Dubai witnessed a thrilling display of kabaddi last night as the Real Kabaddi League made its grand debut in the emirate. The Al Nasr Indoor Stadium was filled with excitement as fans were treated to intense action on the mat, exhilarating raids, and unmatched entertainment, according to a release.
The event was graced by dignitaries and celebrity guests, including Emirati sports enthusiast Tariq Al Habtoor, Indian wrestler Sangram Singh, Nicole Verma, and Yatin Patel, Deputy Consul General of India in Dubai. Bollywood icon Suniel Shetty added star power to the evening, sharing his enthusiasm for the sport’s global potential.
“Kabaddi is raw, dynamic, and deeply rooted in our culture. Watching this match was an incredible experience!” said Shetty. He further added, “Kabaddi is such an exciting sport–it demands agility, endurance, and speed. I love the idea of taking it global, and I believe this league will undoubtedly reach greater heights.”
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Indian wrestling champion Sangram Singh echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Kabaddi is such an exciting sport–it demands agility, endurance, and speed. I love the idea of taking it global, and I believe this league will undoubtedly reach greater heights.”
Tariq Al Habtoor expressed his newfound passion for kabaddi, stating, “Kabaddi is a fascinating sport–I love how dynamic it looks on the mat. I truly enjoyed watching it and would love to participate in the league as a player someday. It’s an exciting and engaging contact sport that’s worth trying.”
The evening’s entertainment was further elevated by host Rithvik Dhanjani, who kept the crowd engaged throughout the event with his energetic anchoring and captivating presence.
The exhibition match featured a riveting clash between the Indian Warriors and the Gulf Gladiators, with fans on the edge of their seats. After a series of intense raids and strategic defense, the Gulf Gladiators emerged victorious with a 55-42 win, securing a 13-point lead. The winning team celebrated their hard-earned victory amidst loud applause and standing ovations.
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In a major announcement during the event, the Real Kabaddi League – International Edition revealed its six competing teams for February 2025: Indian Warriors, Lahore Knights, American Titans, United Spartans, Gulf Gladiators, and Euro Vikings. This diverse lineup reflects the league’s commitment to globalizing the sport and uniting talent from around the world.
This historic event underscored the growing global appeal of kabaddi. The Real Kabaddi League aims to establish kabaddi as a premier global sport, blending cultural heritage with modern sporting excellence.
Commenting on the success of the event, a spokesperson for Atlanture Sports LLC said: “This match was more than just a game–it was a celebration of culture, passion, and sportsmanship. We are thrilled by the overwhelming response and look forward to making kabaddi a permanent fixture in Dubai’s sports calendar.”
The Real Kabaddi League exhibition match has laid a strong foundation for future international kabaddi events, with plans to expand its reach and grow its fan base across the Middle East and beyond.
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