The Indian Premier Kabaddi League (IPKL) is set to launch its highly anticipated inaugural season on October 4, 2024. This new league aims to bring a fresh wave of excitement to the sport of kabaddi, positioning itself as a direct rival to the established Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Eight teams will participate in the tournament from October 4 to 19 at the Tau Devi Lal Indoor Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana.
Indian Premier Kabaddi League – Teams and Captains
The IPKL will feature eight teams, each with its unique identity and star players. The teams participating in the inaugural season are:
- Haryana Hurricane – Captained by Shiv Kumar, known for his relentless style and fierce determination.
- Rajasthan Rulers – Led by Kapil Narwal, focusing on strategic gameplay and tactical execution.
- Delhi Dragons – Vikas Dahiya, with his agility and quick decision-making, will helm this team.
- UP Titan – Sunil Narwal will lead this team, bringing his experience and leadership skills.
- Punjab Paltan – Former Indian defender Sandeep Kandola has been handed the responsibility of leading.
- Gujarat Gladiators – Ajay Kumar will don the captaincy armband.
- Mumbai Marathas – Savin Narwal will lead this team.
- Bengaluru Bison – Sachin Bidhan has been named the captain.
Brand Ambassador and Promotion
Pro Kabaddi League star and legendary all-rounder Manjeet Chillar has been named the Brand Ambassador for the IPKL, further boosting the league’s credibility and visibility. Commenting on the upcoming season, Chillar expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m incredibly excited for the first season and can’t wait to see the intense matches and thrilling drama on the mat. Kabaddi is a game native to Indian soil, and it gives me immense pleasure to see it receiving such a positive response and growing following in the country.”
All 8 team captains of the inaugural Indian Premier Kabaddi League pose with the coveted trophy! 🏆
.#IPKL2024 #IPKL #indiankabaddipremierleague #kabaddi360 pic.twitter.com/fUkncmuGyi— Kabaddi360 (@Kabaddi_360) September 14, 2024
Format and Schedule
The tournament will feature a round-robin format, with each team playing against every other team. The top teams will then advance to the knockout stages, culminating in the grand finale on October 19. Two league stage matches will be played every day, with the first match scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM IST and the second game of the day at 8:00 PM IST.
Broadcasting and Viewership
The inaugural edition of the IPKL will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network, ensuring that fans across the country can catch all the action. The league aims to attract a large viewership, capitalizing on the growing popularity of kabaddi in India.
Rivalry with Pro Kabaddi League
The IPKL is positioning itself as a direct competitor to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), which has been the dominant force in the kabaddi world since its inception. While the PKL remains the more prominent league with 12 teams and its 11th season scheduled to begin on October 18, the IPKL is determined to carve out its own space in the competitive world of kabaddi.
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