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Why Kabaddi Is Becoming India’s Second-Biggest Sport After Cricket | Lotus365

Just as Pooja against Eight Art, up for cricket, has been the heart of India. From tiny town gullies to huge city stadia, the croquet of conversations, screens, and fan following had dominated. Slowly but steadily, a new sport has been creeping into the hearts of people over the years – kabaddi.

Once considered a rural sport, kabaddi is now the star attraction on national television, with millions rooting for their favorite players and teams. Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and social media have helped kabaddi evolve into a full-fledged professional sport, stirring up a storm of popularity, sponsorships, and fan engagement challenging cricket itself.

The Roots of Kabaddi in India

Kabaddi is not new to India. It has been played in villages for centuries, often during festivals or community gatherings. The game’s charm lies in its simplicity: no expensive equipment, no special ground, just strength, strategy, and stamina.

It is believed that kabaddi originated over 4,000 years ago and was even played during the times of the Mahabharata. Lord Krishna is said to have played kabaddi with his friends, making it a part of Indian cultural heritage.

Despite this rich history, kabaddi struggled to get recognition at the same level as cricket or football for a long time. It was seen as a rural or “desi” sport, played mostly by farmers and youngsters in villages. That perception has now completely changed.

The Turning Point: Pro Kabaddi League

The biggest revolution in kabaddi came in 2014, with the launch of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). For the first time, kabaddi had a glamorous platform with professional teams, celebrity owners, and massive TV coverage.

The format was designed to make kabaddi entertaining and easy to understand for urban audiences. With colorful jerseys, catchy team names, and thrilling live telecasts, kabaddi became a household name almost overnight.

The numbers speak for themselves:

The first season of PKL attracted more than 435 million viewers, second only to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Today, PKL is watched in more than 120 countries.
Star players like Pardeep Narwal, Rahul Chaudhari, Deepak Hooda, and Fazel Atrachali have become national icons.

This transformation proved that kabaddi was not just a rural game — it was a sport with the potential to unite the entire nation.

Why Kabaddi Is Becoming So Popular

Several reasons explain why kabaddi has grown so quickly in India and why it is now seen as the second-biggest sport after cricket.

1. Strong Cultural Connection

Kabaddi is deeply rooted in Indian culture. Almost every Indian has either played kabaddi in school or watched it in their village. This cultural familiarity makes it easier for people to connect with the sport.

2. Simplicity of Rules

Unlike cricket, where new fans sometimes struggle to understand LBW or powerplays, kabaddi has very simple rules: raid, tag opponents, and return safely. This simplicity appeals to both young and old fans.

3. Rise of Pro Kabaddi League

The PKL gave kabaddi a professional stage. With top broadcasters, sponsors, and celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aamir Khan supporting it, kabaddi suddenly became “cool.”

4. Fast-Paced Action

Kabaddi is a sport where every second counts. Raids last only 30 seconds, and matches are packed with non-stop action. This makes it perfect for today’s audience, who love fast and thrilling entertainment.

5. Regional Pride

Just like cricket has state rivalries in the Ranji Trophy and IPL, kabaddi too thrives on regional pride. Fans passionately support teams like Tamil Thalaivas, Patna Pirates, and U Mumba, making the league even more exciting.

Television coverage, highlights on YouTube, and constant updates on Instagram and Twitter have helped kabaddi reach millions of fans. Youngsters now look up to kabaddi stars just like they do to cricketers.

7. Government and International Recognition

Kabaddi is now included in the Asian Games and other international tournaments, giving Indian players global exposure. The government has also increased support and funding for kabaddi training centers.

Kabaddi v/s Cricket – The Competition

Cricket will always be India’s number one sport, but kabaddi is carving its own space. Here’s how the two sports compare:

Aspect	Cricket	Kabaddi
Fan Base	Billions globally, strong in India	Millions in India, growing abroad
Leagues	IPL (world’s richest league)	PKL (2nd most watched in India)
Cost to Play	Requires bat, ball, ground	Requires almost nothing
Game Duration	3–5 hours (T20, ODI, Test)	40 minutes
Action	Can be slow-paced at times	Non-stop thrill
Cultural Connect	Colonial and modern legacy	Ancient Indian roots

Kabaddi’s biggest strength is its accessibility and speed. While cricket still dominates, kabaddi is the go-to sport for raw action, teamwork, and affordability.

The Business of Kabaddi

Kabaddi is no longer just a sport — it is also a big business. Sponsors like Vivo, Tata Motors, and Dream11 have invested heavily in the Pro Kabaddi League. Players now earn in lakhs and crores, something unimaginable a decade ago.

Franchises have also brought in international players from Iran, South Korea, Kenya, and Bangladesh, making the sport truly global. The involvement of big names has ensured financial stability and growing opportunities for athletes.

Future of Kabaddi in India

The future looks extremely bright for kabaddi. Here’s why:

School and College Programs: Kabaddi is being encouraged in schools and universities as a mainstream sport.
Digital Growth: Online streaming and fantasy kabaddi leagues are attracting tech-savvy youth.
Global Expansion: With PKL’s success, there are talks of international leagues in other countries.
Olympics Dream: India is lobbying to make kabaddi a part of the Olympic Games in the future.

If these trends continue, kabaddi could soon be neck-to-neck with cricket in terms of popularity.

Conclusion

Kabaddi’s journey from dusty village fields to prime-time television is truly inspiring. With its cultural roots, thrilling action, and massive reach through the Pro Kabaddi League, kabaddi has won the hearts of millions across India.

While cricket may remain India’s favorite, kabaddi has firmly established itself as the second-biggest sport in the country. And with increasing investments, global expansion, and young talent, the future of kabaddi looks brighter than ever.

FAQs

Q1. Why is kabaddi called India’s second-biggest sport?
Because after cricket, kabaddi has the largest fan following, TV ratings, and sponsorship deals in India.

Q2. When did kabaddi become popular?
Kabaddi became a national sensation after the launch of the Pro Kabaddi League in 2014, which brought the sport to millions of TV screens.

Q3. Who are the most famous kabaddi players in India?
Some popular names are Pardeep Narwal, Rahul Chaudhari, Deepak Hooda, Ajay Thakur, and Anup Kumar.

Q4. How many people watch kabaddi in India?
The Pro Kabaddi League has crossed 400 million+ viewers per season, making it the second-most watched league after IPL.

Q5. Is kabaddi played outside India?
Yes. Countries like Iran, South Korea, Kenya, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are strong kabaddi nations. Kabaddi is part of the Asian Games as well.

Q6. Why do people love kabaddi?
Because it is fast, simple, affordable, and thrilling. Every second in kabaddi is action-packed, which keeps fans hooked.

Q7. Can kabaddi players make money like cricketers?
Yes, top kabaddi players in the PKL earn lakhs and even crores per season through contracts and endorsements.

Q8. Is kabaddi safe for children?
Yes, when played with proper rules and guidance, kabaddi is a safe and healthy sport that improves fitness, teamwork, and stamina.

Q9. Will kabaddi ever be more popular than cricket?
It is difficult, since cricket has a massive global presence. But kabaddi is definitely on track to be India’s number two sport.

Q10. How long is a kabaddi match?
A standard kabaddi match lasts 40 minutes, divided into two halves of 20 minutes each.