This is absolutely brilliant news for the sport of kabaddi and women athletes alike. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), organized by Mashal Sports, has created a platform that has opened new doors for both female and male athletes from all around India to find recognition and success. For female kabaddi players to now have a chance to compete at a professional level in their own league is a dream come true. Through this collaboration of Mashal Sports, Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), we will be able to witness the same success story replicated for women within sports. It’s time to move away from gender stereotypes, regressive norms and encourage more girls out there to go the extra mile in whatever field they choose, including sports. We are certain this latest initiative will inspire young girls everywhere who are passionate about sports or any other field equally.
The India Kabaddi Federation (IKF) has yet to issue a permit for a Women’s Kabaddi League or World Cup. As revealed by IKF secretary general, Satthasivam Munisamy, in an exclusive call to IANS on Sunday, no permission has been granted to either Mashal Sports or Star Sports for such events as all decisions are taken solely by the board. Mr. Munisamy has also added that he will discuss the matter with their president and the other members of the board before giving any information regarding the event and potential permit applicants. Though no further details have been given, it is certain that the IKF will follow strict protocol while deciding who to grant such a permit to and whether or not they want any organisation interested in hosting such tournaments.
Things have been heating up in the world of women’s kabaddi, as Ronnie Screwvala, who already owns a men’s team in the PKL, has admitted that he is keen to own a Women’s Kabaddi team. Despite this, it appears that no formal communications or initiatives have been taken yet. In fact, confirmation by Editor-in-Chief Power Sportz TV, Kanthi D. Suresh suggests that it is the IKF who are leading efforts to promote Women’s Kabaddi globally and they wish to make an official statement on their collaboration. This could be an exciting opportunity for fans looking forward to watching more kabaddi series featuring women players so let’s hope that something comes out of this proposed collaboration soon!
The launch of a professional Women’s Kabaddi League has been highly anticipated since Anupam Goswami, Commissioner of the Pro Kabaddi League, shared their plans to collaborate with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF). However, recent reports indicate that plans might be on hold as IKF secretary general Satthasivam Munisamy said that there was no permission granted to the organisers or broadcasters to launch the league. Though there is some uncertainty regarding the league’s launch, this doesn’t question Goswami’s dedication to grow kabaddi into a modern world-class sport in India. Fans will look forward to resolution in order for the Women’s Kabaddi league to live up to its expectation of success.
On Sunday, Satthasivam Munisamy, Secretary General of the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), stated that before they can announce any decisions, they must first discuss matters with their president and board. He further indicated that more information would be made available after their board meeting had taken place. Moreover, Ronnie Screwvala, who owns the men’s Pro Kabaddi League team, expressed interest in owning a women’s team contingent on receiving an official invitation from the IKF. This would mark an important milestone for kabaddi as well as for its female athletes who have long been excluded from professional circuits.
