Visit Victoria Hosts Josh Kennedy For Kabaddi Debut In India

Josh Kennedy, a former Australian Rules Football star, recently visited India to explore the sport of Kabaddi. His visit was part of a cultural exchange initiative by Visit Victoria, aiming to strengthen sporting ties between India and Australia.

Kennedy experienced Kabaddi firsthand at the Pro Kabaddi League in New Delhi, where he engaged with local players and learned about the sport's rich cultural roots.

During his time in India, Kennedy exchanged jerseys with Sachin Tanwar from Tamil Thalaivas and Arjun Deshwal of Jaipur Pink Panthers.

This gesture symbolised mutual respect and camaraderie between the two nations. Kennedy also trained with the team to prepare for his upcoming role as captain in an All-Star match at the Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid.

The Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid is set to take place on December 28th in Melbourne. This event will feature a mix of Australian and Indian players, showcasing a unique blend of sporting traditions. The league's presence in Melbourne marks a significant step in promoting Kabaddi globally and fostering cultural exchange through sports.

Brendan McClements, CEO of Visit Victoria, expressed excitement about introducing Pro Kabaddi to Melbourne. He stated, "With shared passion and love for sport, the introduction of India’s exceptional sporting league, Pro Kabaddi, in Melbourne is anticipated to be a cultural breakthrough for our largest growing diaspora." McClements highlighted Melbourne's reputation as a global sporting hub and its commitment to cultural exchange.

Anupam Goswami, Business Head of Mashal Sports and Pro Kabaddi League Chairman, shared his enthusiasm for showcasing PKL in Melbourne. He remarked, "We are thrilled to be invited by Visit Victoria for a PKL demonstration in Melbourne, one of the world’s foremost sporting destination cities." Goswami emphasised the opportunity to present Kabaddi as a world-class sport originating from India.

Melbourne's recognition as a leading sports city is expected to attract Indian travellers seeking new experiences. The city's vibrant culture and diverse offerings make it an appealing destination for solo travellers, families, and groups from India. The Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid promises to enhance this connection further.

Visit Victoria's Role

Visit Victoria plays a crucial role in promoting tourism by capitalising on commercial opportunities in the global market. The agency collaborates with industry partners and the Victorian State Government to boost Victoria's profile worldwide. Their efforts aim to attract visitors by highlighting Melbourne's unique blend of sports events and cultural vibrancy.

Joshua P. Kennedy reflected on his experience saying, "Experiencing kabaddi firsthand has been incredible. It is a sport that is fast, intense, and deeply rooted in Indian culture." He looks forward to sharing this experience with Australian audiences during the upcoming All-Star game.