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GPKL Season 2 Goes Global with Players from Europe, Africa, and Asia

The Global Pravasi Kabaddi League (GPKL) Season 2 is set to feature international athletes from Europe, Africa, and Asia, marking a significant expansion from its first season. European participation includes nations like England, the Netherlands, and Germany, while African players from Tanzania and Kenya will join, alongside Asian athletes from Hong Kong and Taiwan. The league emphasizes a dual-gender format, continuing its commitment to featuring both men and women athletes to foster inclusive growth. This structured platform aims to accelerate kabaddi's global development by providing international players with competitive exposure and interaction with Indian talent.

Key Points: Global Pravasi Kabaddi League Season 2 Adds International Players

  • International players from 3 continents
  • Dual-gender format for men & women
  • Structured franchise ownership with Cornerstone
  • Focus on global development pathways
  • Evolution from GIPKL to sharper global GPKL
2 min read

GPKL season 2 to feature international players from Europe, Africa and Asia

GPKL Season 2 to feature kabaddi athletes from Europe, Africa, and Asia, boosting the sport's global growth and inclusive dual-gender format.

"The league's commitment to dual-gender representation remains central to its long-term vision of inclusive growth and international engagement - tournament organisers"

New Delhi, February 21

The Global Pravasi Kabaddi League has confirmed participation from international players across multiple continents for its upcoming season, according to a release.

Building on the foundation laid during its launch edition, which operated as GIPKL, Season 2 marks a significant step forward in the league's evolution from a proof-of-concept initiative into a more structured, globally oriented platform for kabaddi.

Cornerstone was recently onboarded as a Strategic Advisory Partner to structure franchise ownership for Season 2, the release said.

The upcoming season is expected to feature both male and female athletes from Europe, Africa and Asia, further strengthening GPKL's positioning as a bridge between India's kabaddi heartland and the emerging global ecosystem of the sport.

International participation for Season 2 is anticipated from European nations including England, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Germany. In addition, African representation is expected from Tanzania, Kenya and Cameroon -- regions where kabaddi has witnessed steady grassroots growth in recent years.

Asian participation will also expand with players from Hong Kong and Taiwan joining the Season 2 talent pool, the release said.

The inclusion of athletes from these geographies reflects a broader trend of growing interest in kabaddi beyond traditional playing nations and highlights the increasing role of structured competitive platforms in accelerating the sport's global development.

"Importantly, Season 2 will continue to feature participation from both men and women athletes. The league's commitment to dual-gender representation remains central to its long-term vision of inclusive growth and international engagement," the tournament organisers said.

The participation of international players also complements ongoing efforts to create meaningful pathways for overseas kabaddi athletes through exposure to structured competition, coaching environments and interaction with experienced Indian players.

What began as GIPKL in its launch season now evolves into the Global Pravasi Kabaddi League with a sharper global outlook and a stronger emphasis on structured development, the release said.

As kabaddi continues to expand its international footprint, platforms that enable cross-border participation are expected to play a critical role in strengthening the sport's global competitiveness and long-term institutional growth.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great step for the sport. But I hope the focus remains on quality of play and not just on the 'global' tag. The women's kabaddi scene in India is strong, glad they are keeping it dual-gender. More power to our women raiders and defenders!
R
Rohit P
Kenya and Tanzania? Wow! I remember watching some exhibition matches there on YouTube. The sport is really picking up. This league can be a great platform for talent exchange. Jai Kabaddi!
M
Michael C
As someone who discovered kabaddi during the Pro Kabaddi League, it's exciting to see it grow. Having international players will only raise the competition level. Looking forward to seeing how athletes from different continents adapt to the sport's pace.
S
Shreya B
Respectfully, I hope the organizers have a solid plan. Just getting players isn't enough. Need good marketing, proper broadcasting, and fan engagement. Otherwise, it will remain a niche event. The intent is good, execution is key.
K
Karthik V
Amazing! This is how we share our culture with the world. From the mud pits of villages to international leagues – kabaddi has come a long way. Can't wait to see a Polish player doing a super tackle or a German doing a running hand touch! 😄

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