SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd Charts a New Path for Indian Sports
June 30, 2025 | National: In a landmark development for Indian sports and the global Kabaddi community, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd—the exclusive rights holder for the World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL) and Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL)—has officially announced the launch of the inaugural edition of the World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL). This ambitious initiative aims to position Kabaddi as a world-class sport, bringing it closer to Olympic recognition while cultivating a vibrant international ecosystem.
The first season of WSKL is tentatively scheduled for February–March 2026 and will be hosted in Dubai, a strategic location selected to ensure maximum international visibility and logistical convenience. With active engagement from nearly 30 countries and confirmed participation from 20 national federations, the WSKL is set to be a transformative milestone in Kabaddi’s evolution.
From ‘Apna Bharat’ to the World: WSKL’s Global Vision
Building on the domestic success of UPKL, which operated under the motto “Apna Bharat, Apna Khel” and was focused on nurturing grassroots talent in India, the World Super Kabaddi League signals a bold leap forward. While UPKL spotlighted India’s rich Kabaddi culture, WSKL is a global platform with a singular vision: to globalize the sport and champion its entry into the Olympic Games.
Unlike any Kabaddi league seen before, WSKL is envisioned as an international, inclusive, and iconic sporting movement. The league has received the official backing of the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and operates under the commercial and strategic guidance of the South Asian Kabaddi Federation (SAKF). This lends WSKL the institutional credibility required to build sustainable global engagement.
Franchise Format with a Global Edge
The inaugural season will feature eight franchise-based teams, each built around a hybrid model of international and Indian talent. This mixed-player format is central to the league’s philosophy of fostering cross-border camaraderie and promoting competitive parity.
Each team will not only represent a franchise city or region but also embody an international appeal, showcasing the rich diversity and talent that exists in the global Kabaddi community. Teams will feature players from South Korea, Iran, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, and the United States, among others, with discussions ongoing with more countries to expand participation.
Strong Financial Commitment and Global Outreach
WSKL’s scale and ambition are backed by a robust financial structure. SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd has announced a total player purse of ₹48 crore to be distributed across its eight franchises in the inaugural season. This impressive allocation underscores investor confidence and highlights the sport’s growing appeal among stakeholders looking for the next big growth market in sports entertainment.
Commenting on the vision behind WSKL, Sambhav Jain, Founder and Director of SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, shared:
“Kabaddi has always deserved a global stage—not just as India’s ancient game, but as a sport with universal appeal. With WSKL, our objective is to reimagine Kabaddi for a global audience, integrate international talent, and take the sport one step closer to Olympic inclusion. We aren’t building for one season—we are building for the next decade of global Kabaddi.”
WSKL: A Year-Round Kabaddi Ecosystem
Unlike traditional leagues that operate for a few months annually, WSKL is designed as a full-fledged, 12-month sporting ecosystem. The league will encompass not only the main season but also include:
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Off-season training camps
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International player exchange programs
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Fan engagement activities
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Talent development initiatives
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Kabaddi business conclaves
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Media and content integration for 24/7 visibility
The aim is to build a year-round relationship between players, fans, and the sport, expanding Kabaddi’s presence in the digital and live sports space.
Dubai: A Strategic Global Launchpad
Dubai was carefully selected as the host for the inaugural season due to its connectivity, neutrality, and world-class sporting infrastructure. The UAE has already emerged as a preferred hub for global sports leagues, offering easy access for both Asian and Western participants.
The decision to host the first season outside India is also a strong statement of intent—positioning Kabaddi as a serious international contender. The league organizers hope this global-first approach will attract non-traditional Kabaddi audiences, drive media partnerships, and secure endorsement opportunities across the sports world.
Building Momentum: Lessons from UPKL
SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd brings experience and credibility to the table, having successfully launched and managed the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL). UPKL made headlines for its grassroots engagement and structured talent development pipeline, which identified and nurtured over 500 emerging Kabaddi athletes from across India.
The UPKL model of local pride meets professional management laid the foundation for scaling up to an international platform. Learnings from UPKL—such as efficient league operations, talent scouting formats, and fan management—will be instrumental in the successful execution of WSKL.
Olympic Dreams: A Long-Term Goal
The inclusion of Kabaddi in the Olympics has long been a subject of discussion. WSKL intends to act as a catalyst for Olympic recognition by standardizing global rules, increasing international participation, and improving the sport’s media and broadcast appeal.
By elevating the professionalism and popularity of Kabaddi across continents, the league is building the kind of global infrastructure and awareness that Olympic bodies seek in potential sports additions.
About SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd
SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd is a pioneering sports enterprise dedicated to the promotion, organization, and global expansion of Kabaddi. Through its flagship properties—World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL) and Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL)—the company is redefining how the sport is perceived, consumed, and celebrated.
The organization holds exclusive intellectual and commercial rights to both leagues and maintains complete operational control over the management, promotion, and broadcast strategies. The company’s efforts are aligned with national and international federations to maintain the sport’s integrity while innovating for a modern audience.
Core Initiatives:
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World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL): In partnership with the South East Asian Kabaddi Federation (SEAKF) and sanctioned by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), WSKL is the world’s first franchise-based global Kabaddi league. It aims to unify regional styles, attract international audiences, and elevate the sport’s visibility across borders.
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Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL): A state-level league conceptualized in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi Association, UPKL provides a professional platform for India’s grassroots Kabaddi talent. It serves as the foundation for building a structured talent pipeline that feeds into national and international opportunities.
SJ Uplift Kabaddi’s vision is to build a sustainable, inclusive, and entertaining Kabaddi ecosystem that spans continents, inspires athletes, and unites fans through the timeless spirit of the game.
Conclusion: A Global Movement Begins
With the launch of the World Super Kabaddi League, a new chapter begins—not just for the sport of Kabaddi but for Indian sports on the global stage. What was once a rural pastime is now poised to become an international sporting sensation, thanks to the vision, commitment, and strategic foresight of SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd.
As the countdown to February 2026 begins, the world watches with anticipation as WSKL gears up to redefine what Kabaddi means to fans—from Uttar Pradesh to the United States. This is more than a league; it’s a movement. A movement to uplift, unite, and unleash Kabaddi on the world stage.
