Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League: Telugu Cheetahs, Punjabi Tigress, Tamil Lioness Dominate Women’s Opener

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Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League: Kabaddi fans were treated to a vibrant and historic spectacle on Saturday evening as the women’s matches kicked off with a bang at the Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL), currently underway at the Multipurpose Hall of Gurugram University.

In a landmark moment for the sport, international and Indian women athletes shared the mat for the first time, battling it out in front of an energetic crowd. The evening saw Telugu Cheetahs, Punjabi Tigress, and Tamil Lioness stamp their authority with dominant performances.

The GI-PKL, being organised by the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA), is more than just a tournament — it’s a celebration of kabaddi's global reach. Featuring players from Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, Hungary, Norway, Poland, England, Taiwan, Germany, and India, the league has stitched together a rich tapestry of cultures, styles, and sporting spirit.

Telugu Cheetahs Charge Past Marathi Falcons

The evening opened with the Telugu Cheetahs outclassing the Marathi Falcons 42-28, delivering a confident statement in the inaugural women’s clash.

With 24 raid points, two super raids, and six all-out points, the Cheetahs dominated from the outset. Their raid-heavy strategy left the Falcons scrambling. Though the Marathi side attempted to claw back with three super tackles, they couldn’t ignite their offence enough to counter Telugu’s slick plays.

From flawless teamwork to well-timed raids, the Cheetahs looked well-oiled and composed, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling league stage.

Punjabi Tigress Roar in Ruthless Display

Next up, the Punjabi Tigress pounced on Bhojpuri Leopardess, registering a stunning 41-21 victory that showcased their prowess on both sides of the mat.

With 22 raid points and a fierce 13 tackle points, the Tigress left little room for the Leopardess to breathe. Their dominance was further amplified by six all-out points, pushing the scoreline into an almost unassailable lead.

The Bhojpuri Leopardess, despite flashes of promise, struggled to string together consistent moves. Their 12 raid points were simply not enough to break through the Tigress' formidable defence. It was a masterclass in pressure kabaddi.

Tamil Lioness Maul Haryanvi Eagles

Capping off a night of one-sided spectacles, the Tamil Lioness tore through the Haryanvi Eagles 44-18, with a performance that blended aggression, grace, and tactical sharpness.

Racking up 24 raid points, 14 tackle points, and six all-out points, the Lioness left the home-state team reeling. Even the Eagles’ two super tackles could not disrupt the Tamil side’s rhythm.

From clever raids to synchronised team movements, the Lioness showcased why they are a side to watch this season. Their control over the mat, particularly in the final ten minutes, drew gasps and applause in equal measure from the buzzing Gurugram crowd.

A Global Stage for Kabaddi’s Evolution

The inclusion of international talent in both the men’s and women’s segments is already making the GI-PKL a standout event on the kabaddi calendar. Players from across continents are sharing a common language — the raw, rapid rhythm of kabaddi.

“It’s electrifying to be here,” said a Kenyan defender playing for one of the men’s teams. “We are not just learning, we are competing — shoulder to shoulder with the best from India and beyond.”

The league format runs until April 27, with three high-voltage fixtures each evening starting at 6:00 PM IST, live on Sony Sports Ten HD, Sony Sports Ten SD, and FanCode. The men’s semi-finals are scheduled for April 28, followed by the women’s semi-finals on April 29. The grand finale — a double-header of drama — will take place on April 30.

Up Next: Men Return for Sunday Showdown

As the dust settles on the sensational women’s opening night, attention now turns to Sunday, April 20, when the men return to the mat. The day’s lineup promises fireworks:

• Telugu Panthers vs Tamil Lions: A southern derby brimming with rivalry.
• Punjabi Tigers vs Marathi Vultures: Expect gritty defence and powerful raids.
• Bhojpuri Leopards vs Haryanvi Sharks: A clash of brute strength and tactical flair.

With three matches a day and fans pouring in from all corners of the country, the Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League is off to a flying start. If Saturday night is any indication, this 13-day kabaddi carnival is set to redefine the sport’s global appeal — one raid at a time.