TNA Wrestlers – Sonjoy Dutt, the only Indian in the professional wrestling circuit along with two more leading wrestlers – SharkBoy and Simon Diamond at an extravaganza in Mumbai on 22 September.

The event will be held at Bhavan’s campus in Mumbai at 7:30 pm.
 
 

ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd vice president sales and marketing Sricharan Iyengar said, "ESPN Star Sports has been constantly working to innovate and localise our programming so as to suit the taste of Indian audiences. As a part of this strategy, we launched TNA Wrestling in Hindi in the month of August this year. Consumers have appreciated the product offering."
 
 

"The visit of three TNA Wrestlers is an effort to further accelerate the popularity of TNA Wrestling in India. The three wrestlers will be introduced to the consumers in Mumbai on 22 September. This special event is targeted to reward the wrestling fans who will now get a chance to see and experience their idols live on stage. We are working on a lot more interesting ideas to further build the interaction between the wrestling stars and their fans. Dutt, the only Indian in the professional wrestling circuit, is expected to generate maximum euphoria. More than 3000 fans will be rooting for the star wrestler at Bhavan’s campus," he added.

Highlights of the evening include a special interaction of actor Anil Kapoor with Sonjay Dutt. Singer Abby will perform at the function. Mahua and Anshuka, from the erstwhile ‘Viva’ group will also perform followed by a dance presentation from a troupe of Russian Dancers on three selected medleys. The three wrestlers will be introduced to the audience in a very innovative style.

This event is a part of marketing initiative to further build the popularity of TNA Wrestling in India. Post Mumbai, the wrestlers will also visit the cities of Baroda, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Bhopal and Nagpur.

Earlier this year, ESPN Star Sports had entered into a three year deal with TNA Entertainment, LLC to broadcast all TNA Wrestling programs on its channels in India and the rest of Asia. Under the deal ESPN Star Sports showcases popular TNA programs – TNA Impact, TNA Xplosion and a special weekly program from the archives of TNA Wrestling.

In addition Star Sports also features a ‘Monthly Special’ – the ultimate battle after a month long build up, every month. In all, ESPN Star Sports showcases 60 hours of wrestling every month.

ESPN Star Sports launched TNA Wrestling in Hindi on 2 August this year. This initiative is in line with the channels' strategy to constantly innovate and localise content to suit the taste of Indian audiences. The sports network roped in two new Hindi anchors – Joe Baath and Manish Batavia to commentate in Hindi.