KCL Haryana 2026 Start Date: Haryana and kabaddi share a bond that goes beyond sport. From village akhadas to dusty grounds, kabaddi lives in the heartbeat of Haryana’s youth. For decades, the state has produced fearless raiders, rock-solid defenders, and world-class all-rounders who have made India proud at national and international levels. Now, this powerful legacy is stepping into a new era.
The Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) is all set to make history with its very first season in 2026. This league is not just another kabaddi tournament. It is Haryana’s first fully professional state-level kabaddi league, designed to give players recognition, financial security, and a strong platform to grow.
With big names, massive auctions, eight competitive teams, and nationwide live coverage, KCL 2026 promises to change the future of kabaddi in Haryana forever.
Kabaddi Champions League 2026 Start Date and Schedule
The biggest question for kabaddi fans is simple – when does KCL 2026 start?
The wait finally ends on 25 January 2026, when the Kabaddi Champions League Season 1 officially kicks off. The tournament will run for almost two weeks and conclude on 7 February 2026. During this period, fans will witness high-intensity matches, regional rivalries, and top-class kabaddi action every evening.
All matches of KCL Season 1 will be played at the iconic Sports University of Haryana, Rai, a venue known for hosting major sporting events. The stadium is fully prepared to become the new hub of professional kabaddi in Haryana.
Each match will begin at 7:00 PM IST, making it perfect for fans watching from home or attending the stadium after work hours.
Opening Match Details of KCL Season 1
The excitement starts right from Day 1. The first match of KCL 2026 will be played between Sonipat Stars and Gurugram Gurus on 25 January 2026 at 7:00 PM. This clash itself sets the tone for the league, as both teams carry strong regional pride.
On the same day, fans will also witness another thrilling contest as Rohtak Royals take on Karnal Kings in the second match of the evening, starting at 8:00 PM. With back-to-back matches on the opening day, KCL is ensuring full entertainment from the very beginning.
What Makes Kabaddi Champions League Special?
Kabaddi Champions League is not just important because it is new. It is special because it represents a major shift in how kabaddi is played and perceived in Haryana.
Sanctioned by the Amateur Kabaddi Association of Haryana (AKAH), KCL is the state’s first official professional kabaddi league. This means proper contracts, structured teams, professional coaching, and long-term growth opportunities for players.
For thousands of young athletes who start playing kabaddi in village akhadas, KCL now feels like a real dream destination. Talent, hard work, and consistency finally get rewarded in a professional setup.
KCL Season 1 Teams: Eight Regions, One Title
Kabaddi Champions League Season 1 features eight teams, each representing a major region of Haryana. These teams carry not just players, but the pride, emotions, and identity of their districts.
The teams participating in KCL 2026 are:
- Karnal Kings
- Gurugram Gurus
- Rohtak Royals
- Faridabad Fighters
- Panipat Panthers
- Sonipat Stars
- Bhiwani Bulls
- Hisar Heroes
Every match is more than just a league game. It is a battle for regional honour. Fans can expect aggressive raids, solid tackles, and passionate celebrations as each team fights to prove its dominance.
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi (PKL): All Teams, Players List and their Captain
KCL 2026 Auction: A New Benchmark in State Kabaddi
One of the biggest highlights of Kabaddi Champions League Season 1 is its historic player auction. For the first time in Indian state-level kabaddi, each team received a massive ₹50 lakh purse. This alone set a new benchmark and changed how players are valued.
The auction grabbed attention across the kabaddi community. Players were picked based on skill, form, and consistency rather than just reputation. This approach ensured fairness and professionalism.
The most expensive player of KCL 2026 auction was Devank Dalal, who was bought for ₹19.2 lakh. Other big buys included Aryan Lochab, Jaideep Dahiya, Sunil Kumar, and Ashu Malik, all of whom attracted impressive bids.
These numbers clearly show that kabaddi players are finally being treated like professional athletes with real financial worth.
Experienced Coaches and Strong Team Preparation
Behind every successful team is a strong coaching unit, and KCL Season 1 delivers on that front as well. Several respected and experienced names from Indian kabaddi are leading the teams.
Coaches like Ravinder Pahal, Naseeb Jangra, Jagpal Singh, and Surender Nada bring years of experience, tactical knowledge, and discipline to the league. Their presence ensures that young players learn professional habits, fitness standards, and match awareness.
After the auction, intense training camps began across teams. The focus remains on fitness, teamwork, and smart match strategies, making the competition even more exciting.
Trophy Tour: Taking Kabaddi to the People
Before the league begins, KCL organised a grand Trophy Tour across Haryana. The trophy travelled through major cities and towns, allowing fans to connect with the league at a personal level.
Wherever the trophy went, crowds gathered, selfies were clicked, and excitement filled the air. This tour proved one thing clearly – Kabaddi Champions League already belongs to the people of Haryana.
How to Watch Kabaddi Champions League Live?
Fans will not miss a single moment of KCL Season 1, as the league will be broadcast widely across television and digital platforms.
The matches will be shown live on Zee Network channels, including Zee Anmol, Zee Yuva, Zee Bollywood, &Pictures, and Zee Punjabi. DD Sports will also telecast matches, ensuring nationwide reach.
For digital viewers, live streaming will be available on Zee5, YuppTV, and Waves App, making it easy to watch matches anytime, anywhere.
KCL 2026 Tickets and Stadium Experience
For fans who want to experience the thrill live, District by Zomato is the official ticketing partner of Kabaddi Champions League. Ticket booking is simple and seamless, allowing supporters to cheer for their favourite teams directly from the stands.
Watching kabaddi live, feeling the crowd energy, and witnessing match-winning raids in person will be a memorable experience for every fan.
Also Read: How to Book Kabaddi Tickets? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
More Than a League, A Movement
Kabaddi Champions League is not just about trophies and points tables. It stands for opportunity, professionalism, and pride. It gives young players a reason to dream bigger and work harder.
With strong organisation, professional structure, and nationwide broadcast, KCL 2026 is set to take Haryana’s kabaddi culture to the next level.
As the opening date comes closer, excitement continues to build. The mat is ready, the teams are prepared, and Haryana is ready to roar once again.
Kabaddi Champions League 2026 is coming – and it is here to stay.
