Anupam Goswami

Kabaddi is undoubtedly growing as a popular sport. But, it is still in its early days and consistent efforts and backing would be needed for it to grow to further heights. What it has established is the fact that the audience is hungry for more and has embraced a makeover-version of a traditional homegrown sport.

We interviewed Mr. Anupam Goswami, Chief Executive Officer - Mashal Sports and League Commissioner - Pro Kabaddi League, to know his thoughts and vision on the future of Kabaddi. Along with him, are the views of Mr. Debraj Tripathy, Ex. Managing Director, Mediacom South Asia and Ms. Shilpi Tibrewal, Senior Vice President, Dentsu Aegis Network.

POVs

Debraj Tripathy, Ex. Managing Director, Mediacom South Asia

Thanks to the Pro Kabaddi League, Kabaddi has become a game that kids have begun to play in urban areas, particularly large towns and cities. The game was anyway always popular in rural areas. I see the popularity of the game only growing, across town classes with a new generation of kids learning the game (it is a new game for their generation). The contemporary imagery that has been built around the game is helping hasten this growth.

Shilpi Tibrewal, Senior Vice President, Dentsu Aegis Network

“Rise like lions after slumber” Percy Shelley, a renowned poet couldn’t have been more correct when she wrote about the giant revolution which rose from the ashes to conquer the heartland - such is the case with the Sport of Kabbadi.

Traditionally known as a rural sport, this game had a significant fan base in the past, India’s past dominance in Kabaddi across all international competitions left a solid foundation.

The advent of Pro Kabaddi League has revolutionized and reinvigorated the game, which started just about 5 years ago, The Franchise Model, from Celebrity Owners to Packed Stadiums, the league has witnessed tremendous traction not only in tier 2 and 3 cities, even in the urban areas. Citing the immense popularity of the tournament & its future growth potential to be a global sport , the league has managed to attract large sponsorships year after year

The rise in viewership is not only organic, but disruptive, PKL has managed to touch a staggering 40% of the total TV viewership which again is coming from different prop starta, an astounding increase of 51 % from the viewership it gained over the course of its first four seasons, With 84.4 mn followers & engagement across various digital platforms the digital impact is equally massive and worthy of a celebration.

A Combative Team Game for the masses, by the masses has managed to also garner adequate fan base even amongst the children, continues to display its growth Cycle and will soon overtake the likes of being the most watched alternative game in India other than IPL. The Rise of Pro Kabaddi League has paved the way for other sporting events / leagues to garner, enough traction levels in curating interest for sports other than cricket not only in the Metros but across pan India making people believe and realize the tremendous opportunity this game is offering to the players and the excitement and adrenaline rush it offers to its viewers.