How Kabaddi Became India’s Fastest Growing Sport | A Century of Stories: India

Kabaddi has travelled a remarkable journey - from dusty village fields to packed stadiums, prime-time television, and a professional league that has transformed the sport in India.

In this episode of A Century of Stories: India, host Kunal Vijayakar sits down with Suhail Chandhok, CEO of U Mumba and broadcaster, one of the most recognizable voices in Indian sport, to explore the fascinating rise of Kabaddi.

The conversation traces the sport’s ancient roots, its presence across Asia, and its evolution from a traditional rural pastime into one of India’s fastest-growing professional sports leagues. Suhail reflects on the launch of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), the role of institutions like the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), and how broadcasters, sponsors, and team owners helped bring the sport into the mainstream.

Is Kabaddi truly becoming India’s second-biggest sport after cricket? And what does the next decade look like for this rapidly evolving game?

Watch the full conversation to understand the past, present, and future of Kabaddi. Episode out now on A Century of Stories: India’s YouTube Channel.

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