Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Limited
Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Limited

SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd ushers in a bold new chapter for Indian sports with the launch of the World Super Kabaddi League.

June 30, 2025 NationalSJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, the exclusive rights holder of both the World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL) and the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), proudly unveils the inaugural edition of WSKL—a landmark initiative aimed at establishing Kabaddi as a globally celebrated sport.

The debut season of WSKL is slated for February–March 2026 and will be hosted in Dubai, strategically selected to ensure maximum global visibility and ease of access for international fans. The league has garnered support from nearly 30 countries, with 20 national federations already formally onboard.

Building on the domestic success of UPKL—launched under the motto “Apna Bharat, Apna Khel”—WSKL marks a transformative new chapter. Unlike its India-focused predecessor, WSKL is envisioned as an international platform with the explicit mission of globalizing Kabaddi and working toward its long-term goal of inclusion in the Olympic Games.

WSKL is backed by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and holds commercial rights through the South Asian Kabaddi Federation, lending the league a high degree of global legitimacy.

League Highlights:

  • A franchise-based model with 8 competitive teams in Season 1
  • Each team featuring a blend of top international and Indian players
  • A ₹48 crore player purse, reflecting strong commercial interest
  • Confirmed participation from South Korea, Iran, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, and the United States, with more nations expected

Sambhav Jain, Founder and Director of SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, shared his vision:

“Kabaddi is ready for the world stage. WSKL is our effort to modernize and globalize the sport, unlock international talent, and take tangible steps toward Olympic inclusion. With UPKL as our foundation, WSKL is our statement to the world—Kabaddi belongs everywhere.”

Unlike seasonal tournaments, WSKL is being built as a year-round sporting ecosystem, with a focus on continuous fan engagement, off-season activities, and athlete development. It aims to become a global movement, elevating Kabaddi’s profile while offering exciting opportunities for players and fans alike.

Through WSKL, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd is not just launching a league—it’s pioneering a bold new vision for Kabaddi that transcends borders and inspires a global audience.