Mon Jan 27 10:23:29 UTC 2025: ## Pro Kabaddi League Eyes Olympic Glory, Aims to Become India’s Top Non-Cricket League

**NEW DELHI** – The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), celebrating its second decade, is setting its sights high, aiming for Olympic inclusion and solidifying its position as India’s premier non-cricket league. League commissioner Anupam Goswami shared the league’s ambitious vision, highlighting its significant contributions to Indian sports and its plans for the future.

Goswami emphasized PKL’s role in establishing a model for grassroots sports to thrive in a modern, organized setting. The league’s success, he noted, is significantly bolstered by its media partnership with Star Sports, which has played a crucial role in creating compelling narratives around the sport and its athletes. Looking ahead, Goswami stressed the importance of engaging new media platforms and younger audiences. Furthermore, he envisions PKL teams evolving into strong sporting clubs, fostering community engagement and driving future growth.

The PKL’s achievements extend beyond its financial success. Goswami pointed to the league’s resilience in navigating the pandemic, successfully completing Season 8 in 2021 despite the challenges of a contact sport. He also highlighted PKL’s commitment to financial sustainability while acknowledging the unique value proposition of sports in uniting and inspiring people globally. The league’s contribution to the rise of kabaddi players as national heroes and the significant increase in their earnings have been transformative for the sport.

A key aspiration for the PKL is to see kabaddi included in the Olympics. The league’s success at the Asian Games, where kabaddi is a medal sport, provides a strong foundation for this ambition. Goswami also underscored PKL’s role in developing the national kabaddi team, with all national team members originating from the league.

While acknowledging the significant progress made, Goswami also highlighted the need to further develop women’s kabaddi. Plans are underway to launch a women’s league with the aim of replicating the men’s league’s success. However, he acknowledged the challenge of developing a sufficient talent pool of female players. Ultimately, the PKL’s vision is not just about sporting success but also about creating a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem for kabaddi in India.

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