The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) has been soaring in popularity with gripping contests and high-intensity finishes.
The 12th season of the PKL shattered previous records with a block-buster opening night, setting the tone for the remainder of the season.
The Opening Day viewership of PKL 12 surpassed last year’s benchmarks in Television Rating (TVR). On streaming platforms, the league’s reach surged three fold, while total watch-time increased by 22%, suggesting kabaddi’s rise in the sporting landscape.
A Thrilling Start on the Mat In PKL 12
PKL 12 opened with Southern Derby in which Tamil Thalaivas took on Telugu Titans. The Thalaivas emerged victorious in a tightly contested match, while the night’s second game saw Puneri Paltan pull off a stunning comeback to defeat Bengaluru Bulls in the final moments.
However, it was the third match that made PKL history- becoming the first-ever game to go into a tie-breaker under the league’s new rules introduced this season.
Only a few days into the season, PKL 12 is already proving to be the most competitive yet. More than 70% of matches so far have been decided by a margin of five points or less, with four games requiring tie-breakers. This unprecedented level of parity across teams is raising the stakes- and the excitement- week after week.
Also Read: What Is The Golden Raid Rule In PKL?
A Starry Night in Vizag
The league’s opening coincided with National Sports Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam, adding glamour and gravitas to the event. Sporting legends and national icons graced the occasion:
Ravi Kishan, Bhojpuri superstar, launched the new Bhojpuri commentary feed, adding a regional flavor to the league’s growing vernacular coverage.
Celebrities including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals), Paralympic medallist Yogesh Kathuniya, track star Jyothi Yarraji, and sporting greats Dhanraj Pillay and Pullela Gopichand added star power off the mat.
Their presence underlined the cultural and sporting significance kabaddi has grown to command.
Speaking about the league’s stellar start, Siddharth Sharma, Head- Audience Engagement, Viewership, and Monetization Initiatives- Sports at JioStar, said:
“We are thrilled with the response to PKL Season 12’s opening. The growth across TV and digital platforms reflects kabaddi’s rising popularity and the deep emotional connect fans have with the sport. The intensity on the mat, combined with our innovations off it, has delivered an unparalleled experience.”
