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India Launches First Kickboxing Super League With 8 Teams & ₹1 Crore Prize

India's first professionally structured kickboxing league, the Kickboxing Super League (KSL), was launched in New Delhi. The inaugural season will feature eight franchise teams with a commitment to 60% male and 40% female fighter participation. The league includes a performance-linked reward system, culminating in a top prize of up to ₹1 crore for the best fighter. Athletes will be selected through open registrations, trials, and a formal auction process for the 16-day season.

Key Points: India's First Kickboxing Super League Launched with 8 Teams

  • 8 franchise teams called Warrior Clans
  • 60:40 men-to-women participation ratio
  • ₹1 crore Mega Performance Award
  • 238 bouts over 16 days
  • Open registrations and auction for athletes
2 min read

India's first Kickboxing Super League launched, to feature 8 teams

India's first professional kickboxing league, KSL, launched with 8 teams, a ₹1 crore prize, and a 60:40 men-to-women participation ratio.

"KSL aims to professionalise kickboxing in India by introducing structured competition, athlete contracts, performance-linked rewards - League Statement"

New Delhi, February 8

India's first professionally structured kickboxing league has been launched with the unveiling of the Kickboxing Super League during the WAKO India National Championship in the national capital.

The launch took place on February 7 in the presence of senior government representatives, national sports officials, athletes, coaches, and stakeholders from across the Indian sporting ecosystem in the national capital, according to a statement by the League.

KSL aims to professionalise kickboxing in India by introducing structured competition, athlete contracts, performance-linked rewards, and a clear pathway from grassroots to elite competition.

Season One of KSL will feature eight franchise teams, referred to as Warrior Clans, each comprising 34 fighters. The league has committed to a 60:40 men-to-women participation ratio, reinforcing its focus on inclusivity and women's participation.

At the end of Season One, the league will also confer a Mega Performance Award of up to ₹1 crore on the best-performing fighter or fighters.

Around 20 per cent of the athletes will be international professionals. The inaugural season will be conducted over a 16-day league window, delivering a total of 238 bouts.

Athlete participation will be driven through open registrations, nationwide trials, selection camps, and a formal auction process, following which fighters will be contracted by franchises for the season.

Athlete registrations for Season One of the Kickboxing Super League are now open, with further announcements on trials, auction timelines, and the official competition calendar expected in the coming months.

Kickboxing is one of the world's fastest-growing combat sports, played in over 150 countries globally and governed internationally by the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), an IOC-recognised federation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows combat sports, I'm thrilled. The auction process and international athletes will raise the competition level. Hope they get good broadcast deals so we can all watch!
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Priya S
Finally, a clear pathway for young athletes! My brother trains in kickboxing and always complained about the lack of professional structure. This league could be a game-changer for so many talented fighters across the country.
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Rohit P
Great initiative, but I hope they focus on athlete welfare too. 238 bouts in 16 days sounds intense. Proper medical facilities and rest periods are crucial in a contact sport. Wishing the league all the best!
K
Kavya N
Warrior Clans? Love the branding! This has the potential to be as big as the Pro Kabaddi League if marketed well. The focus on women's participation is especially commendable. Can't wait to see which cities get the teams.
M
Michael C
Interesting development. India is becoming a serious player in the global sports league market. The inclusion of 20% international pros will help raise standards. Hope the grassroots pathway is robust and not just for show.

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