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Tag: HIPSA

  • GI-PKL unveils captains of men’s and women’s teams ahead of inaugural season

    GI-PKL unveils captains of men’s and women’s teams ahead of inaugural season

    GI-PKL

    Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League announces captains from 12 franchises

    Gurugram (Haryana) [India], January 30: Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) on Thursday announced the captains of the men’s and women’s franchises ahead of the much awaited kick- off. The league will witness participation from countries such as Egypt, Kenya, Argentina, Taiwan, and Poland, amongst others showcasing the growing global reach of Kabaddi, in the quest to promote the sport globally.

    The GI-PKL inaugural season

    The GI-PKL inaugural season will feature 12 teams—six women’s teams and six corresponding men’s teams—each embodying the cultural and linguistic richness of India. The teams have been strategically named to reflect their regional identities:

    Men’s Teams: Marathi Vultures, Bhojpuri Leopards, Telugu Panthers, Tamil Lions, Punjabi Tigers, and Haryanvi Sharks.

    While Shiv Prashad has been handed the captain duties for Bhojpuri Leopards, Vikash Dahiya will lead Haryanvi Sharks. Marathi Vultures and Punjabi Tigers have named Kapil Narwal and Sawin Narwal as captains respectively. Sunil Narwal will lead Tamil Lions and Sandeep Kandola will captain Telugu Panthers

    GI-PKL

    Women’s Teams: Marathi Falcons, Bhojpuri Leopardess, Telugu Cheetahs, Tamil Lioness, Punjabi Tigress, and Haryanvi Eagles.

    Pushpa Rana will lead Haryanvi Eagles and Meena Kadyan will captain Bhojpuri Leopardess. Marathi Falcons and Punjabi Tigress have named Tanu Sharma and Meera as captains respectively. While Julie Bhati will lead Telugu Cheetahs, Suman will oversee the captain’s duties for Tamil Lioness.

    All the captains boast of a strong record in the sport at both National and International levels.

    Speaking about the captains Ms. Kanthi D. Suresh, President of the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA), said, “The announcement of captains marks an exciting milestone in GI-PKL’s journey. These players are not just leading their teams but are also playing a crucial role in inspiring them. We believe their leadership and dedication will set the tone for a competitive season.”

    Each franchisee will own both a men’s and a women’s team, a first-of-its-kind arrangement in kabaddi, promoting equality and inclusivity.

    Meanwhile, players have already begun rigorous training for the League and are leaving no stone unturned in their training. Sawin Narwal, Sandeep Kandola, Ajay Kumar, and Kapil Narwal are among the players who have started practicing . National gold medalists like M Anitha, Indra Rohini, Arul Santhiya, and Selvarebiksha have also commenced training sessions in their respective states.

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    HIPSA’s past initiatives underline its commitment to Kabaddi’s global growth. In March 2024, HIPSA ensured the Sport of Kabaddi was included in the Guinness World Record for an event held in Panchkula’s Tau Devilal Stadium.

    In December 2023, HIPSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Haryana State Government to promote the sport of Kabaddi, globally..As per the MOU, HIPSA and the Haryana Government together shall endeavor to encourage and facilitate, as appropriate, the advancement of linkages and cooperation to promote Kabaddi as a sport across the globe, with a vision to also have the Sport of Kabaddi, included in the Summer Olympics.

    GI-PKL
    GI-PKL

    Men’s Teams and Captains:

    Marathi Vultures – Kapil Narwal
    Bhojpuri Leopards – Shiv Prashad
    Telugu Panthers – Sandeep Kandola
    Tamil Lions – Sunil Narwal
    Punjabi Tigers – Sawin Narwal
    Haryanvi Sharks – Vikash Dahiya

    Women’s Teams and Captains

    Marathi Falcons – Tanu Sharma
    Bhojpuri Leopardess – Meena Kadyan
    Telugu Cheetahs – Julie Bhati
    Tamil Lioness – Suman
    Punjabi Tigress – Meera
    Haryanvi Eagles – Pushpa Rana

  • Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) announced after historic merger of GPKL and IPKL

    Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL) announced after historic merger of GPKL and IPKL

    GPKL and IPKL Join Forces to Launch Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL)

    Global Pravasi Kabaddi League unites Men and Women under one banner, eyes global impact

    Gurugram (Haryana) [India], December 20: The kabaddi world witnessed a groundbreaking announcement on Thursday as the organisers of the Global Pravasi Kabaddi League (GPKL) revealed its merger with the Indian Premier Kabaddi League (IPKL). This strategic alliance has resulted the Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL), where both men and women will compete under a unified league banner on the same mat size, a first in the sport’s history.

    The merger marks a significant leap for kabaddi, blending GPKL’s focus on women’s empowerment and IPKL’s expansive vision to create a globally resonant league. GI-PKL ensures representation from countries across the world, bringing together diverse talents to promote kabaddi internationally.

    Speaking about the merger of the leagues, Ms Kanthi D Suresh, President of Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) in a statement said, ‘This is a strategic move to make the property stronger by having men and women together under the same banner, with a similar vision.”

    “It not only helps in the achievement of our larger objectives, but it also sends a message of Women empowerment when playing under the same league alongside their male counterparts, something which has never happened before.’ Its an exciting concept and we look forward to executing this soon,” she added.

    Sohan Tusir, Director of the IPKL said that the prospect of a franchisee owner having both a mens team and a womens team is making the property attractive as he has received significant interest regarding the same. Certain celebrities are also tipped to be part of GI-PKL and look to owning two teams together.

    HIPSA’s Vision: Kabaddi’s Global Expansion and a Unique Championship Concept for GI-PKL

    HIPSA’s past initiatives underline its commitment to kabaddi’s global growth. In 2023, GPKL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Haryana State Government to promote women’s kabaddi worldwide.

    Previously, HIPSA entered a 10-year MOU with the World Kabaddi Body, based in the United Kingdom, to expand the sport across continents. These efforts align with the ambitious goal of including kabaddi in the Olympics by meeting criteria such as active participation in at least 75 countries for men and 45 for women across four continents.

    Karthik Dammu, lead actor in the three National award winning movie, Fouja, who is also AVP for GPKL, said, ‘the Championship trophy winner for GI-PKL will be a big surprise, as the entire process of declaring the champion besides the Mens winner and the Womens winner, will be a unique concept. I don’t want to reveal it all now, but all I can only say is that, the GI-PKL Championship winner can be either a Mens team or a Womens team irrespective of who the respective Mens and Womens team winners are.

    GI-PKL will begin with 12 teams, with 6 Mens and 6 Womens teams. A total of 66 matches would be part of the first Season. The league will spread over almost close to a month. There seems to be significant interest in the Kabaddi circles about this new concept and an eagerness to be part of the same.

    The Indian Kabaddi administration continues to be in an imbroglio with the National federation being suspended by their International affiliate and also derecognized by the Sports Ministry. While the dispute continues in the Judicial courts, the new Sports governance bill likely to be introduced soon, gives a glimmer of hope to streamline sports administration in India.

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    The Sports regulatory body proposed as part of the bill is set to take over all cases that are currently in dispute and ensure that the Sports administration process is in sync with International Olympic Committee and also the respective International federations that regulate the Sport at a global level.