Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 Set to Launch on National Sports Day

On August 29, the Pro Kabaddi League will kick off its 12th season in celebration of National Sports Day. Esteemed sports figures, including badminton legend Pullela Gopichand and hockey star Dhanraj Pillay, will inaugurate the event. The season promises thrilling matches, starting with a southern derby between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas. New competitive formats will ensure every match has a definitive outcome, enhancing the excitement of the league. This event not only honors India's sporting heritage but also aims to inspire the next generation of athletes. Discover more about this exciting launch and the legends involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 27, 2025, 02:03 IST

Celebrating National Sports Day with Kabaddi

On August 29, coinciding with National Sports Day, prominent sports figures from various fields will come together to inaugurate Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Esteemed personalities such as Padma Bhushan recipient Pullela Gopichand, former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay, kabaddi star Pardeep Narwal, and Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Suryavanshi will grace the event.

The opening match of PKL Season 12 will feature an exciting southern derby between the Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas. As the event unfolds, the athletes will unite for the National Anthem, celebrating kabaddi, a sport deeply rooted in Indian culture. This occasion honors the legacy of Indian sports, recognizing the champions who have brought global acclaim to the nation, as the league highlights a sport that is gaining international prominence.

This event will emphasize the collective spirit of Indian sports, showcasing the rich heritage and achievements of kabaddi as it embarks on a new chapter.

“Launching this season of the Pro Kabaddi League on National Sports Day is a fitting tribute to the legends who have significantly influenced India's sports narrative. Their legacy embodies the essence of PKL, which celebrates our roots while elevating kabaddi to new heights. We are honored to have them join us for this exciting season,” stated Anupam Goswami, Business Head – Mashal & League Commissioner of Pro Kabaddi.

Rajasthan Royals player Vaibhav Suryavanshi expressed, “National Sports Day is a reminder of how sports unite us. Engaging in sports teaches valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I feel fortunate to be part of Rajasthan Royals, pursuing my dreams, and I hope more children are inspired to play and believe in themselves.”

This season will introduce new competitive formats, ensuring that every match yields a result, with tiebreakers in place for drawn games during the league stage. A novel 'play-in' phase will also be introduced, where the top two teams will advance directly to the playoffs, while the 3rd and 4th place teams will compete in a mini-qualifier, and teams ranked 5th to 8th will engage in the play-in.