The Rise of Kabaddi and Football in India: How Pro Leagues Are Changing the Game

 

The Rise of Football in India

Challenges Faced in the Pre-ISL Era

Before the introduction of the Indian Super League (ISL), football in India faced several challenges that prevented its growth and popularity:

1. Lack of Infrastructure – Unlike cricket stadiums, India had very few well-maintained football stadiums, and training facilities were subpar.
2. Low Media Coverage – Matches from domestic tournaments like the I-League received minimal television or newspaper coverage, making it hard for players to gain recognition.
3. Financial Struggles – Without proper sponsorships or club ownership models, Indian football clubs struggled financially.
4. Dominance of Cricket – The immense popularity of cricket left little room for football to thrive in terms of audience engagement.

While regions like West Bengal, Goa, and Kerala had passionate football fans, the sport lacked a nationwide league that could generate mass appeal—until the ISL changed the game.

The Indian Super League (ISL): A Game Changer

The Indian Super League (ISL) was launched in 2014, following a franchise-based model similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket and Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in Kabaddi. This transformed Indian football overnight, making it more commercialized and widely followed.

Key Features of the ISL:

✅ International Partnerships – The ISL partnered with top European clubs and international players, bringing more credibility to Indian football.
✅ Star Investors – The league attracted corporate investors and Bollywood celebrities like Ranbir Kapoor, John Abraham, and Sourav Ganguly, increasing its appeal.
✅ High-Quality Broadcasts – With Star Sports backing the league, ISL games were broadcast in HD, with expert analysis, graphics, and match highlights.
✅ Increased Fan Engagement – Clubs like ATK Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters, and Bengaluru FC built strong fan bases, leading to sold-out stadiums.

The first few seasons saw football legends like Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pirès, and Diego Forlán playing in India, elevating the league’s reputation.

Comparison of ISL with I-League

Before ISL, the I-League was India’s primary football league. However, the ISL quickly overshadowed it due to its better marketing, international influence, and financial backing.

Feature	ISL	I-League
Founded	2014	2007
Model	Franchise-based	Club-based
Viewership	Millions (TV & Digital)	Limited
Foreign Players	High-profile international stars	Limited presence
Sponsorships	Corporate-backed, lucrative	Struggled for funds
Media Coverage	Extensive	Minimal

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) eventually decided to merge both leagues, with ISL becoming the official top-tier league in Indian football.

The Impact of ISL on Indian Football

The Indian Super League (ISL) has drastically improved Indian football in multiple ways:

1. Increased Financial Opportunities for Players

• Before ISL, Indian players had low salaries and often struggled financially.
• Now, top players like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sahal Abdul Samad earn high salaries through club contracts, endorsements, and sponsorships.

2. Influence of Foreign Players and Coaches

• Foreign players bring better skills, tactics, and experience, which benefit Indian teammates.
• Coaches from Spain, England, and Brazil have introduced modern footballing techniques to Indian teams.

3. Enhanced Grassroots Development Programs

• ISL clubs now focus on developing young talent through youth academies and training programs.
• Initiatives like Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) aim to produce future Indian football stars.

 

Challenges and Roadblocks in Kabaddi and Football Growth

Despite the success of PKL and ISL, both sports still face significant challenges that need to be addressed:

1. Infrastructure and Training Facilities

• Most Indian cities lack world-class training facilities for both Kabaddi and football.
• While cricket has state-of-the-art stadiums, many football and Kabaddi venues are outdated.

2. Grassroots-Level Development Issues

• There’s limited support for young Kabaddi and football players at the grassroots level.
• Unlike cricket, which has a well-structured youth system, Kabaddi and football academies are still growing.

3. Financial Sustainability of Leagues and Franchises

• Many ISL and PKL franchises struggle financially, relying heavily on sponsorships.
• The leagues need long-term investment strategies to remain profitable.

 

Future Prospects: What Lies Ahead?

With the increasing popularity of Kabaddi and Football in India, both sports have exciting opportunities ahead:

For Kabaddi:

✅ Expanding the PKL to include more teams and international players.
✅ Kabaddi in the Olympics – With global participation increasing, there’s a strong push to include Kabaddi in the Olympic Games.
✅ More international leagues – Countries like Iran and South Korea are now developing their own professional Kabaddi leagues.

For Football:

✅ Indian National Team Growth – More ISL-trained players are making it to the Indian national football team, improving India’s FIFA rankings.
✅ Hosting Major Tournaments – India successfully hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup and aims to bid for bigger events.
✅ More Indian Players in Europe – Young Indian footballers are now getting opportunities to play in European leagues, boosting their skill levels.

With continued investment, better grassroots development, and fan support, both sports have the potential to become global powerhouses in the next decade.

Conclusion

The rise of Kabaddi and Football in India is nothing short of remarkable. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and Indian Super League (ISL) have transformed these sports from niche followings into massively popular leagues with millions of fans.

✅ Kabaddi has evolved from a rural game into a highly competitive, international sport, with PKL leading the way.
✅ Football has gained recognition, with ISL bridging the gap between Indian and global football.

However, for sustained growth, better infrastructure, stronger grassroots programs, and financial stability are crucial. With the right investments and continuous fan engagement, Kabaddi and football in India are set for a bright future.

FAQs

1. How has the Pro Kabaddi League influenced Kabaddi in India?

The PKL has revolutionized Kabaddi by bringing higher salaries, better training, international exposure, and widespread TV coverage, making it a mainstream sport.

2. Why is ISL more popular than the I-League?

ISL has better financial backing, international partnerships, and media coverage, making it more appealing than the traditional I-League.

3. Can India become a football powerhouse in the future?

With continued investment, better grassroots programs, and increased international exposure, India has the potential to become a strong football nation.

4. What are the biggest challenges for PKL and ISL?

Financial sustainability, lack of world-class training facilities, and grassroots development are the biggest challenges.

5. How can young players get involved in professional Kabaddi or football?

Young players should join local academies, participate in school and college tournaments, and try out for professional team selections.

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