GI-PKL 2025: Kabaddi Stars Gear up For Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League Kick Off

As the Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) draws near, athletes from both genders have ramped up their training efforts, ready to showcase their talents on an international platform.

This groundbreaking event will see participation from diverse countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Argentina, Taiwan, and Poland, highlighting the global appeal of Kabaddi. The anticipation is palpable among the athletes as the player draft looms, with everyone eager to make their mark in the league.

Among those preparing vigorously are celebrated athletes such as Sawin Narwal, Sandeep Kandola, Ajay Kumar, and Kapil Narwal. They are joined by national gold medalists like M Anitha, Indra Rohini, Arul Santhiya, and Selvarebiksha, who have all started rigorous practice sessions in their respective states. This collective of talent underscores the high level of competition expected in the upcoming league.

Sawin Narwal, currently serving as a rifleman in the Indian Army and stationed in Ranchi, is diligently working on his Kabaddi skills within his battalion. With a history of participating in numerous leagues, Narwal is keenly looking forward to competing in the GI-PKL.

He shared his enthusiasm, stating, "The training is going on very well for the Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League. I'm also looking forward to playing in the friendly Kabaddi matches organised inside the campus. I'm actually very excited for GI-PKL."

Teams Embodying Cultural Richness

The inaugural season of the GI-PKL will feature a total of 12 teams, split evenly between six women's teams and six men's teams. This arrangement not only promotes gender equality but also mirrors the cultural and linguistic diversity of India.

The teams are thoughtfully named to reflect their regional identities, including Marathi Falcons, Bhojpuri Leopardess, Telugu Cheetahs, Tamil Lioness, Punjabi Tigress, and Haryanvi Eagles for the women's segment.

The men's teams are named Marathi Vultures, Bhojpuri Leopards, Telugu Panthers, Tamil Lions, Punjabi Tigers, and Haryanvi Sharks. This innovative structure of pairing a men's and women's team under a single franchisee is a pioneering approach in Kabaddi, aimed at promoting inclusivity and equality within the sport.

Kapil Narwal, another prominent player, echoed the growing excitement among the participants, saying, "I'm very excited to be a part of GI-PKL. I've already played with international players and I'm looking forward to bringing my A-game again on the mat."

This sentiment is widely shared among the athletes, with M Anitha adding, "I'm thrilled to be part of the GI-PKL. Sharing the dressing room with international players will be a great learning experience and an opportunity to understand different playing styles."

Arul Santhiya also voiced her enthusiasm, remarking, "It's an incredible feeling to be part of a league that unites players from across the globe. I look forward to sharing strategies and learning from international players. This experience will surely enhance my game."

Ms. Kanthi D. Suresh, President of the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA), commented on the athletes' eagerness and the league's significance, "The excitement around GI-PKL highlights the popularity of Kabaddi and the power of sport to unite cultures and break barriers. The overwhelming response from global and domestic players underscores our vision to create an inclusive and dynamic platform for kabaddi."

HIPSA has been instrumental in promoting Kabaddi on a global scale, as evidenced by its past initiatives. In March 2024, the association played a pivotal role in including Kabaddi in the Guinness World Record during an event at Panchkula's Tau Devilal Stadium.

Further demonstrating its commitment, HIPSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Haryana State Government in December 2023 to globally promote Kabaddi. This MOU aims to foster cooperation and promote Kabaddi worldwide, with the long-term vision of including the sport in the Summer Olympics.

The GI-PKL not only represents a platform for athletes to excel but also signifies the growing popularity and global reach of Kabaddi. Athletes and organizers alike are hopeful that this league will open new doors for the sport, uniting different cultures and showcasing the rich heritage of Kabaddi on an international stage.