Inaugural Season of Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League Introduces 12 Teams

Gurugram, Dec 29 (NationPress) The Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) is set to showcase a total of 12 franchises for its inaugural season, consisting of six teams for women and six for men. This unique league structure marks a significant milestone as each franchise will field both a men's and a women's team, fostering equality and inclusivity. Earlier this month, the GI-PKL announced its merger with the Indian Premier Kabaddi League (IPKL), establishing a unified league where both genders will compete on the same mat size, a groundbreaking development in kabaddi history.

The teams have been cleverly named to represent their regional heritage; the Women’s Teams include Marathi Falcons, Bhojpuri Leopardess, Telugu Cheetahs, Tamil Lioness, Punjabi Tigress, and Haryanvi Eagles. Meanwhile, the Men’s Teams consist of Marathi Vultures, Bhojpuri Leopards, Telugu Panthers, Tamil Lions, Punjabi Tigers, and Haryanvi Sharks.

The inaugural season will feature a total of 66 matches, spanning nearly a month. The GI-PKL also introduced its tagline, #KabaddiKiNayiJung, which embodies the league’s vision to transform the sport by integrating men and women under one roof and ensuring they compete on equal terms, including using the same mat size—a historic achievement for kabaddi.

Regarding the team announcements, Kanthi D. Suresh, president of the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA), stated, "The GI-PKL celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage while introducing kabaddi to a global audience. By showcasing both men’s and women’s teams together, we aim to foster equality, empowerment, and unity within the sport."

In 2023, GPKL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Haryana State Government to promote women’s kabaddi on a global scale.

Previously, HIPSA entered into a 10-year MOU with the World Kabaddi Body based in the United Kingdom to expand the sport worldwide. These initiatives align with the ambitious goal of including kabaddi in the Olympics by fulfilling the criteria of active participation in at least 75 countries for men and 45 for women across four continents.