"Your passion is important": Kapil Dev at launch event of Bangalore Blasters for inaugural JITO Premier League
Bengaluru, August 12
Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev emphasised the importance of passion and self-belief while speaking at the launch event of the Bangalore Blasters for the inaugural JITO Premier League.
Addressing the gathering, Kapil said having a vision and a team with a vision was important, but passion remained the key to achieving success.
"I think you had a vision, your team has a vision, and those other people are the leaders of the world. The people who start believing we can achieve that. But that's not important. Important is your passion," Kapil Dev said.
He also spoke about the joy of making others proud through one's achievements, saying that he took greater pride in his own journey and success.
"A lot of people say that we made them proud. I didn't make you people as proud as I made myself proud. As much as we feel proud of our own being, and you are part of that success, you are enjoying it, that's where we feel much happier," he added.
Navrathan Jewellers, owners of the Bangalore Blasters, on Tuesday unveiled the team ahead of the inaugural JITO Premier League (JPL), marking the beginning of an ambitious sporting journey that brings together cricket, community, entrepreneurship and a shared pursuit of excellence, according to a release.
The team was launched at a special event in the presence of Kapil Dev, who gave the team members an inspiring pep talk. IPL star Vaishak Vijaykumar also attended the event, adding further cricketing presence to the launch.
The inaugural JITO Premier League will be held from August 24 to September 5, 2026, at the CCC Cricket Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with the inaugural ceremony scheduled for August 24, the release said.
The Bangalore Blasters will represent Bengaluru with an emphasis on professionalism, teamwork, discipline, integrity and excellence. The team aims to bring together accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs and cricket enthusiasts while creating a culture of competitive sporting ambition and community bonding.
The Bangalore Blasters will now travel to Colombo with the ambition of making a strong first impression and laying the foundation for a long-term sporting journey.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"I didn't make you people as proud as I made myself proud" - that's such a powerful mindset shift for our culture. We're so used to living for others' approval, but self-fulfillment is key. The 1983 World Cup captain still inspiring generations!
JITO Premier League in Colombo? Interesting choice. Good to see community organizations promoting sports beyond the usual corporate leagues. Hope Bangalore Blasters do well and this league grows. But honestly, I wish they'd also focus on grassroots cricket development back home rather than just another franchise event.
The way Kapil sir connects passion with vision is exactly what young Indians need to hear. So many of us have dreams but lose steam midway. His pep talk must have been electric for the players! 😊
As someone who's worked with Indian cricket fans, Kapil Dev's quotes here capture something universal. The blend of entrepreneurship and cricket through JITO is a fresh approach - bringing business minds and sports together. Colombo's a beautiful venue for the league too.
Love that Navrathan Jewellers is investing in sports! Bengaluru has such a rich cricketing culture, and the Bangalore Blasters name has a nice ring to it. Kapil Dev's philosophy about self-pride is honestly something we all need to practice more. 🙌
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.