NEW DELHI: Asian Kabaddi League (AKL) has officially ushered in a new chapter for women’s kabaddi with the launch of Women’s Chapter 1, a dedicated international professional league aimed at elevating the sport across Asia. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, where league officials, sports administrators, federation representatives and players came together to unveil the landmark initiative, widely regarded as a significant step forward for women’s kabaddi.
Unlike most professional kabaddi tournaments that primarily focus on men’s competitions, AKL Women’s Chapter 1 has been designed exclusively to provide women athletes with a professional international platform. The organisers believe the initiative will not only elevate the standard of women’s kabaddi but also encourage greater participation from aspiring athletes across the continent.
The league has been launched in collaboration with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the South East Asian Kabaddi Federation (SEAKF), and state kabaddi associations from Jharkhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh. Representatives from these federations and associations were honoured during the event for their contribution to the development of the sport.
Prime-Time Broadcast to Expand the Sport’s Reach
One of the biggest highlights of the announcement was the confirmation that Sony will serve as the official broadcasting partner for the tournament. The decision to air the matches during prime-time television is expected to significantly increase the league’s reach and provide women players with a level of exposure that has traditionally been limited.
League officials believe mainstream television coverage will help attract larger audiences, generate greater commercial interest, and inspire the next generation of kabaddi players.
League Aims to Build Equal Opportunities
Speaking during the launch, AKL President – Growth & Media Vikram Vijay Chandan described Women’s Chapter 1 as an important initiative to create equal opportunities for women in professional kabaddi.
He said the tournament would bring together some of Asia’s finest women kabaddi players and experienced team management on one platform. According to him, the league is committed to ensuring that women’s kabaddi receives the recognition, visibility and respect it deserves through professional organisation and nationwide television coverage.
The organisers also stated that the league aligns with India’s broader efforts to strengthen women’s participation in sports and promote gender equality in professional sporting competitions.
Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Talent Development
League Chairman Dr. Praveen Shetty welcomed representatives from the participating state associations and reiterated the vision behind the competition.
He emphasised that talented kabaddi players are present across every region and deserve equal opportunities to compete at the highest level. The new league, he said, has been established to identify, nurture and showcase this talent on an international stage while creating a sustainable professional pathway for women athletes.
Officials noted that the tournament is expected to become a recurring international event that can contribute to the long-term growth of women’s kabaddi.
Players Hail the Initiative
International kabaddi player Suman Shokeen welcomed the launch of the league, describing it as a long-awaited breakthrough for women athletes.
She said female kabaddi players have been waiting for years for a professional competition of this magnitude. According to Shokeen, the league offers women players a platform to display their abilities before larger audiences while motivating young girls across India and neighbouring countries to pursue kabaddi as a serious sporting career.
She expressed confidence that the tournament would inspire greater participation at the grassroots level and help raise the overall standard of women’s kabaddi.
International Participation Strengthens the League
During the event, Shri Narayanan thanked the organisers and the participating state kabaddi associations for supporting the initiative. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Tamil Nadu Kabaddi Association in helping make the tournament possible.
He highlighted that players from several Southeast Asian nations will compete alongside Indian athletes, giving the league a truly international character. Organisers believe this multinational participation will strengthen sporting ties within Asia while offering players valuable international experience.
The inclusion of athletes from different countries is also expected to improve competitiveness and promote the exchange of playing techniques and strategies among participating teams.
A New Chapter for the Sport
The launch of AKL Women’s Chapter 1 marks a significant development in the evolution of women’s kabaddi. By combining professional management, international participation and nationwide television coverage, the organisers hope to create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits players, coaches, federations and fans alike.
As the countdown begins for the inaugural edition from August 1 to August 16, expectations are high that the league will not only showcase elite women athletes but also redefine the future of women’s kabaddi across Asia.
With growing institutional support, international collaboration and increased media visibility, AKL Women’s Chapter 1 could become a landmark platform that accelerates the growth of women’s kabaddi and encourages a new generation of players to pursue excellence on the global stage.
