June 30, 2025, National: SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, the exclusive rights holder for both the World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL) and the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), proudly announces the launch of the inaugural edition of WSKL—a groundbreaking step towards making Kabaddi a truly global sport. With the active engagement of nearly 30 countries and formal confirmation from 20 national federations, the inaugural season is tentatively scheduled for February–March 2026 and will be hosted in Dubai, a strategic location chosen to maximize international exposure and fan accessibility.
Building on the success of UPKL, which carried the banner, ‘Apna Bharat, Apna Khel’, WSKL signifies a bold new chapter in the world of Kabaddi. Unlike UPKL, which was largely India-centric, WSKL has been conceptualized as an international platform with one key mission: to globalize Kabaddi and pave the way for its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Backed by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and holding commercial rights through the South Asian Kabaddi Federation, WSKL positions itself as a credible and globally supported league.
WSKL will adopt a franchise-based model, featuring eight teams in its inaugural season. This model sets it apart from existing leagues; each team will showcase not just Indian talent but also strong international representation, mirroring the league’s commitment to building a truly global Kabaddi ecosystem. This approach is aimed at attracting diverse audiences and fostering international rivalries.
WSKL is fully owned and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, an entity founded by Sambhav Jain, a passionate advocate for the growth and modernization of Kabaddi. Speaking about this ambitious new venture, Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd stated, “Kabaddi has always deserved a larger stage not just for India but for the global sporting community. With WSKL, our goal is to reimagine the sport for a global audience, unlock international talent, and take decisive steps towards Olympic recognition. The success of UPKL gave us the foundation, but WSKL is about creating a Kabaddi league that belongs to the world. We are building this with a vision for the next decade, not just the next season.”
The financial incentives for this league are also noteworthy, with a total player purse of ₹48 crore across its eight franchises, showcasing a robust investment appetite for this promising new sports property. The growing interest has led to active participation from prominent Kabaddi nations, including South Korea, Iran, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, and the United States. Discussions are ongoing to potentially onboard additional countries, further enhancing the league’s diversity.
WSKL is designed not as a seasonal tournament but as an evolving global sports property, aiming for longevity and sustainability. SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd is dedicated to developing WSKL into a 12-month, year-round Kabaddi ecosystem. This initiative will create opportunities for sustained fan engagement, off-season activities, and long-term player development, ensuring that Kabaddi remains in the spotlight throughout the year.
With WSKL, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd is setting a new benchmark for Kabaddi, aiming to create an international movement that aspires to bring the sport to a much larger and more diverse audience, redefining its place on the global sporting stage.
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