96 women from eight teams will compete in the league

APS sports, a UAE based sports event management and training company today announced that they will host Dubai’s first IPL-style Women’s Kabaddi League between June 16 – 27, 2023.

In an aim to raise the profile of this sport in the UAE, the league will feature 96 women from eight teams competing at the Shabab Al Ahli Sports Club, Dubai. APS aims to use this tournament as a platform to introduce this sport into schools, colleges/ universities across UAE, and inspire youth especially women to be more physically active and engaged in sports.

Pradeep Nehra, Founder of APS Sports said, “Dubai is already home to several high-profile sports. Though mostly popular in India and now part of the Commonwealth Games – Kabaddi is an interesting sport for everybody, regardless of age and gender. By bringing it to Dubai, we want to motivate women in the Middle East to take up this sport. We wish the competing players the very best.” 

Kabaddi is the second most popular sport after cricket and is now played in more than 50 countries, having grown in stature as a mainstream sport. Originating from India, this contact sport is played between two teams to score points by entering the opponent’s court and touching as many defence players as possible without getting caught by the opposing team. The eight teams that will compete are: Gujarat Lions, Great Maratha, Haryana Fighter, Rajasthan Tigers, Punjab Kings, Dubai Hawks, Tamil Legends and Delhi Kingdom.

Tickets to watch the league will be available on Platinumlist.