The first-ever Global Women’s Kabaddi League will commence next month in Haryana. Officially named the Global Pravasi Women’s Kabaddi League (GPKL), this groundbreaking tournament will feature female athletes from over 15 countries. The event represents a significant advancement in promoting Kabaddi internationally, supporting efforts to include the sport in the Olympic Games, and bolstering India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

Organized by the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) in partnership with World Kabaddi, the League’s launch will take place in Haryana. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between HIPSA and the Government of Haryana to facilitate this initiative. The League aims to advance the global development of women’s kabaddi. The GPKL will showcase teams from a diverse range of countries, including England, Poland, Argentina, Canada, and Italy, with athletes from these nations expressing keen interest in participating.

Former Indian Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has supported the push for kabaddi’s inclusion in the Olympics. As India pursues its goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, the inclusion of kabaddi would be a significant achievement.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has a Future Host Commission (FHC) dedicated to handling such matters. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), as the National Olympic Committee for India, has engaged in discussions with the FHC, as noted by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in a written response to the Lok Sabha in July 2024.