Image Source: The Hans India
A Landmark Season Dawns
The PKL’s twelfth edition isn’t just a sporting event—it’s a celebration of kabaddi’s spectacular ascent to become a fan-favourite in Indian homes. With 12 teams hungry for glory and the tournament’s action spanning four cities, season 12 is set to offer double the intensity, drama, and crowd-pulsing moments.
Opening Weekend: High-Voltage Clashes in Vizag
The thrill begins at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag—making a triumphant return to the PKL circuit after a long seven-year wait for fans in Andhra Pradesh. The opening day will see two mouthwatering fixtures:
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Telugu Titans vs Tamil Thalaivas at 8:00 PM IST.
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Bengaluru Bulls vs Puneri Paltan at 9:00 PM IST.
August 30 ramps up the spectacle, as hosts Telugu Titans face off against UP Yoddhas, followed by U Mumba battling Gujarat Giants. Kabaddi lovers can expect a super-charged Sunday on August 31, with Tamil Thalaivas testing their mettle against U Mumba, and defending champions Haryana Steelers launching their campaign versus the Bengal Warriorz.
Key Highlights and Narrative Threads
Return of Classic Venues: Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi breathe new life into the league. Vizag’s comeback after 2018 is especially poignant, marking it as a stronghold where kabaddi’s emotional heartbeat is tangible.
Multi-city Format: Each city brings its own aura—Jaipur’s Indoor Hall at SMS Stadium (from September 12), Chennai’s SDAT Multipurpose Indoor Stadium (from September 29), and Delhi’s storied Thyagaraj Sports Complex (from October 13).
Star Power: Look out for heavyweights like Aslam Inamdar, Arjun Deshwal, Pawan Sehrawat, Vijay Malik, Mohammadreza Shadloui, and Naveen Kumar, all primed to set the mat alight.
A City-wise Carnival of Kabaddi
Vizag: The return acts as a homecoming, reviving memories of the league’s formative years. Local fans, starved of action since 2018, are expected to turn up in force, reigniting old rivalries and showcasing their undying passion.
Jaipur: Opening the second leg from September 12, Jaipur not only hosts double-champions Pink Panthers against Bengaluru Bulls, but will also reverberate with the memory of hosting PKL’s historic 1000th match during season 10.
Chennai: From September 29, Chennai throws open its doors, seeing fan favourites UP Yoddhas and Gujarat Giants lock horns, with local support expected to create a cauldron-like atmosphere.
Delhi: The league rounds off in the capital from October 13, with blockbusters lined up as Patna Pirates face Haryana Steelers and U Mumba take on the UP Yoddhas before the playoffs, whose detailed schedule awaits announcement.
Other Noteworthy Details
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The PKL will keep its promise of high-octane, back-to-back double-headers.
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Matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar for unparalleled nationwide reach.
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Under the stewardship of Mashal Sports, in partnership with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India, the league sets new standards in athlete and fan engagement.
Conclusion
Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League is here to reinforce kabaddi as India’s most electrifying contact sport, delighting both new and seasoned fans. With a potent line-up of teams, athletes, and venues, expect nothing less than a rollercoaster of competitive spirit, strategic depth, and community celebration.
Source: Pro Kabaddi League Official Website, News18 Sports, Sporting News India, Free Press Journal, India Today
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