Ravindra Shetty Explains the Vision Behind the World Super Kabaddi League

As kabaddi looks beyond its traditional strongholds, the launch of the World Cup Kabaddi League represents one of the sport's most ambitious attempts to establish a truly global footprint. At the heart of that effort is Technical Director Ravindra Shetty, a long-time advocate of innovation, structure, and standardisation in the game.

For Shetty, the early years of WSKL are about laying foundations that go far deeper than spectacle. "My core vision is to establish the World Super Kabaddi League as a technically strong, globally credible platform that reflects the true spirit of kabaddi while aligning with modern sporting standards," he says.

"In its formative years, the priority is to build a clear, consistent, and transparent competitive framework covering rules, match formats, officiating standards, and player development pathways."

Shetty believes kabaddi's growth has often been held back not by lack of talent, but by inconsistency."Kabaddi has immense potential, but for it to grow internationally, it needs structure and uniformity without losing its soul," he explains.

"At WSKL, we are focused on creating a high-quality playing environment that ensures fairness, professionalism, and excitement."

Innovation with intent, not novelty

Shetty's reputation as an innovator precedes him. He has previously introduced formats such as Kabaddi Three Star and Kabaddi Super Five, experiments that aimed to quicken the pace and sharpen tactical engagement.

At WSKL, innovation remains central, but measured."Innovation has always been central to my approach to the sport," he says. "But it's not change for the sake of change. It has to be evolution that enhances viewing experience and competitive balance."

He sees WSKL as an opportunity to re-present kabaddi for a wider audience without stripping it of its identity.

"This could include format refinements, smarter use of technology, and improved match flow that appeals to broadcasters and fans alike," Shetty notes. "The goal is to offer a fresh, dynamic product that remains deeply rooted in the essence of kabaddi."

Making kabaddi legible to the world

One of WSKL's stated ambitions is to attract fans from regions where kabaddi is still unfamiliar. For Shetty, accessibility begins with clarity.

"To reach international audiences, kabaddi needs technical clarity and universal standards," he says. "Consistent rules interpretation, simplified communication of scoring and decisions, and formats that are easy to understand for first-time viewers are essential."

Broadcast presentation, he adds, is no longer optional in modern sport.
"Enhanced visuals and clear storytelling around the game matter. But at the same time, it's important not to dilute the sport's complexity and tactical depth," he cautions. "Our approach is to educate new audiences while maintaining authenticity."

Expanding the talent map

WSKL also aims to tap into talent beyond kabaddi's traditional geography, a challenge Shetty views as both necessary and overdue.

"Non-traditional kabaddi nations often have raw athletic talent," he says. "With the right technical guidance, they can develop into high-quality players."

The pathway, however, must be deliberate. "This includes talent identification programs, international training camps, coach education initiatives, and exposure through competitive opportunities," Shetty explains. "At the same time, competitive standards will remain non-negotiable."

Inclusivity, he stresses, cannot come at the cost of credibility. "Every player and team will be benchmarked against clear performance criteria. That balance is how you grow globally without lowering the bar.

"The backbone: coaches and referees. If players are the product, Shetty believes coaches and referees are the system that sustains it.

"Consistency in coaching and officiating is critical to the credibility of any league," he says. WSKL plans to introduce structured certification and evaluation frameworks to ensure uniformity.

"Clear officiating manuals, regular workshops, and review mechanisms will ensure uniform decision-making across matches," Shetty explains. "For coaches, the focus will be on modern training methodologies, player safety, and tactical development aligned with international standards."

In his view, professionalism off the mat is inseparable from quality on it. "When coaches and referees operate within a unified system, it fosters a fair and professional environment that benefits players, teams, and fans alike," he says. "This technical discipline is essential if WSKL is to be respected as a global kabaddi league."

As kabaddi stands at a crossroads between tradition and transformation, Shetty's vision is clear: build slowly, build correctly, and let credibility do the heavy lifting.