Bengaluru:  As the saying goes – The Winner takes it all, making this axiom a reality in India is “The Million Dollar Arm Contest” which is back with a bigger and awe-inspiring Season 2. The Million Dollar Arm (TMDA), a unique and the only international talent hunt in India for all sports enthusiasts and young men, not only handsomely rewards’ winners but also grooms, mentors and helps create a successful pro sport baseball career in the International circuit.

TMDA was created by Jeffrey Bernstein from 7 Figures Management, USA to unearth real sporting talent in India and inspire Indian youth with a platform to perform in the international baseball arena.

TMDA Season 2 supported by MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL (MLB) was launched with MLB Coaching Clinics conducted for select players and coaches in Delhi on the 18th & 19th of June 2011 at the Govt Co Education Senior Secondary School, Possangipur Janakpuri. The Clinics were held by Senior coaches from MLB namely Rick Dell – Director Baseball Development Asia, Robin Allemand and Dave Palese. Also present was Dinesh Kumar Patel, Runner Up from Season 1 to make the ceremonial First Pitch of Season 2.

Season 2 of TMDA will handpick the fastest and power pitches of young participants from across India and groom them under the MLB coaches for 6 months in China. In addition, the winners also get an opportunity for try-outs for professional contracts with the top Baseball Leagues in USA & Asia, while the top winners stand a chance to walk away with a on the spot prize of upto 1 Million Dollars (5 Crores) in all. Top 10 contest winners will also take home a minimum guaranteed amount of 100,000 US$ on the spot and the final winner can win additional prize money of upto 900,000 US$.

Commenting on the contest, Mr. Vivek Daglur, Vice President, Turn On – Official Indian Partner TMDA said “This one-of-a kind talent hunt provides a once-in-a life amazing opportunity for talented youngsters, to develop and pursue a dream career of a Professional Baseball Player with International Leagues. In the first season our prize discovery was Rinku Singh & Dinesh Kumar Patel from among the 35,000 participants across 12 Cities & 15 Towns. This shows that there is a lot of untapped talent that is waiting to be discovered, and TMDA is aiming to tap this potential and inspire more youths in India to unravel their talent. As the Season 2 tag line says – Ab India bhi Khelega – we will strive to place Indians on the global sporting arena. The immense success garnered by Rinku Singh & Dinesh Kumar Patel has made Season 2 a thrilling contest to watch out for.”

This year the competition is scheduled from June-September 2011 and will see 5 Vans to target 1000 colleges in 60 cities and nearby towns in India. 50 fastest pitchers will undergo 2 weeks conditioning camp leading to elimination rounds in the final try outs for the fastest pitcher in India.

The winners of Season 1 Rinku Singh & Dinesh Kumar Patel are hugely successful in the USA and are amongst the most celebrated Indian sportsmen in the US sports scene. They were also honored with an opportunity to meet with President Obama at The White House, a feat very few Indian sportsmen have achieved. Presently Rinku Singh & Dinesh Kumar Patel play for the PITTSBURG PIRATES and have gone on to become the First ever Professional Baseball Players from India. Walt Disney is also making a movie depicting their lifetime story and their journey. The movie is likely to be out by Mid 2012.

A special thanks to Sri P.C.Bhardwaj, Secretary of the Amateur Baseball Federation of India, who is also supporting TMDA in India and helping the program reach baseball enthusiasts across the country.

To participate interested candidates can call 080-42166776/42166779 for all the contest related information.