PKL: The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 held a special panel session on Indigenous Sports: From India to the Global Stage. This event brought together government leaders, sports officials, and global sports experts to discuss the exciting growth of India’s traditional games on the world stage.
The session began with a speech by Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, followed by insights from key figures like Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports; Anupam Goswami, Business Head of Mashal & Chairman of Pro Kabaddi League; Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India; Nic Coward, Sports Consultant; Yannick Colaco, Co-Founder of Fancode; and Fazel Atrachali, Iranian Pro Kabaddi League star.
A major topic of discussion was the success of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), with Mr. Goswami highlighting the huge potential of Indian indigenous sports. He shared impressive statistics from PKL’s 2024 season, which reached 201 million viewers. He emphasized that while the global audience is growing, the real opportunity lies within India’s vast market for indigenous sports.
Fazel Atrachali, captain of the Iranian Kabaddi team, shared his inspiring personal journey. He talked about how Kabaddi’s history was changed by PKL, transforming the sport from a once-every-four-years event to a major, consistent league. Atrachali recalled how he almost quit Kabaddi before joining the PKL, which brought him fame and financial stability.
The impact of PKL extends beyond individual athletes. Atrachali noted that players from around the world now have the opportunity to become stars, earning recognition and financial support for their families. This has been especially significant for players from different countries, who now see themselves on TV and feel proud of their achievements.
Smt. Raksha Khadse praised the role of PKL in promoting traditional Indian games globally. She also thanked Mr. Goswami and Mr. Mittal for their hard work in advancing indigenous sports. She noted that the Indian government, under Prime Minister Modi, is committed to taking traditional sports to the world stage.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi also praised PKL’s efforts in revitalizing Kabaddi. He highlighted how the league has brought Kabaddi into millions of Indian homes, making it one of the country’s most popular sports. He believes this success has inspired young people across India to take an interest in traditional sports.
As the Pro Kabaddi League enters its 12th season, India’s indigenous games like Kabaddi, Kho Kho, and more are becoming a major force in global sports, positioning India as a leading contributor to the global sports and entertainment industry.