Kabaddi Champions League: A Catalyst for India's Asian Games Aspirations
KCL's Impact on Indian Kabaddi
New Delhi, September 14: Rambir Singh Khokhar, a Dronacharya Award-winning coach and former head coach of the Indian men's kabaddi team, emphasized the significant influence of the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) on the sport in India. He noted that the league is playing a crucial role in preparing the national team for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
In a remarkable achievement, nine out of the twelve players selected to represent India at the Asian Games have emerged from the KCL framework, showcasing the league's growing importance in nurturing kabaddi talent.
The players from KCL who will don the Indian jersey include Sunil Malik from Karnal Kings, Ayan Lauchab of Sonipat Stars, Devank Dalal from Bhiwani Bulls, Ashu Malik of Hisar Heroes, Rahul Setpal of Gurugram Gurus, Jaideep Dahiya from Faridabad Fighters, and Ankit Jaglan of Panipat Panthers.
During the unveiling ceremony for KCL Season 2, Khokhar remarked that the league has become a vital platform for cultivating elite kabaddi players, with nine participants from KCL set to compete at the Asian Games.
“At the national camp for the Asian Games, the majority of the players were from KCL, and now nine of them are heading to the Games. They represent the highest level of talent, both in defense and offense. This is a significant contribution from KCL,” he stated.
The KCL has officially launched its second season, promising an even more competitive and engaging experience for fans and players alike.
Building on the success of its inaugural season, KCL has introduced two new franchises: Jind Jaguars and Kurukshetra Knights. This expansion enhances the league's franchise ecosystem and provides a broader platform for emerging kabaddi talent, as per a KCL press release.
The addition of these franchises marks a pivotal moment in KCL's development, reinforcing its commitment to establishing a robust and sustainable franchise-based structure for kabaddi.
Khokhar expressed optimism that the inclusion of two new teams would elevate the excitement and competitiveness of the league, making the upcoming season even more thrilling for fans and players.
“The first season was fantastic, and adding even one team increases the competition. With two new teams joining, I believe the excitement will be beyond what fans and players can imagine,” he added.
Kabaddi has deep roots in India's rural culture and is recognized as a traditional sport originating from the villages. Historically played on mud, the sport has transitioned to modern mats, making it faster and more technical.
Khokhar reflected on this evolution, noting that the shift from mud to mat has transformed the game significantly. He emphasized that exposure to mat-based kabaddi, along with proper training and equipment, is essential for India's Olympic aspirations. He is confident that KCL Season 2 will thrive, especially with the strong representation of players from Haryana.
“Having coached in various countries, I can attest to the changes in kabaddi. The game has evolved from being played on mud to mats, which has accelerated its pace. We can no longer refer to it solely as a mud game,” he explained.
“To achieve success at the Olympics, we must maximize our practice on the mat. The right equipment and training will create an excellent platform for skill development. With many players from Haryana, Season 2 is poised for great success,” he concluded.