World Super Kabaddi League Aims to Take Kabaddi Global

Kabaddi, a sport rooted deeply in Indian tradition, is set for its biggest leap yet with the launch of the World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL) in 2026. This ambitious new league, spearheaded by SJ Uplift Kabaddi, aims to transform Kabaddi from a regional favorite into a truly global phenomenon, with the long-term goal of securing a place for the sport in the Olympic Games.

A Global Vision for Kabaddi

The inaugural season of WSKL is scheduled for February–March 2026 and will be hosted in Dubai—a strategic choice to maximize international exposure and accessibility for fans and players alike. The league has already attracted participation from nearly 30 countries, with formal confirmation from 20 national federations. Countries such as South Korea, Iran, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, and the United States have shown strong interest, with more expected to join as the league gears up for its debut.

Franchise Model With International Flair

WSKL will kick off with eight franchise teams, each blending top international players with Indian Kabaddi talent. This approach is designed to create a competitive, multicultural league that showcases the best of Kabaddi from around the world. The league has committed a player purse of Rs. 48 crore across its franchises—signaling significant investment and confidence in Kabaddi’s global appeal.

Backed by Global Bodies

WSKL is not just another sports league—it’s a project with strong international backing. The league is supported by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and holds commercial rights through the South Asian Kabaddi Federation, lending it both credibility and the structure needed for long-term growth.

SJ Uplift Kabaddi, which previously found success with the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) in India, is fully owning and operating WSKL. The company is led by Sambhav Jain, a passionate advocate for Kabaddi’s modernization and global expansion.

Olympic Ambitions

The core mission of WSKL is clear: globalize Kabaddi and pave the way for its inclusion in the Olympics. By bringing together teams and players from across continents, the league hopes to unlock new international talent, foster cross-cultural exchange, and build a year-round Kabaddi ecosystem that keeps fans engaged beyond just a seasonal tournament.

Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder of SJ Uplift Kabaddi, emphasized,

“Kabaddi has always deserved a larger stage not just for India but for the global sporting community. With WSKL, our goal is to reimagine the sport for a global audience, unlock international talent, and take decisive steps towards Olympic recognition. The success of UPKL gave us the foundation, but WSKL is about creating a Kabaddi league that belongs to the world. We are building this with a vision for the next decade, not just the next season.”

Year-Round Kabaddi Ecosystem

Unlike most sports leagues that operate for a few months, WSKL is envisioned as a 12-month, year-round Kabaddi ecosystem. This means continuous fan engagement, off-season activities, and a focus on long-term player growth and development. The league’s structure is designed to keep Kabaddi in the global spotlight throughout the year, building a loyal and growing fanbase.

Why Dubai?

Dubai’s selection as the host city for the inaugural season is no accident. As a global hub, it offers world-class infrastructure, easy international access, and a cosmopolitan environment—perfect for launching a sport with global ambitions. The city’s reputation for hosting major sporting events adds further credibility to WSKL’s vision.

The launch of the World Super Kabaddi League marks a new era for Kabaddi, taking it from Indian soil to the world stage. With strong international backing, significant investment, and a clear Olympic dream, WSKL is poised to make Kabaddi a sport that truly belongs to the world.