Kabaddi not merely a game, but a vital expression of cultural identity: Panwar

Kabaddi Champions League (KCL), Haryana, was on Monday officially launched by Development and Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar; the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) vice-president; the Amateur Kabaddi Association of Haryana (AKAH) president, and the Haryana Olympic Association (HOA) general secretary.

AKAH chairman Kuldeep Singh Dalal and Shri Shri 1008 Shri Mahant Bhalegiri Maharaj were among the attendees of the inaugural event.

Panwar said: “Kabaddi is not merely a game — it is a vital expression of our cultural identity. This league will provide a platform for young athletes to test their abilities, refine their skills, and strive for excellence. Beyond the field, such endeavours serve a larger purpose: they channel the energy of our youth into meaningful and constructive pursuits, steering them away from destructive influences such as narcotics.”

Rajesh Narwal, all-rounder and brand ambassador of KCL, Haryana, said: “As a player who has risen through the ‘akharas’ of Haryana, I know the hard work and passion that go into kabaddi. The KCL is a huge opportunity for young players to showcase their talent and make their families and villages proud.”

Mohit Chillar, defender and another brand ambassador of KCL, Haryana, said he had witnessed first-hand how kabaddi instilled courage, teamwork, and respect among players. KCL organisers said kabaddi was the heartbeat of the state, and with the KCL, they aimed to give the tradition a professional stage. “This league is not just about matches, it is about building careers, nurturing discipline, and taking Haryana’s kabaddi dream from ‘gaon’ to glory,” he added.

The inaugural edition of the KCL is scheduled to take place in December in Sonepat. The competition will host eight teams from across Haryana, competing in 31 matches over 16 days, with each team playing seven matches.

The tournament was poised to be one of the most awaited sporting events in the state’s calendar, showcasing Haryana’s unmatched kabaddi talent on a professional scale, the organisers added.