The Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) is set to make its debut on April 18 in Gurugram.
The league will witness participation from countries such as Egypt, Kenya, Argentina, Germany, England, Norway, Poland, amongst others showcasing the growing global reach of kabaddi, in the quest to promote the sport globally.
Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA), the administrator of the league, have revealed the kick off date (April 18) as players gear up to feature in the tournament.
The inaugural season, which will be broadcast Live on Sony Sports Network, will feature 12 teams — six women's teams and six corresponding men's teams — each embodying the cultural and linguistic richness of India.
The teams have been strategically named to reflect their regional identities:
Women’s Teams: Marathi Falcons, Bhojpuri Leopardess, Telugu Cheetahs, Tamil Lioness, Punjabi Tigress, and Haryanvi Eagles.
Men’s Teams: Marathi Vultures, Bhojpuri Leopards, Telugu Panthers, Tamil Lions, Punjabi Tigers, and Haryanvi Sharks.
Speaking about GI-PKL, Kanthi D Suresh, president of HIPSA, said: Season 1 of GI-PKL is the culmination of all the efforts that have been put in over more than a year where the focus has been to spread the sport of kabaddi globally, and inspire the world to recognise the sport as a potential Olympic sport. We are committed to making GI-PKL a premier global kabaddi tournament, and ensure increased participation from players across continents in each season for the next 10 years
GI-PKL has also unveiled the captains of the franchise. While Shiv Prashad has been handed the captain duties for Bhojpuri Leopards, Vikash Dahiya will lead Haryanvi Sharks. Marathi Vultures and Punjabi Tigers have named Kapil Narwal and Sawin Narwal as captains respectively. Sunil Narwal will lead Tamil Lions and Sandeep Kandola will captain Telugu Panthers
Pushpa Rana will lead Haryanvi Eagles and Meena Kadyan will captain Bhojpuri Leopardess. Marathi Falcons and Punjabi Tigress have named Tanu Sharma and Meera as captains respectively. While Julie Bhati will lead Telugu Cheetahs, Suman will oversee the captain's duties for Tamil Lioness.
Players have already begun training for the league. Sawin Narwal, Sandeep Kandola, Ajay Kumar, and Kapil Narwal are among the players who have started practicing. National gold medalists like M Anitha, Indra Rohini, Arul Santhiya, and Selvarebiksha have also commenced training sessions in their respective states.
The GI-PKL Championship trophy will he unveiled at an event shortly wherein the schedule of the league will also be announced
HIPSA’s past initiatives underline its commitment to kabaddi’s global growth. In March 2024, HIPSA ensured the sport of kabaddi was included in the Guinness World Record at an event held in Panchkula's Tau Devilal Stadium.
Men’s teams and captains:
Marathi Vultures – Kapil Narwal
Bhojpuri Leopards – Shiv Prashad
Telugu Panthers – Sandeep Kandola
Tamil Lions – Sunil Narwal
Punjabi Tigers – Sawin Narwal
Haryanvi Sharks – Vikash Dahiya
Women’s teams and captains:
Marathi Falcons – Tanu Sharma
Bhojpuri Leopardess – Meena Kadyan
Telugu Cheetahs – Julie Bhati
Tamil Lioness – Suman
Punjabi Tigress – Meera
Haryanvi Eagles – Pushpa Rana
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