Odisha CM Majhi Promotes Indigenous Sports at WAVES 2025
At the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi delivered a powerful speech on May 3, focusing on the global rise of India’s indigenous sports. Speaking at the session titled Indigenous Sports: From India to the Global Stage, CM Majhi shared how traditional games like Kabaddi have grown from village pastimes to international favorites. His words highlighted the importance of indigenous sports in preserving India’s culture and inspiring future generations.
CM Majhi began by explaining the deep connection between indigenous sports and India’s history. “Indigenous sports are part of our culture and history. For ages, they have brought communities together, teaching teamwork, strength, respect for nature, and joy,” he said. He described these games as more than just sports, they are a way of life that carries the wisdom and creativity of our ancestors. By celebrating indigenous sports at WAVES 2025, Majhi emphasized their role in keeping India’s traditions alive.
Moreover, he connected indigenous sports to India’s identity. “These games are not just for fun; they show who we are as a people,” he added. His speech made it clear that promoting indigenous sports is about building pride in India’s rich heritage.
The Rise of Kabaddi and Pro Kabaddi League
One of the key points of CM Majhi’s speech was the success of Kabaddi, thanks to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Now in its 12th season, PKL has changed how indigenous sports are seen and enjoyed worldwide. “Kabaddi has gone from small villages to millions of homes across India,” Majhi said. “The Pro Kabaddi League has made it one of India’s most popular and successful sports leagues, inspiring young boys and girls everywhere.”
Additionally, the league’s growth shows the power of indigenous sports. Anupam Goswami, Business Head of Mashal and League Chairman of PKL, shared impressive numbers. “In 2024, PKL reached 201 million viewers,” he said. “Indigenous sports like Kabaddi are not just games – they are a huge opportunity for growth.” This success proves that indigenous sports can compete on a global stage while staying true to their roots.
A Vision for Every Village
CM Majhi shared a clear plan to support indigenous sports across India. “Our goal is simple: create champions in every village and give every child a chance to shine,” he said. He outlined Odisha’s efforts, including building stadiums in every block and training centers at the panchayat level. For example, Odisha is the first state in India to set up a High-Performance Centre for Kho Kho, in partnership with AM/NS India.
Furthermore, Odisha’s success with the Odisha Juggernauts, a state-owned team that won the Ultimate Kho Kho League in 2022, shows what’s possible with the right support. “This victory proves that indigenous sports can thrive with proper investment,” Majhi noted. His vision includes working with the Government of India and global sports groups to take indigenous sports like Kabaddi and Kho Kho to international platforms, including the Olympics.
A Star-Studded Panel Discussion
The WAVES 2025 session featured important voices in India’s sports world. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse called WAVES a “great platform” to boost traditional sports. Other panelists included Anupam Goswami, Sudhanshu Mittal (President of the Kho Kho Federation of India), international sports consultant Nic Coward, Yannick Colaco (Co-Founder of Fancode), and global Kabaddi star Fazel Atrachali from Iran. Their presence showed how indigenous sports are gaining fans worldwide.
For instance, Fazel Atrachali’s participation highlighted Kabaddi’s international appeal. The panel discussed ways to promote indigenous sports globally, including better media coverage and partnerships with athletes, federations, and governments.
Preserving Our Soul Through Sports
In his closing remarks, CM Majhi spoke passionately about the bigger purpose of indigenous sports. “Promoting traditional games is about preserving our soul,” he said. “It’s about giving our children pride in their heritage and building a future rooted in our past.” He ended with an Odia saying: “Khela re sanskruti achhi, sanskruti re asmita achhi” (In our games lies our culture, and in our culture lies our identity).
By supporting indigenous sports, Majhi believes India can share its culture with the world. “We want to take our traditional sports to millions, within India and beyond,” he added. His speech at WAVES 2025 was a call to action for everyone – governments, sports groups, and communities – to work together for this goal.
