Pro Kabaddi League Wins ‘Best Sports League of the Year’ at 2024 CII Sports Business Awards
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), known for revitalizing the traditional Indian sport of kabaddi and drawing millions of fans nationwide, has been awarded the title of ‘Best Sports League of the Year’ at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Sports Business Awards 2024. The prestigious event took place on October 18 in New Delhi as part of CII’s Score Card 2024, celebrating outstanding achievements and innovations in India’s sports industry.
The honor, presented at the launch of PKL’s 11th season, is a testament to the league’s influence in transforming kabaddi from a rural pastime into a dynamic, commercially successful sport. League Commissioner Anupam Goswami expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude, saying, “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from CII. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making Pro Kabaddi League a resounding success since its inception in 2014. As we look to the future, we are committed to taking PKL to even greater heights, further popularizing kabaddi and contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global sporting powerhouse.”
PKL’s Journey and Impact
Since its inception, the Pro Kabaddi League has been instrumental in transforming kabaddi into a highly popular televised sport that now enjoys widespread viewership across the nation. Established in 2014 by Mashal Sports, the league introduced franchise-style competition, a professional format that elevated the status of kabaddi, previously viewed as a rural or school-level game, and helped it attract commercial sponsors and fans alike.
PKL has not only showcased local talent but also set a new standard for the sport with enhanced presentation, skilled commentary, and a vibrant fan experience both in-stadium and digitally. By fostering competitive matches between franchise teams from cities across India, the league has developed an enormous fan base and built a bridge connecting traditional sports enthusiasts with a new generation of viewers.
Moreover, PKL has driven the popularity of kabaddi beyond Indian borders, contributing to the global rise of the sport. Players from neighboring countries like Iran, South Korea, and Kenya have joined PKL teams, adding an international dimension to the league. In many ways, PKL has contributed to positioning kabaddi as an emerging sport on the global stage, with India at its center.
Puneri Paltan Wins ‘Sports Franchise of the Year’
At the same ceremony, Puneri Paltan, the defending PKL champion, was awarded the title of ‘Sports Franchise of the Year.’ The Pune-based franchise received this award for its remarkable commitment to promoting kabaddi at the grassroots level. Their initiative, Yuva Paltan, has focused on nurturing young talent, which has led to the rise of stars like Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat. Both players have made significant contributions to Puneri Paltan’s success and have represented India internationally.
This grassroots development program not only strengthens Puneri Paltan’s team lineup but also ensures a steady pipeline of talented players for the national level, helping solidify India’s leadership in the sport.
Other Award Highlights
In addition to PKL and Puneri Paltan, the CII Sports Business Awards honored a range of other notable individuals and organizations for their contributions to Indian sports:
- Best Sports Broadcaster: AB Sportzworkz Pvt Ltd was recognized for its exceptional coverage and creative presentation of sports events, enhancing the viewing experience for fans.
- Best Sports Brand of the Year: Sareen Sports received the award for its dedication to promoting sports through quality equipment and apparel.
- Best Sports Management Institute: Jio Institute was awarded for its commitment to training future sports management professionals.
- Best Sports Business Leaders: Parth Jindal (Director, JSW Sports) and Vita Dani (Chairperson, Dani Sports Foundation) were recognized as the Best Sports Business Leaders of the Year in the Male and Female categories, respectively. Their contributions reflect a dedication to advancing sports management, development, and infrastructure in India.
- Best State Promoting Sports Development: Haryana’s sports department was lauded for its effective policies, investments in sports infrastructure, and its consistent support for athletes across various sports disciplines.
- Best Organization Promoting Sports: JSW Sports was honored for its multifaceted contributions to sports development and athlete support across India.
- Best Sports Facility: The Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket stadium in the world, received this award for its cutting-edge facilities and design, making it an iconic sports venue for both national and international events.
- Best Organization Promoting Para-Sports: Hero MotoCorp received recognition for its efforts in promoting para-sports, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in sports.
- Best Emerging Sports League of the Year: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) was awarded this title, acknowledging its role in creating opportunities and visibility for female athletes in India.
PKL’s Vision for the Future
With the recognition received at the CII Sports Business Awards, Mashal Sports, PKL’s organizing body, aims to capitalize on the momentum to further expand the league’s reach. The organization plans to enhance fan engagement both on the ground and in digital arenas, with the goal of cultivating an even stronger fan base and inspiring new athletes at the grassroots level. With continued focus on marketing, partnerships, and digital engagement, PKL aims to maintain its growth trajectory, attracting more international players and elevating kabaddi’s status globally.
As the league moves into its 11th season, there is great anticipation among fans and stakeholders. PKL’s consistent success over the past decade has illustrated how a traditional Indian sport can be transformed into a major televised event, demonstrating the immense potential of sports leagues in India. With continued investment in player development, strategic promotion, and digital reach, PKL is set to inspire and entertain audiences while contributing to the larger goal of making India a global sporting powerhouse.
The CII Sports Business Awards 2024 celebrated these accomplishments and underscored the importance of innovation, commitment, and grassroots development in the evolving landscape of Indian sports.
