Pro-Kabaddi League from July 26, 2014

A Change in India’s Sports Scene: Pro-Kabaddi League from July 26, 2014

Cricket continues to drive Indians into frenzy but kabaddi may not be far behind. In a significant move to counter the IPL mania, attempts are being made to promote kabaddi among the Indian viewers. The organizers of a new kabaddi leage called the Pro-Kabaddi League will spar for big money and sponsorship deals from July 26 this year. The event will be broadcasted by a leading sports channel called STAR Sports.

Kabaddi is an indigenous game and it has always been popular among small cities and towns in India. This gae is a combination of team tag and wrestling. This sport originated in India at a very early stage. The word kabaddi is taken from Tamil kai-pidi which means to “hold hands”. This sport is a state game of southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh as well as the northern state of Punjab and the western state of Maharashtra.

There are 2 versions of kabaddi namely sanjeevani and gamine. Kabaddi first came to the international arena in the 1936 Olympics at Berlin where the Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal from Maharashtra demonstrated this game. This game was introduced during the Indian Olympics at Calcutta in the 1930s. In the year 1950, the All India Kabaddi Federation was established. Around 13 years later, the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India was established.

The first men’s national of this game was held at Chennai. The Asian Kabaddi Federation was formed with the view of spreading this game throughout South Asia. Kabaddi has spread to Southeast Asia as well as Japan and Iran. Kabaddi is also the national game of Bangladesh were it is called Hadudu. Inspired by the IPL, the eight city Pro Kabaddi League will be started following an auction of around 100 players. The sport has been propelled into limelight as result of this.

Stalwarts of this game such as Rakesh Kumar have appreciated this move. More money and visibility is needed so that this game acquires popularity among spectators. Quality broadcasting of this game is needed for the viewers to catch on about just how exciting and fun-filled this sport is. India has talented sportspersons in this field. India bagged 6 Asian Games gold medals in the men’s category at Guangzhou.

Kabaddi has been our sport for ages now. But it has not grown as well as cricket or even tennis. When Indian origin players such as Laender Paes stormed into the international scene, India had their very own Sania Mirza in tennis too. When Saina Nehwal won badminton tournaments, this sport also acquired its fair share of viewers and sponsorships. Hockey needs reforms though. Kabaddi could also do with a revival.

Considering that this game evolved in India, much more needs to be done to promote the interests of kabaddi. Cricket clubs abound in the UK where this game is on home turf. Kabaddi leagues should also become more frequent in India. Promoting this sport also requires building a strong brand around it. Indians need to become more aware of just how amazing this game is.

This sport has an enormous potential for attracting viewers. The element of competition and the strength of the players is an important feature of this game. Any sport has a huge potential for attracting attention and publicity besides entertaining the crowds and promoting good sportsmanship. Team owners who are supportive of a game can work wonders for it.

Kabaddi should be given the publicity and respect it deserves. Apart from talented players who have won many national and international accolades, this game is also an important part of our national heritage. It should be promoted with fanfare and confidence.Any indigenous sport can only grow if top celebrities lend their star power to it. The Pro-Kabaddi League is being supported by leading celebrities and businessmen. Professionals will be involved in promoting the brand value of this game and ensuring that it reaches the heights it is capable of. Ventures such as these are good news for our deserving kabaddi players who make many sacrifices to continue playing a sport that is not as lucrative as cricket.