The fifth season of the Navi Mumbai Premier League (NMPL) commenced with a spectacular launch ceremony at Vashi. The event was graced by the presence of Navi Mumbai BJP District President Sandeep Naik, who played a key role in establishing and promoting the league.

In a ceremony attended by NMPL organizers, team owners, players, and dignitaries from various fields, Sandeep Naik applauded the league for not only providing a platform for local cricket talent but also for elevating Navi Mumbai's reputation in the country through sports. He emphasized that NMPL has become a unifying force for the city, bringing together cricketers from diverse backgrounds, including those from the city, villages, hamlets, and slums.

Highlighting the unique features of NMPL, Sandeep Naik mentioned that the tournament, which began with inspiration from the concept of 40 plus games, offers local cricketers an opportunity to play alongside international-level players. The league has been committed to social messages, with past themes including ‘no apartheid, no drugs’. This year, the focus is on ‘Healthy Navi Mumbai’, Fit Navi Mumbai.

Started five years ago, NMPL has seen increasing participation each year. The current season features 16 teams and a total of 240 cricketers, promising an exciting showcase of talent. The matches are scheduled to take place from January 17 to 21 at the Bhumiputra ground in Koparkhairane.

At the launch ceremony, former corporators Leeladhar Naik, NMPL Deepak Patil, Swapnil Naik, Omkar Naik, Nilesh Patil, Prateek Patil, Majid Baloch, Mahendra Patil, Laxman Patil, Sunanda Koli Shabazkar, Babu Sutar, Vicky Bhoir, Bhushan Patil, and commentator Kunal Date were present.

Bhajan Samrat Mahadev Buwa Shabazkar, IPL-winning cricketer Aman Khan, tennis ball star cricketer Bhushan Patil, and Bahiri Dev Mandal from Diwale village, were as well present during the event

The NMPL, with its theme of 'Healthy Navi Mumbai, Fit Navi Mumbai,' aligns with the vision of promoting physical well-being and mental health. Sandeep Naik emphasized the importance of good communication between children and their parents, teachers, and society to combat issues like depression among students. He stressed that counselling for parents is equally crucial and hinted at upcoming public awareness programs in this regard. The league aims to foster a healthy and fit community through the medium of sports.