Nepal Kabaddi League
 | |
| Country |  Nepal |
|---|---|
| Administrator |
|
| First tournament | 2025 |
| Tournament format | Double round-robin league and playoffs |
| Number of teams | 6 |
| TV partner(s) | Kasthamandap Television |
| Slogan | Mato dekhi Maidan Samma |
| Website | nepalkabaddileague |
The Nepal Kabaddi League (NKL)[1] organized by Astrionix Managment is a professional-level Kabaddi League in Nepal, featuring six franchise teams representing Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Dhangadhi, and Butwal[2]. Over 90 kabaddi players from Nepal and abroad were featured in the players' draft, held on 15 December 2024 in Kathmandu. The league was officially launched in November 2024. This league was invisioned by the owner of Astrionix Management - Mr. Amit Begani. The inaugural will be held from January 17 to February 01 of 2025[3].
History
[edit]The NKL was established to promote Kabaddi in Nepal and provide a platform for local talent to showcase their skills. The league is organized by Astrionix Management Private Limited.
Draft
[edit]Drafting of the inaugural season took place on 15 December 2024.[4] [5] The inaugural edition saw participation from international players from Bangladesh, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Teams
[edit]The NKL consists of six franchise teams, each representing a major city in Nepal.
| Team | City | Debut | Captain | Head Coach | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biratnagar Bandits | Biratnagar | 2025 | Kalyan Bhujel | Satisha Nayaka | |
| Dhangadi Wild Cats | Dhangadi | 2025 | Padam Bahadur Bist | Mahesh Bohara | |
| Himalayan Raiders | Butwal | 2025 | Ganesh Bahadur Karki | Sandip Pant | |
| Janakpur Knights | Janakpur | 2025 | Ramu Tamatta | Ganesh Krishna | |
| Kathmandu Mavricks | Kathmandu | 2025 | Ghanashyam Roka Magar | Alok Singh | |
| Pokhara Lakers | Pokhara | 2025 | Pradip Mijar | Rajaram Periyapuliyan |
Format
[edit]The league follows a single round-robin format, with each team playing against every other team twice, once at home and once away. The top four teams at the end of the regular season advance to the playoffs, culminating in the NKL Championship match.
Achievements
[edit]The NKL aims to boost Kabaddi's popularity in Nepal and develop the sport at the grassroots level. The league is expected to be a significant step towards achieving these goals, with the potential to attract more players and fans to the sport.
Future Plans
[edit]The Astrionix Management has plans to expand the league by introducing a Women's Kabaddi League in the future. The Management team is also working on securing more sponsors and Partnerships to ensure the League's long-term sustainability and growth.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Logo and trophy of Nepal Kabaddi League unveiled". Retrieved 24 December 2024.
- ^ "नेपाल कबड्डी लिगमा ६ टिमको सहभागिता". Online Khabar. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ "नेपाल कबड्डी लिग माघ ४ गतेदेखि हुने". Online Khabar. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ "Draft of Nepal Kabaddi League held". Retrieved 24 December 2024.
- ^ "Six Bangladesh players drafted into inaugural Nepal Kabaddi League". Retrieved 24 December 2024.