Greater Noida, Oct 3 (IANS) U.P. Yoddha, the GMR Group owned Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) franchisee, on Thursday expressed confidence about cementing their place for a third consecutive time, with their home leg getting underway here from Saturday at the Greater Noida based Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex.

The Yoddha's launched their home-leg in a ceremony at a city hotel in Greater Noida which was attended by Col. Vinod Bisht, CEO, GMR League Games Pvt. Ltd, Jasveer Singh, Head Coach, U.P. Yoddha, along with their star players like captain Nitesh Kumar and raider and defender Ashu.

Former cricketer and Yoddha's brand ambassador Gautam Gambhir will be present and will lead the rendition of the National Anthem at the opening ceremony of the leg.

U.P. Yoddha had a troubled start to their PKL campaign this year. However, they made a scintillating comeback with 10 wins, that included seven in their last 10 games. They are now poised to face table toppers and neighbours Dabang Delhi in the opening game on the opening day of the home leg.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Nitesh said: "We just want to play as a unit and ensure that we win each match. We have found the right combination and we just want to play our natural and fearless game and first ensure a playoff qualification for ourselves."

Head Coach of U.P. Yoddha, Jasveer Singh added: "We are taking the home leg as any other normal leg. Though, we have to play more games than what we play when on the road, I believe the local support from our fans will help us immensely. We have a very clear-cut approach; we want to go there with just one thing in our mind and that is to win. We want to back our strengths and stick to the game plan."

U.P. Yoddha are currently placed sixth in the table with 58 points from 18 matches with 10 wins, 6 losses and 2 draws.

--IANS kk/bg