Kabaddi is known as an ancient Indian sport that’s been a popular game played by people of different ages on the streets. For a while, it was a sport taught in schools and by local sports clubs to promote fitness and even traditional values.
However, it’s now enjoyed on a whole new level because it’s now played professionally.
Over the last few years, Kabaddi has become quite a national obsession. It’s so popular that it’s now one of the most-watched sports in the country next to cricket.
How insane is that?
Well, that’s also something we’d like to understand, so keep reading to learn more about Kabaddi and why it’s taking India by storm.
Grassroots Initiatives and Regional Heritage
As mentioned, Kabaddi has always been a popular sport or game in different parts of India. It was played for entertainment and recreation, but because it can be an action-packed game, it was also used to promote fitness among villagers and children in school.
Now, the efforts by local sports clubs, community organizations, and educational institutions to promote Kabaddi at the grassroots level have been pivotal in expanding the sport’s reach.
They have organized tournaments and inter-school competitions that have allowed young talents to showcase their skills. This also helped promote the sport better and become more widely enjoyed in different parts of India.
Moreover, the sport’s simplicity has made it a favorite among children and adults. Kabaddi requires minimal equipment, and its rules are easy to understand. That’s why it’s an attractive choice for recreational play.
The Rise of Professional Kabaddi
The advent of professional kabaddi leagues has surely been a game-changer for the sport’s popularity in India.
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), which was launched in 2014, marked a turning point for the Kabaddi scene. The league simply elevated the sport from local playgrounds to prime-time television screens.
Its well-structured format, star players, and glitzy production quickly captured the hearts of many Indians. It’s a well-known fact that the country loves following sports, and since it’s a sport that’s deep-rooted in Indian culture, it’s not that hard to see why it quickly became a favorite of many.
In 2022, it was reported that PKL became the most-watched sports league in the country after the Indian Premier League (IPL). Things are also a lot more serious since the prize pool is bigger and the highest bids on Kabaddi players are now over Rs 1 crore.
The 2022 PKL prize pool also already reached Rs 2 Crores, and there’s a good chance that this number will be bigger for the next seasons.
Add to that the fact that Star India also purchased the broadcasting rights of the league for a whopping Rs 905 crore. The broadcasting deal is set to last until 2025. Other TV partners are ESPN+ in the US and T Sports in Bangladesh.
Speaking of broadcast, PKL’s viewership rose nearly 56% from its first-ever season. Online viewership of the latest edition also jumped to 1.3 crore compared to the 2021 edition.
PKL’s success also inspired the formation of regional kabaddi leagues and tournaments, such as the Karnataka Premier League (KPL), Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), and others, which have further fueled the sport’s growth within their territories.
With the rise of this sport also comes the popularity of Kabaddi betting. It’s undeniable that aside from sports, Indians also love to gamble.
That is why the most popular betting sites in India are now offering Kabaddi odds alongside hard-to-resist promos and bonuses that have something to do with the sport.
More About the PKL
The Pro Kabaddi League was launched in 2014, and so far, it already has nine seasons. The 2023 edition will be the 10th edition of the tournament. The league has 12 teams in total which are the following:
Bengal Warriors, Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi KC, Gujarat Giants, Haryana Steelers, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas, Telugu Titans, U Mumba, and UP Yoddha.
The current champions are Jaipur Pink Panthers and it’s already their 2nd tournament title. However, Patna Pirates have the most wins with 3 titles in total.
PKL came to be because of the reception that the Kabaddi tournament received during the 2006 Asian Games. It’s one of the few leagues that took inspiration from the IPL’s business model and format and somehow managed to get success.
Conclusion
Kabaddi’s remarkable surge in popularity throughout India is a testament to the sport’s cultural significance and its ability to evolve with the times. No official announcements yet as to when the next season of the PKL is but the auction will be on September 8 and 9, 2023 in Mumbai.
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