National Kabaddi stars gear up for global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League

Gurugram (Haryana) [India], January 19 (ANI): National-level players have already begun rigorous training for the upcoming Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL), which will feature participation from countries such as Egypt, Kenya, Argentina, Taiwan, and Poland. With the players' draft approaching, both men's and women's athletes are intensifying their preparations to compete in the League.

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Prominent players like Sawin Narwal, Sandeep Kandola, Ajay Kumar, and Kapil Narwal are leaving no stone unturned in their training. National gold medalists such as M Anitha, Indra Rohini, Arul Santhiya, and Selvarebiksha have also started practice sessions in their respective states.

Sawin Narwal, a rifleman in the Indian Army currently stationed in Ranchi, is honing his Kabaddi skills within his battalion. Having competed in numerous Kabaddi leagues, Sawin, a national-level player, is eager to participate in GI-PKL.

"The training is going on very well for the Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League. I'm also looking forward to play in the friendly Kabaddi matches organised inside the campus. I'm actually very excited for GI-PKL," said Sawin Narwal as quoted by a GI-Panchkula press release.

Echoing similar sentiments, Kapil Narwal said, "I'm very excited to be a part of GI-PKL. I've already played with international players and I'm looking forward to bringing my A-game again on the mat."

Sharing her enthusiasm, M Anitha said, "I'm thrilled to be part of the GI-PKL. Sharing the dressing room with international players will be a great learning experience and an opportunity to understand different playing styles."

Arul Santhiya also expressed her excitement, stating, "It's an incredible feeling to be part of a league that unites players from across the globe. I look forward to sharing strategies and learning from international players. This experience will surely enhance my game."

Speaking about the players' participation and excitement, Kanthi D. Suresh, President of the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA), said, as per the press release,"The excitement around GI-Panchkula highlights the popularity of Kabaddi and the power of sport to unite cultures and break barriers. The overwhelming response from global and domestic players underscores our vision to create an inclusive and dynamic platform for kabaddi."

The inaugural season of GI-Panchkula will feature 12 teams--six women's teams and six corresponding men's teams--each representing the cultural and linguistic diversity of India. The teams have been strategically named to reflect their regional identities.

Women's Teams: Marathi Falcons, Bhojpuri Leopardess, Telugu Cheetahs, Tamil Lioness, Punjabi Tigress, and Haryanvi Eagles.

Men's Teams: Marathi Vultures, Bhojpuri Leopards, Telugu Panthers, Tamil Lions, Punjabi Tigers, and Haryanvi Sharks.

Each franchise will own both a men's and a women's team, a first-of-its-kind arrangement in Kabaddi, promoting equality and inclusivity. (ANI)

(The story has come from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Tribune Staff.)