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Kabaddi Champions League boosts Indian kabaddi, says Anup Kumar

Anup Kumar credits KCL with creating professional opportunities for players and strengthening India’s kabaddi talent pool.

By , Sports writer

· 3 min read

A kabaddi, general view
Kabaddi (general file photo, not from this event) Photo: Zeeshan suhel / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Seven KCL-affiliated players were part of India’s gold-winning kabaddi squad at the Asian Games in Japan. Anup Kumar has been appointed head coach of Kurukshetra Knights for KCL Season 2.

Key takeaways

  • Seven KCL-affiliated players featured in India’s gold-winning kabaddi squad at the Asian Games in Japan
  • Anup Kumar has been named Head Coach of Kurukshetra Knights for KCL Season 2
  • The KCL auction concluded on October 17, 2026
  • KCL-connected players are also taking part in the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship
  • The league aims to build a professional platform and a clearer path to international kabaddi

Former Indian captain and coach Anup Kumar said the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) is significantly changing the landscape of Indian kabaddi by providing professional avenues for players and strengthening the sport’s talent pool. Kumar highlighted KCL’s growing influence, noting that seven players from the KCL system were integral members of India’s gold-winning kabaddi squad at the Asian Games in Japan. Players connected with KCL are actively participating in the ongoing Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, underscoring the league’s vital role in advancing Indian kabaddi, according to a recent press release. “KCL is transforming the Indian kabaddi ecosystem by offering players a competitive platform to display their skills and advance their careers. The presence of seven KCL-affiliated players in India's Asian Games gold-medal team, alongside their participation in the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, demonstrates the potential a robust domestic structure holds,” Anup Kumar explained. Anup Kumar, who guided the Indian Kabaddi Team at the Asian Games in Japan, has been appointed Head Coach of the Kurukshetra Knights for KCL Season 2. His appointment follows the league’s auction, which concluded on October 17, 2026. His extensive experience as a former India captain and coach is expected to bring crucial tactical expertise and leadership to the Kurukshetra Knights as they prepare for the upcoming season. KCL aims to establish a professional platform for both emerging and established players, expand competitive opportunities, and create a clearer path from domestic franchise leagues to international kabaddi. The participation of KCL-connected players in major tournaments emphasizes the importance of a strong domestic framework in nurturing athlete development and paving the way for players to reach the international stage. With experienced coaches, competitive franchises, and budding talent at its core, the Kabaddi Champions League is committed to contributing to the continuous growth and professionalization of Indian kabaddi.

Background on kabaddi and Anup Kumar

Kabaddi is a contact sport played between two teams of seven players each. During the game, a lone member of one team, called a raider, enters the opposite half of the court and tries to tag members of the opposition team, called defenders, without being tackled. In a single raid, often lasting a maximum of 30 seconds, points are awarded for successful tags if the raider does not get out, while defenders earn a point if the raider is tackled, goes out of bounds, or times out. Tagged or tackled players temporarily step out of the game and can be revived when the team scores points. Raids alternate between the teams throughout the game. The Pro Kabaddi League, abbreviated as PKL, is an Indian men’s kabaddi league. It premiered in 2014 and airs on Star Sports. It is the most popular kabaddi league in the world and the second most watched sports league in India after the cricket league Indian Premier League. Anup Kumar is an Indian former professional kabaddi player and kabaddi coach of PKL team Patna Pirates. He was a member of the India national kabaddi team that won Asian gold medals in 2010 and 2014, one South Asian gold medal in 2016, and the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. He was the captain of the Indian National Kabaddi Team. He spent five years with U Mumba and later moved to Jaipur Pink Panthers. In 2012, the Government of India conferred the Arjuna Award on him for his achievements in the sport. He is employed as a Deputy Commissioner of Police in his native State of Haryana. On 19 December 2018, he announced his retirement from kabaddi.

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