KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The Real Kabaddi League (RKL), a popular league in a traditional sport over 400 years old and played mostly in Asian countries, is gearing up for an International edition, come February.
As part of the first steps being taken, an exhibition match between two teams was held to provide a sampling of things to come at Al Nasr Club in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council. The venue for the event next year is yet to be finalised.
In attendance were the UAE businessman Tariq Al Habtoor, Yatin Patel, Deputy Consul General of India in Dubai, Indian film star Suneil Shetty and Indian wrestling Olympian Sangram Singh among a bunch of cross-society celebrities in their own right.
The RKL started in India with eight teams since 2019 but completed its third season last year on the either side of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now Atlanture Sports, the promoters, are bringing the league to the UAE. One of the three founders is Rannvijay Singha, who splits his time between Dubai and Chandigarh in India.
The International edition of RKL will have six teams – Indian Warriors, Lahore Knights, American Titans, United Spartans, Gulf Gladiators, and Euro Vikings. This diverse lineup represents the league's commitment to globalising the sport and bringing together talent from different parts of the world, establish it as a premier global sport while blending cultural heritage with modern excellence and talent.
Meanwhile on the mats, the Gulf Gladiators team beat the Indian Warriors in the exhibition match. After a series of intense raids and strategic defense, the Gulf Gladiators emerged victorious with an impressive scoreline of 55-42, securing a 13-point lead.
"Kabaddi is a fascinating sport – I love how dynamic it looks on the mat,” said Tariq Al Habtoor, the Emirati businessman behind Al Habtoor Trading and a versatile sportperson himself. “I truly enjoyed watching it and would love to participate in the league as a player someday. It's an exciting and engaging contact sport that's worth trying."
The actor Shetty echoed the sentiment. "Kabaddi is raw, dynamic, and deeply rooted in our culture. Watching this match [in Dubai] was an incredible experience.
“Kabaddi is such an exciting sport – it demands agility, endurance, and speed. I love the idea of taking it global, and I believe this league will undoubtedly reach greater heights."
The Dubai Sports Council recently held a Kabaddi tournament as part of its ongoing Labour Sports Tournament, which was won by employees of Al Ghurair Group of companies.