13^th August, 2025, Uttar Pradesh — The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) is back after its electrifying debut, promising even more action, intensity, and local pride. Season 2 kicks off on Thursday, December 25, 2025, marking the return of one of the state’s most thrilling sporting platforms — a professional stage for Uttar Pradesh’s finest kabaddi talent.

This milestone builds on the momentum of UPKL’s inaugural season, which reached over 30 million TV viewers according to BARC India and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Season 2 is set to elevate the excitement with new franchises on board, more matches, and even bigger fan engagement.

The league will comprise approximately 64 matches spread over 17 days, with all matches taking place in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Season 2 will begin with a league phase followed by playoffs, with all players selected through an auction. Building on the excitement of Season 1, which featured exceptional star players like Arjun Deshwal, Vinay Tewatiya, Shubham Kumar, Sahul Kumar, Abhishek Thakur, Mohd Aman, Nitin Panwer, Abhijeet Malik, Arpit Sroha who captivated audiences across the state. This season promises to showcase top-tier talent and deliver even more thrilling kabaddi action and intense competition.

Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Limited, expressed “The success of UPKL season one was a testament to the growing love for kabaddi in our state, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of our viewers, players, investors, sponsors, and every stakeholder involved. Building on the phenomenal success, as we move into the next chapter, we are thrilled for season two. We remain committed to our vision of building a strong platform for local talent and elevating kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh and beyond. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey so far and made season one possible. I look forward to everyone’s continued support in making season two even bigger, bolder, more inspiring, and more impactful.”

With fresh talent, new teams, and electrifying energy on the horizon, the countdown to Uttar Pradesh’s biggest kabaddi celebration has officially begun. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the coming weeks as UPKL Season 2 gears up to deliver unmatched kabaddi action, passionate rivalries, and unforgettable moments.

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6^th August 2025, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – Building on the resounding success of the debut season, Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), SJ Uplift Kabaddi has announced the induction of a new franchise, Kanpur Warriors, for UPKL Season 2. The team owned and operated by BA Sports Club LLP, and led by entrepreneur Bhumika Vora, marks a major push to bring kabaddi into the cultural spotlight of one of Uttar Pradesh’s most passionate cities.

Conceptualized, owned, and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi, UPKL continues to expand into kabaddi-strong belts across the state. With Kanpur’s long-standing kabaddi heritage, vibrant youth circuits, and growing appetite for competitive sport, Kanpur Warriors’ addition marks a strategic milestone in the league’s mission to deepen inclusivity and unearth local heroes.

Talking about the announcement, Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi, said, “UPKL was always envisioned as a launchpad for grassroots athletes, transforming kabaddi from a gully sport into a structured professional ecosystem. Following the extraordinary success of  Season 1, welcoming new cities like Kanpur is not just growth; it is our evolution. Kanpur’s inclusion strengthens our vision to build a tiered ladder for athletes: from local leagues to UPKL and eventually national and global stages.”

This milestone builds on the momentum of UPKL’s standout inaugural season, which reached over 30 million TV viewers as per BARC India and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Bhumika Vora, Owner, Kanpur Warriors, said, “Kanpur is a city full of fire, heritage, and underrepresented talent, and with Kanpur Warriors, we now have a platform to showcase, build, and grow. Through UPKL, we aim to break stereotypes, back our youth, and place kabaddi at the center of Kanpur’s sporting identity. The name ‘Warriors’ reflects not just athletic grit, but the spirit of our people. We are building a platform where kabaddi is a sport of choice, not just an alternative.”

Kanpur Warriors is poised to spark a movement on and off the mat — championing fan culture, youth engagement, and local pride. Its digital-first brand launch is set to ignite regional passion and rally a new generation of kabaddi enthusiasts. As a key pillar in UPKL’s expansion, Kanpur signals a bold push to transform traditional kabaddi heartlands into high-performance hubs fueled by ambition and pride.

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23^rd July 2025; Gurugram, India: Following the successful debut of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) 2024, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, the creator and operator of UPKL, has been valued at ₹238 crores. This milestone reflects the league’s rapid traction in the Indian sports ecosystem and underscores the growing commercial and cultural value of regional sports IPs in India and globally.

SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd is pioneering a new era in Indian sports by building franchise-based, regionally anchored leagues with national scale and global aspirations. The inaugural UPKL season saw participation from eight teams and reported strong performance across audience engagement, broadcast reach, and digital traction.

According to BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council India), UPKL Season 1 achieved a reach of over 30 million television viewers and 300 million digital impressions, with significant viewership emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Broadcast partners included Sony Sports Network (Sports Ten 1 & Ten 3), DD Sports, and FanCode, establishing a strong multi-platform footprint.

Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, said, “This valuation is a reflection of the growing popularity and resonance of our leagues, especially UPKL. It reaffirms our belief in the power of grassroots sports and the untapped potential of regional talent. The response from fans, franchises, and brands has been overwhelming. Building on the success, our vision is to build a sustainable ecosystem where athletes, fans, and brands come together to celebrate the spirit of Indian sports. As the sport continues to evolve, we are committed to building kabaddi into a globally recognized, professionally managed sport that India can proudly export.”

UPKL’s successful debut, its soaring valuation, and deep resonance across the world. UPKL is not just a sports league; it’s a movement redefining the future of Indian sports. As it continues to scale, it is set to become a powerhouse platform for regional pride and further deepen the company’s position as a leading sports IP innovator.

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