WAVES 2025: Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Hails Impact Of Pro Kabaddi And Indigenous Sports in India

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Mumbai, May 6: At the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, held in Mumbai on Sunday (May 3), Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi cast a spotlight on the international ascent of India's native sports, praised the evolution of traditional games like Kabaddi, transitioning from local amusement to global phenomena, during a session named 'Indigenous Sports: From India to the Global Stage.'

Majhi's address underscored the deep cultural and historical significance of these sports, emphasizing their role in teaching teamwork, endurance, and a respect for nature.

"Indigenous sports are rooted in our history and culture. They have been integral to our communities since time immemorial, inculcating various virtues like teamwork, endurance, respect for nature and collective joy," said CM Majhi. "This event is not just a celebration of these games, but a way of life - a culture that reflects the wisdom, resilience and creativity of our ancestors."

The Rise of Kabaddi on the Global Stage

Majhi highlighted the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) as a pivotal force in elevating Kabaddi to international acclaim. As PKL embarks on its 12th season, its innovative approach to showcasing traditional Indian sports has captivated audiences around the globe. Majhi remarked on the league's success in making Kabaddi a household name and a symbol of national pride, fostering a new generation of enthusiasts.

"We must acknowledge the remarkable resurgence of traditional sports like Kabaddi. Thanks to initiatives like the Pro Kabaddi League, the sport has captured the imagination of millions across India," the Chief Minister stated. "We have brought Kabaddi into living rooms and into the hearts of people everywhere. What was once only played in small communities has now become one of India's most popular and commercially successful sporting leagues, inspiring young boys and girls across the nation."

A diverse panel of sports ecosystem stakeholders, including Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse, Pro Kabaddi League's Anupam Goswami, and international Kabaddi star Mr. Fazel Atrachali from Iran, supported Majhi's vision. Their presence underscored the sport's expansive appeal and the collaborative efforts to bring indigenous games to a wider audience.

Championing Indigenous Sports Development

Majhi presented a broad strategy for nurturing talent in indigenous sports across India. His ambition is to make champions out of villagers and to provide every aspiring child with a platform to excel. He celebrated Kabaddi's transformation into a global spectacle, highlighting its initial recognition at the Asian Games and its significant partnership with JioStar, which propelled the sport into a major player within the sporting domain.

"The transformative journey of indigenous sports has been remarkable, with Kabaddi emerging as a global phenomenon. From its early recognition at the Asian Games to its landmark partnership with JioStar, Pro Kabaddi has evolved into a major force in the sports ecosystem," he said.

Anupam Goswami shared impressive viewership numbers for PKL, drawing attention to the untapped potential of indigenous sports in India. He emphasized the vast opportunities for growth and engagement within the Indian market, suggesting that these traditional games represent more than just entertainment; they are avenues for substantial development.

In his concluding remarks, Majhi advocated for the global promotion of traditional games. He stressed the importance of preserving indigenous sports as a means of nurturing cultural heritage and instilling pride in one's roots.

"Traditional games must be promoted and expanded to the global stage. Through these efforts, we can take our traditional sports to millions of people within and beyond India's borders," added the Chief Minister. "Preserving indigenous sports is preserving our soul. It is about giving our children a sense of rootedness and pride in their heritage. It is about building a future rooted in the strength of our past," he concluded.