Kabaddi News: India need Women's Pro Kabaddi League

Only a few days have passed since the Jaipur Pink Panthers won the Pro Kabaddi League Season nine championship, which featured a thrilling season finale.

Pro Kabaddi has done an excellent job of winning over Indian sports lovers. However, while a few Indian and foreign players have achieved celebrity status, some eager eyes are still waiting for a women's Kabaddi league.

"Sometimes it does feel horrible. Although I have routinely competed in senior nationals since 2016 and have earned a gold medal at the Asian Games in 2018, few people are aware of us. The young players in the PKL are quickly recognisable, but nobody is familiar with us "Sonali Shingate, a medalist from the 2018 Asian Games, told The Bridge.

Women's Kabaddi League - A Financial Need

A Financial Need for the Women's Kabaddi League

Kabaddi had never seen the grandeur and notoriety it has since 2014. While the Men's Kabaddi scene has transformed as a result of the PKL, the Women's Kabaddi scene is scarcely discernible and is suffering from the shadow thrown by the PKL.

Kabaddi had never seen the grandeur and notoriety it has since 2014. While the Men's Kabaddi scene has transformed as a result of the PKL, the Women's Kabaddi scene is scarcely discernible and is suffering from the shadow thrown by the PKL.

"Women's Kabaddi players have less opportunities to play, hence a league is vitally important. There are just two professional teams: railroad and police. We'll be able to play frequently now that a professional league is starting, and the young ladies will have a place to showcase their talent and establish themselves financially "said Sonali.

The bulk of sports in India are primarily concerned with earning a living, landing a job in the government, caring for a family, and surviving due to the socioeconomic structure of the country.

The scope of livelihood and survival is constrained when women's sports are brought up because social pressure is a significant factor.

Sonali clarified the state of their finances: "If the ladies can maintain some financial stability, families would help them. I was raised in the middle class, so it took me a while to establish myself financially. Only then was I able to give my full attention to my game, which led to my successful performance at the Asian Games."

Railways' national representative, Apeksha Takle, said: "We will greatly benefit from more opportunities thanks to a professional league, especially for the young players. With the glitter attached to it, it would attract more girls to kabaddi and give them a viable professional alternative."

Due to their affiliation with corporate teams, these two athletes are now financially secure, but many others still want assistance in locating similar chances.

Kabaddi for Men and Women: Why they are different

Any professional Men's Kabaddi match uses a mat that is 13 metres by 10 metres (including the lobby), whereas the Women's Kabaddi mat is 11 metres by 8 metres (including the lobby).

The PKL held a few practice women's matches on the men's mat.

"The mat size was one of the factors that prevented the players from showcasing their abilities. It affects the women's game if they play on different mats, which is mostly what happened in those games "explained Rajesh Padave, the coach.

According to Rajesh, who has coached a number of PKL stars, "my students are the same for me, whether they are playing PKL or not." "The women's league should begin, please. I've been promised by league members that a women's league is in the works "Rajesh hoped in his words.

What Will Happen If Women Get PKL?

Not only will a women's professional Kabaddi league benefit the players, but it will also provide opportunities for coaches, analysts, and other league staff.

"For myself and the women's kabaddi community, it will be like a dream come true since all we want to do is play and concentrate on the game. The game has radically changed since the PKL since we've started paying more attention to our health, nutrition, and game analysis "Sonali said with excitement.

"Bura lagta hai abhi nahi hai (It feels bad that it doesn't exist) but am super excited if something like this happens as it will mean a change in lifestyle, a better platform to showcase my abilities and definitely recognition," Apeksha said.

Kabaddi's ecosystem was altered by the PKL, which also offered the game a primetime broadcast spot. The possibility of landing an Olympic spot increases as more nations participate in the port. Women who play kabaddi in the nation are currently hoping that a similar situation would soon occur in their sport.