The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has added a new franchise for the upcoming season. After a successful inaugural campaign, the league will be played in an expanded format in its second edition.
Kanpur Warriors are the new team that has joined Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League for Season 2. The move has been made with an aim of expanding the influence of Kabaddi across the state.
The new team is owned and operated by BA Sports Club LLP, and led by entrepreneur Bhumika Vora.
Bhumika Vora, Owner, Kanpur Warriors, said, “Kanpur is a city full of fire, heritage, and underrepresented talent, and with Kanpur Warriors, we now have a platform to showcase, build, and grow. Through UPKL, we aim to break stereotypes, back our youth, and place kabaddi at the center of Kanpur’s sporting identity. The name ‘Warriors’ reflects not just athletic grit, but the spirit of our people. We are building a platform where kabaddi is a sport of choice, not just an alternative.”
The UP Kabaddi League is owned and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi and has been working to bring the youngsters under the fold of Kabaddi and add to the growing popularity of the sport across the world.
The addition of Kanpur Warriors symbolises a strategic milestone in the league’s mission to deepen inclusivity and discover local heroes.
Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi, said, “UPKL was always envisioned as a launchpad for grassroots athletes, transforming kabaddi from a gully sport into a structured professional ecosystem.
Following the extraordinary success of Season 1, welcoming new cities like Kanpur is not just growth; it is our evolution. Kanpur’s inclusion strengthens our vision to build a tiered ladder for athletes: from local leagues to UPKL and eventually national and global stages.”
The inaugural season of UPKL was widely enjoyed by fans. According to BARC India reports, the first edition reached over 30 million TV viewers and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
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Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League: List of Teams
- Awadh Ramdoot
- Brij Stars
- Ganga Kings of Mirzapur
- JD Noida Ninjas
- Kashi Kings
- Lucknow Lions
- Yamuna Yodhas
- Sangam Challengers
- Kanpur Warriors
