Kabaddi Players Are India’s Best-Paid Athletes Outside Cricket: PKL Commissioner
Kabaddi, once considered a rustic pastime played in village fields, has now emerged as one of India’s most thrilling professional sports. Beyond cricket, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless athletes, offering them fame, financial stability, and a platform to shine on the global stage.
Anupam Goswami, the commissioner of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), sheds light on this remarkable transformation. From nurturing grassroots talent to dreaming of Olympic glory, PKL is not just redefining kabaddi but also reshaping the landscape of Indian sports. How did this ancient sport rise to such prominence? And what does its future hold? Let’s dive into the story behind the league that’s changing lives, one raid at a time.
Q. What is the journey of PKL over 11 years?
Sports leagues are still new in India. The biggest league here is only 18 seasons old but already among the best globally. PKL is one of two leagues outside cricket to enter its second decade. This is a big milestone. We have created a model for grassroots sports to grow. Organized fandom and modern media have played a huge role.
Q. How did PKL create heroes from rural areas?
Heroes are born when athletic talent meets storytelling. Media plays a key role in this. Star Sports has been transformative for PKL. As we move forward, emerging media will help us reach new audiences. PKL teams are also becoming great sporting clubs. This will drive growth and create more kabaddi heroes.
Q. Why do some leagues fail while PKL succeeds?
Leagues need a fan-first approach. PKL has set examples for other sports. During the pandemic, we missed 2020 but came back strong in 2021. We conducted a full season despite challenges. This shows our commitment.
Q. Did corporate investments change after Covid?
Investments must make financial sense. But sports offer unique value. They unite people and inspire them. Social media followings for athletes are growing globally. This proves that sports are important even in tough times.
Q. Is there tension between playing for clubs vs country?
Players dream of playing for India. Team India remains special. In kabaddi, players aspire to win medals at the Asian Games and aim for the Olympics. PKL teams contribute to this dream by using technology and training methods. Today, all national team players come from PKL. Before PKL, no one noticed kabaddi stars. Now they are celebrated.
Q. Are kabaddi players well-paid compared to other sports?
Yes. Outside cricket, kabaddi players are the best-paid athletes in India. Ask any player—they will tell you how PKL changed their lives. Their self-esteem has skyrocketed because of the league’s success.
Q. When will we see a women’s kabaddi league?
Women’s kabaddi is essential for the sport’s future. We started the Women’s Kabaddi Challenge in 2016 and plan to launch a full women’s league soon. But we want it to have the same impact as PKL had in 2014. Right now, finding enough talented women players is a challenge. But we are committed to making it happen.
This inspiring story of PKL’s rise was covered by BBC, showcasing how kabaddi is rewriting the future of sports in India.
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