Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League
| Sport | Kabaddi |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2024 |
| First season | 2025 |
| Owner(s) | Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) |
| No. of teams | 12 (6 men's, 6 women's) |
| Country | India |
| Continent | Asia |
| Broadcaster(s) | Sony Sports Network, FanCode DD Sports, Waves |
Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) is a professional kabaddi league in India, organized by the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA). Launched on April 18, 2025, in Gurugram, Haryana, the league features 12 teams, comprising six men's and six women's teams, each representing regional identities of India.[1][2] The inaugural season, broadcast on Sony Sports Network and FanCode, DD Sports and on Waves and it was concluded on April 30, 2025, with Marathi Vultures winning the men's title, Tamil Lioness winning the women's title, and Tamil Lioness also receiving the Championship Trophy.[3][4]
History
[edit]The GI-PKL was established in December 2024 through the merger of the Global Pravasi Kabaddi League (GPKL) and the Indian Premier Kabaddi League (IPKL), aiming to create a unified platform for men's and women's kabaddi.[5][6] HIPSA, the organizing body, sought to promote kabaddi globally, with participation from international players from countries including Egypt, Kenya, Argentina, Germany, England, Norway, Poland, Hungary, and Hong Kong.[7][8]
In March 2024, HIPSA organized a Guinness World Records event at Tau Devilal Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana, attended by the Governor of Haryana, Bandaru Dattatreya, to promote kabaddi.[7] The league's formation was supported by the Haryana government, which signed memoranda of understanding with HIPSA to advance the sport.[2]
Format and Teams
[edit]The GI-PKL consists of 12 teams, with each franchise owning both a men's and a women's team, competing on the same mat size to promote gender equality.[6][9] The teams are named to reflect regional identities, with the league's tagline "#KabaddiKiNayiJung" symbolizing its innovative approach.[5]
Men's Teams
[edit]- Marathi Vultures – Captain: Kapil Narwal
- Bhojpuri Leopards – Captain: Shiv Prashad
- Telugu Panthers – Captain: Sandeep Kandola
- Tamil Lions – Captain: Sunil Narwal
- Punjabi Tigers – Captain: Sawin Narwal
- Haryanvi Sharks – Captain: Vikash Dahiya
Women's Teams
[edit]- Marathi Falcons – Captain: Tanu Sharma
- Bhojpuri Leopardess – Captain: Meena Kadyan
- Telugu Cheetahs – Captain: Julie Bhati
- Tamil Lioness – Captain: Suman
- Punjabi Tigress – Captain: Meera
- Haryanvi Eagles – Captain: Pushpa Rana
The league operates with a league stage followed by semi-finals and finals, with a single Championship Trophy awarded to the team with the best overall performance.[10][11]
Inaugural Season
[edit]The inaugural season ran from April 18 to April 30, 2025, at Gurugram University, with 36 matches played over 13 days.[9][2] The season was inaugurated by Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam, with attendees including D. Suresh, IAS, and former Indian kabaddi captain Deepak Hooda.[2][10] The men's competition began on April 18, followed by the women's on April 19, with semi-finals on April 28 (men) and April 29 (women), and finals on April 30.[9][12]
Notable early matches included:
- Men's (April 18): Punjabi Tigers defeated Tamil Lions 33–31; Haryanvi Sharks defeated Telugu Panthers 47–43; Marathi Vultures defeated Bhojpuri Leopards 42–21.[2]
- Women's (April 19): Telugu Cheetahs defeated Marathi Falcons 42–28; Punjabi Tigress defeated Bhojpuri Leopardess 41–21; Tamil Lioness defeated Haryanvi Eagles 44–18.[12]
In the women's semi-finals on April 29, Tamil Lioness defeated Bhojpuri Leopardess 43–21, and Telugu Cheetahs defeated Punjabi Tigress 25–16.[13] In the men's semi-finals, Marathi Vultures and Tamil Lions advanced to the final.[4]
The finals took place on April 30, 2025. In the men's final, Marathi Vultures defeated Tamil Lions 40–30, with captain Sunil Narwal leading with 17 tackle points.[4][11] In the women's final, Tamil Lioness defeated Telugu Cheetahs 31–19, earning 14 tackle points and four all-out points.[3][14] Tamil Lioness also won the Championship Trophy for their overall performance, having topped the league stage.[4]
Impact and Reception
[edit]The GI-PKL has been recognized for its focus on gender equality and international participation.[6][7] International players from Poland, Hungary, and England expressed enthusiasm for the league, highlighting its role in globalizing kabaddi.[7] HIPSA President Kanthi D. Suresh stated the league aims to support kabaddi's inclusion in the Olympics.[10][1]
The league promoted itself through a digital campaign in Times Square, New York, to enhance kabaddi's global visibility.[15] The Haryana government's support, including the involvement of Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam and Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar, who presented the trophies, underscored the league's regional significance.[2][4] Asianet News, an official partner, provided extensive digital coverage, amplifying the league's reach.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Kabaddi League to kick off in April". The Times of India. 2025-03-14. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League: Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam Flags Off Historic First Edition in Gurugram". myKhel. 2025-04-19. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b "GI-PKL 2025: Tamil Lioness crowned women's champions after dominant win over Telugu Cheetahs". MSN. 2025-05-01. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b c d e "Marathi Vultures, Tamil Lioness Win Inaugural GI-PKL; Lioness Also Bag Championship Trophy". Cricketnmore. 2025-04-30. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b "Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League Unveils 12 Franchise Teams". The Hawk. 2024-12-29. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b c d "Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League unveils 12 teams". Cricketnmore. 2024-12-29. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b c d "Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi league set to kick off with international stars". Daijiworld.com. 2025-04-01. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League Set to Kick Off in Gurugram". Devdiscourse. 2025-03-13. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b c "Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) announces full schedule, final on April 30". ANI News. 2025-04-04. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b c "Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League unveils Championship Trophy". The Statesman. 2025-03-24. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b "Marathi Vultures, Tamil Lioness win inaugural GI-PKL competition". The Tribune. 2025-04-30. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b "GI-PKL 2025: Telugu Cheetahs, Punjabi Tigress, Tamil Lioness win in women's section". The Statesman. 2025-04-20. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "GI-PKL 2025: Tamil Lioness, Telugu Cheetahs Set Up Final Clash With Dominant Wins". Cricketnmore. 2025-04-29. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b "GI-PKL 2025: Telugu Cheetahs को हरा कर Tamil Lioness बनीं महिला चैंपियन". Asianet News. 2025-05-01. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League makes waves at Times Square". Public TV English. 2025-04-10. Retrieved 2025-05-06.