The Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL), which starts in Gurugram on April 18, has international Kabaddi players thrilled to play. Players from England, Hong Kong, Hungary, and Poland are keen to join the Indian league.

With teams from Egypt, Kenya, Argentina, Germany, England, Norway, and Poland among others, the league has already attracted international notice. With 12 teams (6 men’s and 6 women’s), the first season of GI-PKL will be shown live on Sony Sports Network to viewers worldwide.

A number of foreign players have expressed their excitement about joining the league, emphasizing how much they like the game and the chance to play in India, where kabaddi originated.

“I am the captain of the Poland national Kabaddi team, and I am waiting to be a part of GI-PKL,” the captain of the women’s kabaddi squad from Poland said, expressing her excitement.

In the same way, the captain of the Hungary women’s squad expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m so excited about GI-PKL.” An other Hungarian player commented, “I’m from Hungary, and I’m also excited for GI-PKL.”

The captain of the women’s squad from Hong Kong, China, expressed her delight by saying, “I’m immensely excited to be a part of GI-PKL and showcase my skills to all the Kabaddi fans in India.” “I am eager to travel to India and participate in GI-PKL,” said another buddy.

English athletes, meanwhile, are excited about the competition. One of them replied, “Hello India, I’m from England, and I can’t wait to come to India and play in the Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League.”

“I’m Alex, and I’m from England,” said Alex, another English player, who was excited. Being a member of GI-PKL makes me very happy. I have a strong interest in Kabaddi and am up for the challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the foreign players showcase their talent in the Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League,” said Karthik Dammu, the creator of the GPKL women’s league that combined with the men’s IPKL. The sport of kabaddi has strong origins in India, and it’s fascinating to see how popular it is becoming throughout the world. In addition to making the game more intense, having athletes from other nations participate at this level will provide fresh tactics and approaches. I’m excited to see how this genuinely global Kabaddi experience develops, since it’s only just begun!

IPKL player and Just Kabaddi League creator Sohan Tusir said he was confident in the caliber of players in the GI-PKL. He said that this league will open the door for a new generation of global stars by showcasing talent that is frantically looking for a major stage similar to the GI-PKL.

With the introduction of its Championship Trophy in a special event last week in Delhi, GI-PKL made a significant advancement. Alongside Kanthi D. Suresh, president of the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA), and former Indian kabaddi team captain Deepak Hooda, the special guest D. Suresh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana, presented the Championship Trophy. The GI-PKL’s administrative body and owner of its rights is HIPSA.

An exciting level of competitiveness is added by the GI-PKL Championship Trophy, which stands out as a symbol of ultimate dominance in the league. Only one team will be honored to hold the prestigious Championship Trophy, even if both the men’s and women’s teams will have their own winners.

The Telugu Cheetahs, Tamil Lioness, Punjabi Tigress, Marathi Falcons, Bhojpuri Leopardess, and Haryanvi Eagles are the women’s teams.

The men’s teams are the Haryanvi Sharks, Telugu Panthers, Tamil Lions, Punjabi Tigers, Marathi Vultures, and Bhojpuri Leopards.

HIPSA’s prior efforts demonstrate its dedication to Kabaddi’s international expansion. In a ceremony hosted at Tau Devilal Stadium in Panchkula in March 2024, which was attended by Haryana Governor Shree Bandaru Dattatreya, HIPSA made sure the sport of Kabaddi was added to the Guinness World Record.