MUMBAI: Zee Sports has signed Shiamak Davar India‘s foremost choreographer and dance maestro, to select, choreograph and train the Zeebras. In line with international concepts of cheerleaders backing major sporting spectacles and each sport club having their distinctive brand of cheerleaders, Zee Sports had introduced the Zeebras as their mascots of promoting Indian football. They will now be seen in action in the ONGC CUP NFL 2006 which begins on 10 th Jan.

Zee Sports business head Himanshu Mody said, " We are delighted to be associated with Shiamak Davar, one of the best choreographer in the country. With this association we aim to take this innovative concept to a level where every girl will endeavor to be part of the group."

Commenting on the association Shiamak said, ‘I am happy that dance is being used to promote football. Like dance, football is an excellent form of exercise and also an art which one can use to channel their energies positively. I am glad to be a part of this process with Zee Sports to promote football in our country.‘ He further added,‘‘I have enjoyed creating the ‘Zeebras‘ cheerleading team for Zee. It is the first time this concept has been introduced in India and I have infact developed a unique style of ‘‘Cheerleading Jazz‘‘ especially for Zee Sports.‘‘

As part of the deal Shiamak Dawar has selected eight girls and trained and groomed them in cheerleading acts and mannerisms. He has also designed a funky new outfit for them, which will keep changing as the season progresses. Dressed in these distinct Zeebra outfits, they will perform before and during the match on hit tunes. These girls will also be part of the on air, off air and on ground promotional mediums.