Pro Kabaddi League, the a contact sport that combines elements of wrestling, rugby and tag, all wrapped up in a uniquely Indian style.
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The Origins of Pro Kabaddi League
Pro Kabaddi League, also known as Vivo Pro Kabaddi (sponsorship reasons) or PKL, is a professional kabaddi league in India that has gained immense popularity since its inception.
Format of Kabaddi game
Kabaddi is an ancient Indian game that has been played for centuries, with deep roots in Indian culture. It is a unique sport that combines elements of wrestling, tag and strategy.
Kabaddi played between two teams of seven players. The object of the game is for the player called the “raider“, to run into the opponent team’s half of the field, touch as many of their defenders as possible, and return to his field without being blocked by a defender in just one breath.
Points are scored for each player tagged by the raider, while the opponent team earns one point for stopping the raider. Players will be removed from the game if touched or tackled, but will be brought back after each point their team scores from a card or a tackle.
After two consecutive “empty” raids a “Do or Die” turn will be triggered, in which the raider must score a point or be eliminated. When a defending side is left with three or fewer players, the tackles scored are known as “Super Tackles“, worth two points instead of one.
Birth of Pro Kabaddi League
The PKL was conceptualized and launched by Mashal Sports in 2014, with the aim of revolutionizing the way kabaddi is perceived in India and attracting a wider audience. The tournament was inspired by the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket, paving the way for the growth of sports tournaments in India.
The Pro Kabaddi League uses a franchise-based model and its first season was held in 2014 with eight teams each of which has paid fees of up to US$250,000 to join.
Growth of PKL
The birth of PKL in 2014 marked a major turning point for the sport of kabaddi in India. With support from kabaddi enthusiasts, broadcasters and sponsors, the tournament became an instant hit.
Each season Pro Kabaddi League has expanded with the addition of new teams and a growing fan base. From the original eight teams, many other franchise teams participated in the tournament, including Dabang Delhi, Gujarat Giants, Tamil Thalaivas, Bengal Warriors and Telugu Titans.
Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, PKL has been actively working to promote the sport across various platforms. Additionally, the participation of foreign players added an international flavor to the tournament, expanding its recognition and appeal globally.
The Impact on Indian Sports
Since its inception, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has had a significant impact on the Indian sports. The tournament attracted fans across the country, led to a significant increased in popularity and viewership.
Traditionally, kabaddi has been considered a rural and indigenous sport, with little exposure on the national stage. However, with the advent of PKL, it has now earned its place as one of the most exciting contact sports in India.
The success of the Pro Kabaddi League has attracted notable sponsors and investments, this has led to significant financial investments, which in turn have facilitated the establishment of modern training facilities, improved infrastructure and enhanced opportunities for athletes.
Conclusion
Pro Kabaddi League has truly emerged as India’s most exciting contact sport, captivating audiences and bringing new energy to the field. With its unique format, intense play and passionate fan base, the tournament demonstrated the incredible talent and skills of kabaddi players across the country.
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