Sonipat, Haryana, 18th August 2025 – Haryana, the land of champions and the birthplace of countless kabaddi legends, today witnessed the official launch of the Kabaddi Champions League Haryana (KCL) at a press conference in Sonipat. The launch was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Shri Krishna Lal Panwar, Cabinet Minister of Haryana; the Vice President of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI); the President of the Amateur Kabaddi Association of Haryana (AKAH); the General Secretary of the Haryana Olympic Association (HOA); Kuldeep Singh Dalal, Chairman, AKAH; and the revered Shri Shri 1008 Shri Mahant Bhalegiri Maharaj ji, who together marked this occasion as a new chapter for the sport in the state.
Kabaddi has always been more than just a game in Haryana. It is an emotion deeply sewn into the fabric of its villages, where every akhada, mela and gaon echoes with the chant of “Kabaddi… Kabaddi…”. With this spirit at its core, the Kabaddi Champions League Haryana has been conceived as a professional platform to bring grassroots talent from rural Haryana into the limelight of bigger stadiums and television screens. The league embodies the vision of taking Haryana’s kabaddi dream truly from ‘Gaon to Glory.’
Recognized officially by the Amateur Kabaddi Association of Haryana (AKAH), the Kabaddi Champions League Haryana holds exclusive rights to organize the tournament across the state. The league’s central mission is to create welfare and growth opportunities for kabaddi players at the grassroots level, offering them professional exposure and nurturing raw talent into competitive champions. With an emphasis on fairness, transparency, and player development, the league also aligns closely with the “Drug-Free Haryana” campaign championed by the Government of Haryana, aiming to promote a culture of fitness, discipline, and pride among the youth.
The league draws strength and direction under the guidance of Shri Balwan Singh, an esteemed Dronacharya Awardee, whose expertise and mentorship bring invaluable structure to this initiative. Adding star power and inspiration to the platform are renowned kabaddi icons Rajesh Narwal, an All-Rounder, and Mohit Chillar, a celebrated Defender, who will serve as official Brand Ambassadors for KCL Haryana.
The inaugural edition of the Kabaddi Champions League Haryana is scheduled to take place in December 2025 in Sonipat. The competition will host eight teams from across Haryana, competing in 31 matches over 16 days, with each team playing seven matches. With high-octane action guaranteed, the tournament is poised to be one of the most awaited sporting events in the state’s calendar, showcasing Haryana’s unmatched kabaddi talent on a professional scale.
Speaking at the launch, dignitaries praised this initiative as a significant step in institutionalizing kabaddi in Haryana and providing village-level players with the platform they have long deserved. They expressed confidence that the Kabaddi Champions League Haryana will not only elevate the sport but also represent the spirit of Haryana on national and international stages. The blessings of Shri Shri 1008 Shri Mahant Bhalegiri Maharaj ji added a spiritual and cultural depth to the occasion, marking a powerful and auspicious beginning for the league.
Shri Krishan Lal Panwar, Cabinet Minister of Haryana, Vice President of AKFI, President of AKAH, General Secretary of HOA, said, “I take this moment to acknowledge the launch of the new Kabaddi league, an initiative that carries significant importance for Haryana’s enduring sporting legacy. Kabaddi is not merely a game—it is a vital expression of our cultural identity. This league will provide a rigorous platform for young athletes to test their abilities, refine their skills, and strive for excellence. Beyond the field, such endeavors serve a larger purpose: they channel the energy of our youth into meaningful and constructive pursuits, steering them away from destructive influences such as drugs. In doing so, we not only safeguard their future but also strengthen the social and cultural fabric of our state and nation.”
The Organizers of Kabaddi Champions League said, “Kabaddi is the heartbeat of Haryana, and with the Kabaddi Champions League, we are giving this tradition a professional stage. Our mission is to ensure that every talented player from the villages of Haryana gets the opportunity to shine at the highest level. This league is not just about matches, it is about building careers, nurturing discipline, and taking Haryana’s kabaddi dream from gaon to glory.”
Rajesh Narwal, All-Rounder and Brand Ambassador of KCL Haryana, said, “As a player who has risen through the akhadas of Haryana, I know the hard work and passion that go into kabaddi. The Kabaddi Champions League is a huge opportunity for young players to showcase their talent and make their families and villages proud. I am honored to support this league and I look forward to seeing the next generation of champions emerge from it.”
Mohit Chillar, Celebrated Defender and Brand Ambassador of KCL Haryana, said, “Defence has always been my strength, and I have seen how kabaddi instills courage, teamwork, and respect in every player. With KCL, Haryana’s local talent will finally get the platform they deserve to compete professionally. I am proud to be associated with this initiative and confident it will inspire thousands of youngsters to take up kabaddi as a serious career.”
The Kabaddi Champions League Haryana is thus not merely a sporting tournament but a movement that celebrates the raw, unshakable spirit of Haryana’s soil and offers a professional pathway for its future kabaddi superstars.
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