Kabaddi — a sport that was once confined to dusty grounds and rural akharas — is now shining bright on national and international stages. Among the new wave of professional kabaddi leagues in India, the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) stands out as a path-breaking initiative. Launched in 2024, this league has rapidly captured the imagination of kabaddi fans, athletes, and youth across North India.
The Beginning of Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL)
The foundation of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) was laid in 2024, with a clear vision — to promote kabaddi at the grassroots level, provide a professional platform to local talent, and take the sport to a new height.
The league was founded by Sambhav Jain, a young and dynamic entrepreneur passionate about sports management in India. The official announcement of UPKL was made jointly by Sambhav Jain and Vinay Kumar Singh, who is the Joint Secretary of AKFI (Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India) and a key member of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi Association.
In the words of founder Sambhav Jain:
“Our goal is to promote kabaddi and provide a platform for every player who dreams of making a name through this sport. We are very excited about UPKL because this league will soon become a ray of hope for millions of youth.”
UPKL Season 1: A Grand Beginning and Memorable Moments
The first season of UPKL was successfully organized from 11th July to 25th July 2024 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Months of planning and preparation went into this historic event.
The player auction, held on 10th June 2024 at the Sarovar Hotel in Noida, became a landmark moment for kabaddi in North India. For the first time, kabaddi players from small towns and districts saw themselves being bid for in a professional auction format.
During the auction, several players made headlines:
- Arjun Deshwal was bought by Lucknow Lions for ₹3.10 lakh.
- Vinay was picked by Yamuna Yoddha for ₹3.10 lakh.
- Abhijeet Malik went to Sangam Challengers for ₹2.60 lakh.
- Ashu Singh was signed by Awadh Ramdoot for ₹1.5 lakh.
These figures reflect the growing respect, recognition, and financial empowerment that kabaddi players are now receiving through UPKL.
Teams That Lit Up UPKL Season 1
Eight dynamic teams participated in the debut season of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League, representing the cultural and sporting spirit of different regions of the state:
- Yamuna Yoddha
- Noida Ninja
- Kashi Kings
- Awadh Ramdoot
- Braj Stars
- Sangam Challengers
- Ayodhya Warriors
- Ganga Kings of Mirzapur
The Grand Finale
The final match of UPKL Season 1 saw a thrilling contest between Lucknow Lions and Sangam Challengers. In a commanding performance, Lucknow Lions defeated Sangam Challengers with a score of 59–32, becoming the first-ever UPKL Champions.
The final was graced by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, making the event even more special for players and fans alike.
Record-Breaking Digital Reach and Viewership
The success of UPKL Season 1 wasn’t just on the ground — it created a storm in the digital space too.
According to BARC India, the first season recorded:
- Over 30 million TV viewers
- More than 300 million digital impressions
The league received an overwhelming response from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where kabaddi has deep emotional roots. Fans connected passionately through live streams, social media, and regional content — proving that kabaddi’s heart truly beats in India’s heartland.
UPKL Season 2: New Energy, New Teams, and Bigger Dreams
After the grand success of Season 1, the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League is ready to return with an even bigger Season 2, kicking off on 25th December 2025 in Noida. The Auction will take place on 3rd November 2025.
This time, UPKL will feature 12 teams — with 4 new franchises joining the league. The number of matches will increase to 64, spanning over 17 days of nonstop action and entertainment.
Names of 4 new teams added to UPKL Season 2
After the tremendous success of its inaugural season, the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) is all set to make a grander and more exciting return in 2025. The league, which began with eight teams in its debut edition, is now expanding its reach to 12 teams this season — a strong reflection of its rising popularity, professional structure, and growing fan base across the state.
Joining the UPKL family this year are four new franchises — Aligarh Tigers, Purvanchal Panthers, Gazab Ghaziabad, and Kanpur Warriors. The addition of these new teams not only intensifies the competition but also ensures that kabaddi talent from every corner of Uttar Pradesh gets the platform it truly deserves.
Digital Expansion and Fan Engagement
The UPKL management has big plans for fan engagement in Season 2. The organizers aim to bring fans closer through:
- Interactive social media campaigns
- Live streaming on popular digital platforms
- Regional language promotions across Uttar Pradesh
The vision is clear — UPKL is not just a sports event anymore, but a cultural movement that celebrates passion, pride, and local identity.
The Organizing Force: SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt. Ltd.
The entire Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League is managed and executed by SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt. Ltd., a company dedicated to promoting kabaddi on a professional and global level.
Under the leadership of Sambhav Jain, the company is working to ensure that kabaddi gets the same level of recognition, structure, and professionalism as other major sports leagues in India.
The Future of Kabaddi Shines Bright in Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has already proven that kabaddi is no longer a rural pastime — it’s a professional sport with immense potential. Through UPKL, players from every corner of the state are getting a golden opportunity to showcase their talent on a big stage.
In the coming years, the league is expected to produce future stars who will represent India in national and international tournaments, including the Pro Kabaddi League and the Indian National Kabaddi Team.
UPKL is not just about matches and trophies — it’s about dreams, determination, and the rise of kabaddi in North India. With every raid and tackle, it is scripting a new chapter in India’s sports history.
