Trials for Haryana Kabaddi League (KCL): Kabaddi has always been more than just a rural sport in India. For states like Haryana, kabaddi is a culture, a daily routine, and a dream for thousands of young athletes growing up in villages and small towns. Over the years, many talented players never got the right platform to showcase their skills at a professional level. This gap is exactly where the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) steps in.
The Kabaddi Champions League of Haryana is designed to create a strong bridge between grassroots kabaddi and professional competition. One of the most important pillars of this league is its structured and transparent player selection process, which ensures that talent, performance, and potential are given priority over background or influence.
In this article, we will explore in detail how the Kabaddi player selection process in Kabaddi Champions League (Haryana) works, from open registrations and trials to the high-profile ₹4 crore mega auction.
What Makes Kabaddi Champions League (Haryana) Different?
Kabaddi Champions League is not just another state-level tournament. It has been conceptualised as a long-term ecosystem for kabaddi players. The league focuses on nurturing young talent while also providing a competitive platform for experienced and professional players.
With eight franchises, a massive player auction purse, and involvement of some of India’s most respected kabaddi legends, KCL aims to raise the overall standard of the sport in Haryana and beyond.
The backbone of this ambition is its multi-stage, merit-based selection process, which is designed to be fair, competitive, and professional.
Why a Strong Player Selection Process Is So Important
In kabaddi, raw strength alone is not enough. A successful player needs match awareness, fitness, discipline, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. That is why the Kabaddi Champions League has invested heavily in creating a selection process that tests players on multiple levels.
The objective of the KCL selection system is simple but powerful:
- Identify genuine talent from the ground level
- Provide equal opportunity to rural and urban players
- Create balanced teams with raiders, defenders, and all-rounders
- Prepare players for professional league discipline
This approach ensures that the league remains competitive, exciting, and credible.
Step One: Player Registration and Nationwide Response
The selection journey begins with player registrations. The response to the Kabaddi Champions League was overwhelming, reflecting the hunger among players for a professional platform.
More than 3,500 players registered for the league, coming not only from Haryana but also from different parts of the country. Out of these, over 1,500 athletes appeared for the Central Trials conducted in Sonipat.
This massive turnout itself proved how urgently Indian kabaddi needed a league like KCL at the state level.
Step Two: Zone Trials – Finding Talent at the Grassroots Level
The first physical evaluation stage of the Kabaddi Champions League selection process is the Zone Trials. These trials are designed to capture raw talent from nearby regions and villages, ensuring that no deserving player is left out due to travel or access issues.
The Zone 4 Trials were conducted on 5th December at Renu Vidya Mandir College, Bhalgarh. Players were assessed on basic but critical kabaddi parameters such as agility, strength, tackling technique, raiding skills, stamina, and mat awareness.
Zone Trials act as a filtering stage, allowing selectors to identify players who have the potential to compete at a higher level.
Step Three: Central Trials in Sonipat – The Real Test Begins
Players who performed well in the Zone Trials were invited to the Central Trials, which are considered the most crucial phase of the selection process.
The Central Trials were held on 6th and 7th December at Saraswati Senior Secondary School, Sonipat. This stage saw intense competition, with hundreds of skilled players fighting for limited spots.
At this level, the evaluation goes far beyond physical ability. Players are judged on:
- Match temperament
- Decision-making under pressure
- Coordination with teammates
- Tactical understanding of kabaddi
- Professional attitude and discipline
These trials simulate real match conditions, helping selectors understand how a player might perform in a high-stakes league environment.
Expert Selection Panel: Legends of Indian Kabaddi
One of the biggest strengths of the Kabaddi Champions League selection process is the involvement of highly respected kabaddi icons.
The trials were supervised by legendary players such as Mohit Chillar, Rajesh Narwal, and Ravinder Pahal, along with several senior ex-international and national-level kabaddi veterans.
Their presence ensured that every decision was based on deep technical understanding and real match experience. For young players, performing in front of such legends was itself a learning experience and a confidence booster.
Shortlisting Process: From 1,500 Players to the Best 200–250
After the trials, the selection committee faced the toughest challenge—shortlisting players for the auction pool.
From more than 1,500 trial participants, only around 200 to 250 players were selected for the final auction list. This process was strictly performance-based and focused on creating a balanced mix of positions.
The shortlisted players included:
- Specialist raiders
- Strong defenders
- Versatile all-rounders
This step ensures that franchises later have enough quality options to build competitive squads.
Player Categorisation: A, B, and C Grades Explained
To maintain fairness and competitive balance, Kabaddi Champions League categorises players into Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C.
Grade A players usually include experienced professionals or consistently high performers. Grade B players are emerging talents with strong potential, while Grade C players often come from grassroots backgrounds and are new to professional leagues.
This grading system allows franchises to invest wisely while also giving young players a genuine chance to secure good contracts and recognition.
The ₹4 Crore Mega Auction: Where Careers Take Shape
The final and most exciting stage of the Kabaddi player selection process in Kabaddi Champions League (Haryana) is the Mega Player Auction, scheduled for 28th December 2025.
Key highlights of the auction include:
- Eight franchises participating
- ₹4 crore total auction purse
- Live bidding format
- Strategic squad-building by teams
Franchises must build balanced teams by selecting raiders, defenders, and all-rounders within defined rules and purse limits. For players, this auction can be life-changing, offering financial stability and a professional identity.
Mix of Star Players and New Faces
Kabaddi Champions League is not limited to newcomers. The league will also feature established national and professional kabaddi players, including those with experience in major tournaments and leagues.
This mix of seasoned athletes and young talent raises the quality of competition while giving emerging players a chance to learn directly from the best in the sport.
Vision Behind the Selection Process
The Kabaddi Champions League selection system reflects a larger vision. It is not just about forming teams for one season but about building a sustainable kabaddi ecosystem.
The league aims to:
- Strengthen Haryana’s kabaddi legacy
- Create long-term career pathways for athletes
- Promote discipline, fitness, and professionalism
- Prepare players for national and international opportunities
By focusing on both performance and potential, KCL is setting a new benchmark for state-level kabaddi leagues in India.
Why Kabaddi Champions League Is a Game-Changer for Players
For aspiring kabaddi players, the Kabaddi Champions League represents hope and opportunity. It offers exposure, income, mentorship, and a platform that was previously available to very few.
A player selected through KCL can move from local tournaments to national recognition, and potentially even international exposure. This makes the league not just a competition, but a turning point in many sporting careers.
A Well Planned Kabaddi Trial
The Kabaddi player selection process in Kabaddi Champions League (Haryana) is a well-planned, transparent, and performance-driven system that truly respects the spirit of the sport. From open registrations and zone trials to central trials and a high-value mega auction, every stage is designed to identify and nurture real kabaddi talent.
Kabaddi Champions League is more than a tournament—it is a movement aimed at empowering players, strengthening grassroots sports, and taking Haryana’s kabaddi tradition to the next level.
For players dreaming big and fans who love the sport, KCL marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter in Indian kabaddi.
