The sport of kabaddi is set to enter a historic chapter with the launch of World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL). The inaugural edition of the tournament will be held in Dubai, tentatively in February-March next year.
The kabaddi competition will have representatives from about 30 countries, featuring eight teams. The league will adopt a franchise-based model blending both international and Indian talent.
Countries like South Korea, Iran, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, and the United States have already expressed interest in taking part in the league. Additional nations are expected to join the bandwagon in coming days.
Organised by SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, the World Super Kabaddi League is backed by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF). The objective of the league is to is to globalise Kabaddi and eventually secure its inclusion in the Olympic Games.
“Kabaddi has always deserved a larger stage not just for India but for the global sporting community. With WSKL, our goal is to reimagine the sport for a global audience, unlock international talent, and take decisive steps towards Olympic recognition,” said Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd that operates the League.
World Super Kabaddi League has committed a total player purse of Rs 48 crore across its eight franchises, underscoring the the growing prominence of the sport at international stage.
Unlike traditional seasonal tournaments, WSKL is designed as an evolving global sports property. The organisers plans to build WSKL into a year-round ecosystem that fosters fan engagement and long-term player development. This approach aims to create sustained opportunities for fans and players alike.
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World Super Kabaddi League holds commercial rights through the South Asian Kabaddi Federation, positioning it as a credible and globally supported league.
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Kabaddi is a sport that originated in India and has expanded its outreach in other parts of the world over the years. Several professional leagues have helped the sport grab eyeballs from various quarters.
