Hyderabad, July 28: Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar sang the National Anthem, as the fifth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) began at an almost filled Gachibowli Indoor Stadium here on Friday.

Also adding glitz and glamour to the event were "Baahubali" fame Rana Dagubatti and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, among others.

Tendulkar, who was here as a co-owner of the new outfit Tamil Thalaivas, entered the arena waving to the crowd who were chanting "Sachin, Sachin".

He said: "I am very excited. I was always a fan of kabaddi but never thought about being a co-owner of a franchise (in this league)."

"All of us played kabaddi during our school days. In the first edition in Mumbai, I witnessed the agility and dynamism required in the sport. A lot of hardwork goes in it. I am excited to be here."

Among other entertainment personalities present were southern popular superstars Chiranjeevi and Allu Arjun.

Badminton stars P.V. Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, B. Sai Praneeth, and R.M.V. Gurusaidutt and their coach Pullela Gopichand were also present at the event.

India's women's cricket team captain Mithali Raj was also present at the event.

IANS