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 Ahli 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.