The highly-anticipated Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) unveiled its Championship Trophy in a ceremony held here on Sunday, with the GI-PKL scheduled to begin on April 18 in Gurugram. The league has already garnered global attention with participation from teams representing countries like Egypt, Kenya, Argentina, Germany, England, Norway, and Poland.

The special guest D. Suresh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana, and Deepak Hooda, former Indian kabaddi team captain, unveiled the Championship Trophy alongside Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) president Kanthi D. Suresh.

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Speaking at the GI-PKL trophy launch, D. Suresh said, “Kabaddi is an integral part of India’s sporting heritage, and it’s heartening to see a global platform like GI-PKL take shape in Haryana. This initiative will not only provide a stage for international athletes but also boost Kabaddi’s recognition as a potential Olympic sport.”

While both the men’s and women’s teams will have their respective winners, only one team will earn the honour of lifting the grand Championship Trophy.

Former India captain Deepak Hooda said, “This league will be a great platform for upcoming athletes. Kabaddi is a sport deeply rooted in rural areas, played across the country. I strongly believe that our players will take this league to greater heights and elevate the sport to a new level.”

HIPSA, the administrator of the league, has also revealed six women’s teams and six corresponding men’s teams for the league. The teams have been strategically named to reflect their regional identities.

Women’s Teams: Marathi Falcons, Bhojpuri Leopardess, Telugu Cheetahs, Tamil Lioness, Punjabi Tigress, and Haryanvi Eagles.

Men’s Teams: Marathi Vultures, Bhojpuri Leopards, Telugu Panthers, Tamil Lions, Punjabi Tigers, and Haryanvi Sharks.

Earlier this year, GI-PKL unveiled the captains of all franchises. While Shiv Prashad has been handed the captain duties for Bhojpuri Leopards, Vikash Dahiya will lead Haryanvi Sharks. Marathi Vultures and Punjabi Tigers have named Kapil Narwal and Sawin Narwal as captains, respectively. Sunil Narwal will lead the Tamil Lions and Sandeep Kandola will captain the Telugu Panthers.

Pushpa Rana will lead the Haryanvi Eagles and Meena Kadyan will captain the Bhojpuri Leopardes. Marathi Falcons and Punjabi Tigress have named Tanu Sharma and Meera as captains, respectively. While Julie Bhati will lead Telugu Cheetahs, Suman will oversee the captain’s duties for Tamil Lioness.

In March 2024, HIPSA ensured the sport of Kabaddi was included in the Guinness World Record in an event held in Panchkula’s Tau Devilal Stadium, which was graced by the Governor of Haryana, Shree Bandaru Dattatreya.

The inaugural season of GI-PKL, featuring 12 teams, will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network.