SJ Uplift Kabaddi launches WSKL to take Kabaddi global in 2026

SJ Uplift Kabaddi, the exclusive rights holder for both the World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL) and the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), announces the launch of the inaugural edition of WSKL—a step towards making Kabaddi a truly global sport. With participation from around 30 countries and confirmation from 20 national federations, the inaugural season is tentatively set for February–March 2026 and will be held in Dubai.

WSKL has been conceptualised as an international platform with a singular mission: to globalise Kabaddi and pave the way for its inclusion in the Olympic Games.  WSKL is backed by the International Kabaddi Federation and holds commercial rights through the South Asian Kabaddi Federation.

WSKL will follow a franchise-based model with eight teams in its first season. Each team will include both international players and Indian talent. WSKL is fully owned and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi and has been founded by Sambhav Jain, a passionate advocate for the growth and modernization of Kabaddi. 

Speaking about this ambitious new venture, Sambhav Jain, director and founder, SJ uplift Kabaddi said, “Kabaddi has always deserved a larger stage not just for India but for the global sporting community. With WSKL, our goal is to reimagine the sport for a global audience, unlock international talent, and take decisive steps towards Olympic recognition. The success of UPKL gave us the foundation, but WSKL is about creating a Kabaddi league that belongs to the world. We are building this with a vision for the next decade, not just the next season.”

The league has committed a total player purse of Rs. 48 crore across its eight franchises, underscoring the strong investment appetite for this new sports property. WSKL has already secured interest and participation from prominent Kabaddi nations including South Korea, Iran, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, and the United States, with discussions underway to onboard additional countries.

The World Super Kabaddi League is designed not as a seasonal tournament but as an evolving global sports property. SJ Uplift Kabaddi is committed to building WSKL as a 12-month, year-round Kabaddi ecosystem.