# Mohit Chhillar backs franchise leagues to boost kabaddi in Gujarat
_Veteran defender Mohit Chhillar supports franchise-based leagues following Nxt Sports' acquisition of Bhavnagar Bulls._

- Publisher: Apex Sports News (https://apexsportsnews.in)
- Canonical URL: https://apexsportsnews.in/news/mohit-chhillar-backs-franchise-leagues-to-boost-kabaddi-in-gujarat
- Author: Sapna Pandey, Sports writer (https://apexsportsnews.in/author/sapna-pandey)
- Published: 2026-10-28T08:44:55.597Z
- Section: Kabaddi
- Topics: kabaddi, Mohit Chhillar, Bhavnagar Bulls, Gujarat Kabaddi League
## Summary

Mohit Chhillar has backed franchise-based kabaddi leagues to help the sport grow in Gujarat. His comments follow Nxt Sports' acquisition of the Bhavnagar Bulls franchise in the Gujarat Kabaddi League.

## Key takeaways

- Mohit Chhillar supports franchise-based leagues for kabaddi's expansion in Gujarat
- Nxt Sports acquired the Bhavnagar Bulls franchise in the Gujarat Kabaddi League
- Chhillar plays for Tamil Thalaivas in the VIVO Pro Kabaddi League
- The Gujarat Kabaddi League promotes regional representation across the state

## Article

Veteran Indian kabaddi player Mohit Chhillar has backed franchise-based leagues as a key driver for kabaddi's expansion in Gujarat, saying they create opportunities for emerging players and broaden the sport's appeal across the state. His remarks follow the acquisition of the Bhavnagar Bulls franchise in the Gujarat Kabaddi League by sports management company Nxt Sports, which intends to strengthen the team and focus on regional talent development, according to a press release.

## Chhillar's record

Chhillar currently plays for Tamil Thalaivas in the VIVO Pro Kabaddi League and has been one of India's best defenders for the past decade. He is fifth in the league's all-time High 5s chart and fourth in the Tackle Points and Super Tackles leaderboards. The India men's national kabaddi team, governed by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India established in 1972, is the most successful national kabaddi side in history, securing gold medals at the Asian Games in nine out of ten editions since 1990 and winning all three Kabaddi World Cup editions in 2004, 2007, and 2016, defeating Iran in each final. The team has also won the Asian Kabaddi Championship eight times across nine men's editions.

##   
League plans

The Gujarat Kabaddi League seeks to promote regional representation through a franchise-based competition featuring teams from various parts of the state. This format aims to provide aspiring players with opportunities to compete in an organised setting and gain increased visibility. Regional leagues can strengthen Gujarat's kabaddi ecosystem by linking players, coaches, franchises, and sponsors while fostering local interest in the sport. Enhanced competition and exposure can aid the development of emerging athletes beyond the established professional circuit.

## What Chhillar said

"The rise of franchise-based leagues is vital for kabaddi's future. They not only offer competitive platforms for players but also help the sport connect with new audiences," Chhillar stated. He added, "With a clear vision, a well-structured team, and a focus on identifying raw talent, such franchises can significantly contribute to the sport's growth and provide aspiring players a much-needed platform to display their skills." He described the acquisition of Bhavnagar Bulls by Nxt Sports as an encouraging development for Gujarat kabaddi.

## Next Steps

The acquisition marks a new phase for Bhavnagar Bulls, with Nxt Sports aiming to develop the franchise, improve its competitiveness, and explore opportunities in talent identification, fan engagement, and commercial partnerships. The Gujarat Kabaddi League aims to foster regional representation, offering young players an organised environment to compete and gain visibility. This approach is expected to bolster the state's kabaddi infrastructure by linking players, coaches, franchises, and sponsors, ultimately fueling local interest and nurturing future stars beyond the established professional circuits.

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### Sources

- [lokmattimes.com](https://www.lokmattimes.com/other-sports/mohit-chhillar-backs-franchise-leagues-to-boost-gujarat-kabaddi-a001-w01/)
- [thenewsmill.com](https://thenewsmill.com/2026/10/mohit-chhillar-supports-franchise-leagues-to-boost-kabaddi-in-gujarat/)
- [Photo: Simpu07, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mohitchhillar.jpg)
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