The first-ever Global Women’s Kabaddi League is set to launch in September 2024, bringing together top women athletes from over 15 countries. This groundbreaking event, known as the Global Pravasi Women’s Kabaddi League (GPKL), is a significant step towards elevating the traditional sport of Kabaddi to the international stage and bolstering its chances of inclusion in the Olympic Games.
Uniting nations through Kabaddi
Organised by the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) in collaboration with World Kabaddi, the GPKL aims to showcase the talent and skill of women Kabaddi players from diverse backgrounds. Countries such as England, Poland, Argentina, Canada, and Italy are expected to participate, reflecting the global appeal of this indigenous sport.
HIPSA President Kanthi D Suresh expressed her enthusiasm for the League, stating, “This initiative is long overdue. With India’s ambition to host the Olympics in 2036, it would be incomplete without Kabaddi being part of it.”
Platform for Kabaddi’s Olympic dreams
The Global Women’s Kabaddi League is not just a tournament; it is a platform to promote Kabaddi globally and support India’s bid to include the sport in the Olympic Games. The League will be hosted in Haryana, a region with a rich tradition in Kabaddi, and aims to inspire a new generation of women to embrace the sport.
The push for Kabaddi’s inclusion in the Olympics has gained momentum, with former Indian Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, both voicing their support. Dr. Mandaviya emphasised the importance of Kabaddi’s global recognition and governance by an international federation to meet the criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Step towards 2036 Olympic aspirations
The GPKL is seen as the crucial step in realising India’s Olympic ambitions. As the country sets its sights on hosting the 2036 Olympics, the inclusion of Kabaddi in the Games would be a historic achievement, celebrating the sport’s deep roots in the Indian subcontinent and its growing popularity worldwide.
The schedule for the Global Pravasi Women’s Kabaddi League will be announced soon, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for women’s Kabaddi on the global stage.
