Kanpur Warriors is one of the four new teams included in Season 2
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (6 August 2025): The excitement for kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh has just gone a notch higher! After the grand success of its first season, the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has officially announced the inclusion of a new franchise — “Kanpur Warriors.” This dynamic team will represent the energetic and historic city of Kanpur in the upcoming UPKL Season 2, which begins later this year.
The franchise is owned by BA Sports Club LLP, headed by businesswoman Bhumika Vora, who is all set to bring her passion for sports and youth development into the kabaddi arena.
A Powerful Addition to UPKL Season 2
UPKL’s second season marks a major step forward for kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh. The inclusion of Kanpur Warriors is part of the league’s plan to expand its reach and connect with fans across more cities. Along with Kanpur Warriors, three other new teams — Aligarh Tigers, Purvanchal Panthers, and Gazab Ghaziabad — have also joined the league, taking the total number of franchises to twelve.
By adding Kanpur to the mix, UPKL aims to tap into the city’s strong kabaddi tradition and immense youth potential. The new team is expected to bring a fresh wave of enthusiasm and local pride into the sport.
Owner Bhumika Vora on the Kanpur Warriors’ Entry
Speaking about the team’s inclusion, Bhumika Vora, owner of Kanpur Warriors, expressed her excitement and vision:
“Kanpur is a city full of energy, legacy, and talent. Through this platform, we want to inspire the younger generation and make kabaddi a part of Kanpur’s identity. The name ‘Warriors’ doesn’t just represent strength and courage on the mat — it reflects the never-give-up spirit of the people of Kanpur.”
Vora further added that her mission is not just to promote kabaddi as an alternative sport, but to establish it as a favourite sport in Kanpur. She hopes the league will encourage more youngsters to take up kabaddi professionally and bring global recognition to local talent.
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Significance of Kanpur’s Entry in UPKL
Organized and managed by SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Limited, the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League continues to expand into kabaddi-rich regions of the state. The inclusion of Kanpur — a city known for its sporting culture, passion, and grassroots kabaddi talent — is seen as a strategic and emotional addition to the league.
This move is expected to open doors for many local kabaddi players, offering them a professional platform to showcase their skills. It will also strengthen the state’s presence in India’s growing kabaddi ecosystem.
SJ Uplift Kabaddi Founder and Director Sambhav Jain shared his thoughts on this development:
“UPKL was always envisioned as a launchpad for players — a bridge that takes talent from the lanes and villages of Uttar Pradesh to the national and global stage. The inclusion of new cities like Kanpur is not just growth; it’s a step forward in the evolution of the league’s structure.”
The Future of Kanpur Warriors
The arrival of Kanpur Warriors brings with it a new energy and a promise of transformation — both on and off the mat. The team aims to not only perform strongly in the league but also to engage with fans through community initiatives and youth programs.
For sports enthusiasts in Kanpur, this is an exciting opportunity to cheer for their own team and celebrate the spirit of kabaddi right in their hometown. With a deep kabaddi heritage, Kanpur is now set to play a key role in UPKL’s future, adding even more competitiveness and excitement to Season 2.
UPKL’s Journey So Far
The first season of Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), held in 2024, was a major success story. According to BARC India, the league reached over 30 million TV viewers and crossed 300 million digital impressions — an incredible achievement for a debut season.
UPKL received tremendous love from fans in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, proving that kabaddi has evolved beyond rural roots into a mainstream professional sport. The inclusion of Kanpur Warriors in Season 2 now marks another big step toward making kabaddi even more popular and accessible across the state.
The addition of Kanpur Warriors to UPKL Season 2 isn’t just about expanding the league — it’s about deepening the connection between kabaddi and Uttar Pradesh’s sporting heart. Led by Bhumika Vora, this new team represents passion, power, and pride, carrying forward Kanpur’s legacy in a modern, professional avatar.
As UPKL gears up for its second season starting 25th December 2025, all eyes will be on the Warriors from Kanpur — ready to fight, inspire, and bring glory to their city on the kabaddi mat.
