Kabaddi: 5 Biggest Challenges Faced by Indian Kabaddi in the year 2026

Kabaddi is second most popular sport in India, credit should be given to all stakeholders who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this entity extremely popular.

Equal Credit should be given to AKFI, IKF , Mashal Sports and Star Sports to make this entity extremely successful.

Here in this article we will dwell deep into 5 Biggest Challenges Faced by Indian Kabaddi Ecosystem for the year 2026 to be shared in the below format:

1. Brand Building: Yes you have heard it right, Brand building is an area which needs to be explored in the Kabaddi ecosystem unlike Cricket where Top stars knows how to present yourself in the front of the camera which is missing big time in Kabaddi.

Many times you ask questions from Top Kabaddi Stars they hardly know how to express themselves.

Systematic approach should be build, so that players could be turned into brands, and grooming should be done at the optimum level.

Cricket players including the likes of- Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Others know how to express themselves to the best of their ability.

Kabaddi Top stars should be groomed where they know how to confidently present yourself in front of the camera.

2. Sponsorship Problems: Sponsorship is another factor that should be taken into consideration, where most Kabaddi Leagues are struggling with Sponsorships, also most leagues want to operate on Barter model due to which revenue generation is negligible there.

Sponsorship planning should be done systematically and also most companies doesn’t want to spend money in Sports barring cricket something

needs to be done so that it should come in huge numbers and Kabaddi as Sport doesn’t face challenge in it.

3. Expansion in Games: When we talk about Expansion in Games, It is struggling hard beyond India barring Iran none of the countries have been able to successfully expand sport whole heartedly.

There is a lot that needs to be done, to make sure expansion of games should be done we have seen IKF sending Indian coaches, athletes and other officials during event rather than permanently sending them for 12 months which could change the crux of the game.

Also someone has to think of Extending Kabaddi in Tier 1 where the sport like Cricket, Badminton, Tennis and Motorsports smart marketing should be done in such a way, that Kabaddi could reach at Tier 1 audience and most sponsors are actively involved in Tier 1 sports sponsorship.

4. 12th Month Calendar: Things have improved drastically, when it comes to Kabaddi back to back as compared in the past unlike Cricket – Where BCCI announces entire 12 month calendar in advance .

Back to Back leagues, are coming across various states so that players from that specific state should get opportunity to make name for themselves reach at the highest pedestal.

Stakeholders should come on board and make sure to Build 12 Month Calendar window should be build also so that Kabaddi should run systematically build so that popular combat sport could be build on consistent basis.

5. Pro Kabaddi League Fix Tenure:

The Pro Kabaddi League certainly needs to work on fix tenure month, unlike IPL where the marquee event begins in Month of March that will conclude in May.

Eventually there is a massive Return on Investment on it.

However , Pro Kabaddi League stakeholders needs to work on fixing their tenure once the month is decided there should be ROI which could come in massive numbers.

As any Private stakeholders who wants to invest their money they would definitely look for ROI.

5 Biggest Challenges Faced by Indian Kabaddi Ecosystem in 2026

Challenge Area	Key Issues & Explanation
1. Brand Building	Brand building remains a major gap in Indian Kabaddi. Unlike cricket stars such as Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, most kabaddi players lack media training and on-camera confidence. Many top athletes struggle to articulate their thoughts during interviews, limiting their personal and commercial appeal. A structured grooming system focusing on communication skills, personal branding, and media presence is essential to transform players into recognizable sports brands.
2. Sponsorship Challenges	Sponsorship continues to be a pain point for kabaddi leagues. Many competitions rely heavily on barter models, resulting in minimal revenue generation. Corporates remain hesitant to invest in non-cricket sports. Strategic sponsorship planning, data-driven brand integrations, and long-term partnerships are required to attract serious financial backing and ensure sustainability.
3. Expansion of the Game	Kabaddi’s global expansion remains limited, with Iran being the only major success story outside India. While the IKF has taken steps by sending coaches and officials abroad, these are often short-term initiatives. Long-term overseas development programs and stronger penetration into Tier-1 Indian cities through smart marketing are crucial for growth.
4. 12-Month Playing Calendar	Although the number of kabaddi tournaments has increased, the sport still lacks a well-defined 12-month calendar. Unlike cricket, where schedules are announced well in advance, kabaddi remains fragmented. A unified annual calendar would help players, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans engage with the sport more consistently.
5. Fixed Tenure for Pro Kabaddi League	The Pro Kabaddi League needs a fixed annual window similar to the IPL. A defined tenure would enhance planning, viewership consistency, sponsorship confidence, and return on investment. Fixed scheduling is vital to attract long-term private investment into the league.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):

Q1: Why is brand building important for kabaddi players in 2026?

Brand building helps kabaddi players go beyond on-field performance and connect with fans, sponsors, and media. In today’s sports ecosystem, personality, communication skills, and digital presence play a crucial role in attracting endorsements and building long-term careers. Structured grooming can help kabaddi stars become marketable icons, similar to athletes in cricket and badminton.

Q2: What is holding back sponsorship growth in Indian kabaddi?

The lack of consistent viewership data, fragmented calendars, and over-dependence on barter deals discourage corporate investment. Most brands still prioritize cricket due to predictable returns. By offering fixed league windows, integrated marketing solutions, and measurable ROI, kabaddi can position itself as a serious sponsorship opportunity.

Q3: How can kabaddi expand globally and in Tier-1 Indian cities?

Global expansion requires long-term grassroots programs, permanent coaching deployments, and league collaborations outside India. Domestically, Tier-1 audiences can be engaged through digital storytelling, influencer marketing, and urban-friendly formats. Strategic positioning can help kabaddi compete with other premium sports for audience and sponsor attention.

Frequently Asked Questions – Indian Kabaddi Ecosystem 2026

Question	Answer
Why is brand building important for kabaddi players in 2026?	Brand building helps kabaddi players move beyond only on-field performances and build meaningful connections with fans, sponsors, and media. In today’s sports ecosystem, personality, communication skills, and digital presence play a vital role in attracting endorsements and creating long-term careers. A structured grooming approach can help kabaddi stars become marketable icons, similar to athletes in cricket and badminton.
What is holding back sponsorship growth in Indian kabaddi?	Sponsorship growth is restricted due to inconsistent viewership data, fragmented calendars, and heavy dependence on barter-based deals. Most brands continue to focus on cricket because of predictable returns. Fixed league windows, integrated marketing solutions, and clearly measurable ROI can help kabaddi emerge as a credible and attractive sponsorship platform.
How can kabaddi expand globally and in Tier-1 Indian cities?	Global expansion requires long-term grassroots programs, permanent deployment of coaches, and league collaborations outside India. Within India, Tier-1 audiences can be targeted through digital storytelling, influencer-led marketing, and urban-friendly formats. Strategic positioning will allow kabaddi to compete with other premium sports for audience attention and sponsor interest.