PKL in October, WKL in 2023: Kabaddi Is Growing In India
India has a great potential to become a world leader in this sport
Kabaddi is a popular contact sport that originated on the Indian subcontinent. India launched the men’s Pro-League Kabaddi in 2014 and it increased the popularity of this sport. The first season of men’s Pro-League Kabaddi attracted 435 million viewers on TV. This number is a huge indicator of the popularity of the game, as IPL generated 552 million viewers in the same year.
In order to take the reach a lot higher, APS Sports and Training Pvt Ltd is going to launch the Women Kabaddi League (WKL) next year. Gujarat Lions, Great Maratha, Haryana Fighter, Rajasthan Tigers, Punjab Kings, Dubai Hawks, Tamil Legends, and the Delhi Kingdom are the eight teams that will fight for the big trophy in Dubai next year.
India's First Women Kabaddi League – Had a fruitful interaction with Dr Kirit P. Solanki President (WKL)(Panel speaker, Lok Sabha) (Government of India) at pre-launch Meet of WKL in Dubai. Thanks Mr. Sunil Kumar (Director of WKL) for giving us a big opportunity to work with You. pic.twitter.com/Z2tdlOdK2p
— TAC WORLD (@Tac_UAE) September 16, 2022
The eight teams in the first edition will make Women’s Kabaddi League India’s biggest women’s sports league. This is in terms of geographical measurement and the number of teams. The launch of the new league will help women’s kabaddi to reach bigger heights.
PKL to start on October 7
Three cities jointly host the ninth season of the Pro Kabaddi League. They are Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad. They held the previous season in the bio bubble with Covid restrictions. Dabang Delhi KC won the PKL title. It was also their maiden championship win.
It's proud moment for India that our own Kabaddi has grown big! The successful VIVO Pro-Kabaddi League has truly become global🇮🇳! Hearty congratulations to BENGAL WARRIORS for winning the Championship title and DELHI DABANG for giving a tough fight in the final. pic.twitter.com/0RDy9i5C4X
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 19, 2019
Before Dabang Delhi, Patna Pirates, U Mumba, Bengaluru Bulls, Bengal Warriors, and Jaipur Pink Panthers have won the league in the past. There are 12 teams that are competing for the trophy this year.
Exciting times for Indian Kabaddi fans
Kabaddi is no longer an unpopular sport in the country. There is a huge fan base and a popular following for this sport, with the major lot coming from tier two cities.
जब मुश्किलें आपको चुनौती दें तो आगे बढ़ने का मंत्र है #LePanga क्योंकि #BhidegaTohBadhega!#vivoProKabaddi Season 9 | Starts Oct 7 | Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/qEJlHsVhBE
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 17, 2022
The increase in growth is helpful for the players to earn fame and monetary rewards through the sport. The growth of kabaddi is also good for the Indian team which is trying hard to get the game registered for the Olympics.