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India Gazette
30-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
World Super Kabaddi League kicks off new chapter for Kabaddi
New Delhi [India], June 30 (ANI): World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL) and the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) announced the launch of the inaugural edition of WSKL - a groundbreaking step towards making Kabaddi a truly global sport. With the active engagement of nearly 30 countries and formal confirmation from 20 national federations, the inaugural season is tentatively scheduled for February-March 2026 and will be hosted in Dubai, a strategic location chosen to maximise international exposure and fan accessibility. Following the success of UPKL, under the banner 'Apna Bharat, Apna Khel', which focused on nurturing talent within India, WSKL represents a bold new chapter. Unlike UPKL, which was largely India-centric, WSKL has been conceptualised as an international platform with a singular mission: to globalise Kabaddi and pave the way for its inclusion in the Olympic Games. WSKL is backed by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and holds commercial rights through the South Asian Kabaddi Federation, positioning it as a credible and globally supported league. WSKL will adopt a franchise-based model featuring eight teams in its inaugural season. Setting itself apart from existing leagues, each team will showcase a strong international presence alongside Indian talent, reflecting the league's commitment to building a truly global Kabaddi ecosystem. WSKL is fully owned and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd and was founded by Sambhav Jain, a passionate advocate for the growth and modernisation of Kabaddi. Speaking about this ambitious new venture, Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, said as quoted by WSKL press release, 'Kabaddi has always deserved a larger stage, not just for India but for the global sporting community. With WSKL, our goal is to reimagine the sport for a global audience, unlock international talent, and take decisive steps towards Olympic recognition. The success of UPKL gave us the foundation, but WSKL is about creating a Kabaddi league that belongs to the world. We are building this with a vision for the next decade, not just the next season.' The league has committed a total player purse of 48 crore across its eight franchises, underscoring the strong investment appetite for this new sports property. WSKL has already secured interest and participation from prominent Kabaddi nations, including South Korea, Iran, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, and the United States, with discussions underway to onboard additional countries. The World Super Kabaddi League is designed not as a seasonal tournament but as an evolving global sports property. SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd is committed to building WSKL as a 12-month, year-round Kabaddi ecosystem, creating opportunities for sustained fan engagement, off-season activities, and long-term player development. With WSKL, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd is setting a new benchmark for Kabaddi, creating an international movement that aspires to bring the sport to a much larger and more diverse audience. (ANI)
Malay Mail
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Morning music and mocha vibes: KL's arguably first coffee rave redefines clubbing culture without the booze
KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Julia, 30, would sometimes stay up all night for a party — but yesterday morning she decided to try something different. Instead of dressing up, she was just wearing a white top and yoga pants. The music was still bumping, but caffeine took the place of cocktails. 'What I really love about this event is that it takes place in the morning,' she told Malay Mail, a cup in her right hand while she swayed to the DJ. Meanwhile, Hershey, 29, who shared a table with her, said it was something different from what she had experienced before. Dance music and coffee together may not be a common combo, but felt just as refreshing, she said — similarly clad in casual top and cardigan. Julia (white shirt) and Hershey (left) drinking coffee and having a great time during the coffee rave event at UP Kuala Lumpur on May 31,2025. Picture by Yusof Mat Isa A mellow morning high: Coffee, cardio and community The duo were among dozens who turned at UP KL for what could be the first of a major 'coffee rave' in Kuala Lumpur — a twist on clubbing that starts early in the day, with a vibe that is more chill. First spotted across Europe and Australia — particularly in Brisbane and Melbourne — coffee raves seem to have picked up pace in India and neighbouring Singapore, where the venue Beats & Beans just celebrated its anniversary earlier this month. Yesterday, the crowd started filling in the first-floor café at 10am. Sunlight poured through the glass as espresso machines hissed and bass lines pulsed softly through the café's walls. In one corner, Paul Bobrowski — better known as DJ Pauly B — was cueing up uptempo beats on his deck. In the other, a barista was pouring up cups after cups from the espresso machine. 'We are definitely not the first, and hopefully we are not the last, and I feel like this is something we would like to create for the community for people to have more things to do during the day,' said Priscilla Lee, 39, organiser of UP KL for the event, in collaboration with the renowned Kenny Hills Coffee Roasters. 'For example, after you work out, you can come over, enjoy some music, and have some coffee or a pastry, which I think is a very good and positive thing to have.' 'I believe it's a first-time experience for many, and I see many people are in a good mood,' said Boborowski, as he spun records ranging from Afro house, funky house, to minimal techno. He noted that while nightclubs usually only pick up the pace later at night, the coffee rave had kicked off early. 'It's better for my sleep schedule,' he told Malay Mail, jokingly. A man prepares coffee during the coffee rave event at UP Kuala Lumpur on May 31,2025. Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Still brewing: Can Malaysia vibe with daytime raves? Attendees were thrilled by the fresh concept, but admitted that it is still early days for coffee raves in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. 'It's not common to have a DJ and a clubbing-style concept combined in this way — it's something quite new here,' said Jun, 21. He admitted that now people from all backgrounds could experience the clubbing culture, in a way that is not necessarily tied to alcohol. Lee said she hopes for more coffee rave events under UP KL in the future, and aims to partner with more cafés to bring the experience to Malaysians again. 'Whether this happens will depend on the success of the inaugural experience,' she said. Cincin, 24, felt that the environment was relaxed and welcoming, noting that everyone seemed free to communicate openly, which made the atmosphere especially pleasant. What stood out most for her was the vibe created by the DJ and music. 'Nowadays, many people are feeling stressed. If I come here on the weekend, I feel like I can let that stress go,' she said. Whether Malaysians will trade tequila shots for triple shots remains to be seen — but for now, this party's just getting started.
