‘Kabaddi’, one of India's indigenous sports, that dates back to prehistoric times and was played in different forms, over the past decade has grown in leaps and bounds. The introduction of Pro Kabaddi League, organized and conducted by Mashal Sports in collaboration with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), has transformed the image of this fast paced sport and its athletes nationally but also worldwide.

In to its 11th season (2024-25 ) the erstwhile Pro Kabaddi League was awarded the ‘Best Sports League of 2024 (Non-Cricket)’ at the prestigious Confederation of Indian Industry  (CII) Sports Business awards at the national capital recently

The same that was held as part of second edition of CII Score Card event 2024, a ground breaking initiative, recognizes excellence and innovation for the contributions made by the organizations and individuals in the sports business and featured five primary categories.

PKL’s triumph in the highly competitive ‘Sports Franchise of the Year’ category underscored its impact on the Indian sports landscape and its contribution to the growth of Kabaddi as a sport

Sharing his thoughts after receiving the award, Commissioner of Pro Kabaddi League, Anupam Goswami said, “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from CII. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making Pro Kabaddi League a resounding success since its inception in 2014. As we look to the future, we are committed to taking PKL to even greater heights, further popularizing Kabaddi and contributing to India's vision of becoming a global sporting powerhouse.”

Charu Sharma, Director of the Pro Kabaddi League, renowned sports commentator, compere and quizmaster himself, added, “India’s unique heritage sport – which went international many decades ago – has catapulted into a highly visible, reputed, professional league 10 years ago thanks to the PKL. The story of Kabaddi is truly fascinating. I am delighted that India’s premier corporate agency, the CII, has appreciated the extreme attention Mashal Sports showers on good governance, earning the PKL respect and sustainability. Winning this Confederation of Indian Industry’s Sports Business Award, is a truly gratifying recognition of all the hard work contributed by the entire Mashal Sports team, led by Anupam Goswami.”

The award comes at a time when India is making significant strides in the sports sector, with initiatives like the draft National Sports Policy 2024. Pro Kabaddi League's success aligns perfectly with the nation's goal of creating a vibrant and inclusive sports ecosystem, while also aiming to take the sport to an Olympic level.

In addition to PKL's success, defending champions Puneri Paltan, who are one of the league's prominent teams, was also recognized at the CII Sports Business Awards, winning the 'Sports Franchise of the Year' award. The franchise's grassroots initiative, Yuva Paltan, has been instrumental in developing young kabaddi stars like Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat, who have become key players for the team and have represented India internationally.

Earlier Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Sports), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in her inaugural address, informed the gathering about the Union Government plans to host 2036 Olympics and one must plan for excellence to showcase that the country is worthy for the quadrennial multidisciplinary global games that witnesses participation from over 200 nations teams. She praised the CII Score Card 2024 initiative that underlines the critical need to drive towards similar efficiency and transformation, curating a pathway for all stakeholders in building India as a sporting hub.

Chanakya Chaudhary, Chairman, CII National Committee on Sports, in his welcome address on the other hand stated that the CII Scorecard had  always been a platform for inspiring meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes. He also shared his insights on this year’s theme, ‘Empowering change: Innovating Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Sporting Future in India’ which reflects the transformative journey that will act as catalyst for innovation and inclusivity that were key to unlocking the full potential of sports for societal growth.

The detailed report on ‘Sports Cities of India 2024: Future Destinations for Global Sporting Events’, a collaborative effort by CII and Grant Thornton Bharat based on various parameters such as Infrastructure development, athlete program, fan engagement,  readiness among others to host large international events was released at the event. The report also highlighted the capacity of Indian cities to celebrate the nation’s vibrant sports culture and how India is gearing up for its ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

A) CII’s Sports Business awards award categories & winners:

1) Sports Franchise of the Year: Puneri Paltan (Pro Kabaddi League)

2. Best Sports Broadcaster: AB Sportzworkz Pvt Ltd

3) Best Sports League of the Year (Non-Cricket): Pro Kabaddi League (Mashal Sports)

4) Sports Brand of the Year: Sunridges by Sareen Sports

5) Best Sports Management Institution of the Year: Jio Institute

B)  Recognition Award category & winners:

1) Best Sports Business Leader of the Year – Male: Parth Jindal: Director, JSW Sports

2) Best Sports Business Leader of the Year – Female: Vita Dani: Chairperson, Dani Sports Foundation

3) Best State Promoting Sports Development: Department of Sports, Govt.  of Haryana

4) Sports Federation of the Year: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

5) Best Sports Facility: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

7) Best Organization Promoting Para-Sports: Hero MotoCorp

8) Best Emerging Sports League of the Year: Women’s Premier League (WPL)

Photo Above: Anupam Goswami (Left), League Commissioner of Pro Kabaddi League receives the highly competitive ‘Sports Franchise of the Year’ award from the hands of a dignitary