Akshay Kumar, who was formerly a professional martial arts trainer in Bangkok before turning to acting, has lent a supporting hand to another sport, Kabaddi. On his Facebook page, Akshay recently expressed ‘I’m a sports enthusiast, be it cricket, martial arts, hockey or Kabbadi…that’s no secret. I’ve always promoted fitness and sports. Cricket is already world famous but I feel it’s now time to shift a little focus towards the sports which originated in our own country, Kabaddi.’
The superstar has personally requested fans to tune into the World Kabbadi League later this year. His enthusiasm for Kabaddi extends as far as him owning his own Kabaddi team, which is due to take part in the World Kabbadi League being played across four continents from August to December. The World Kabbadi League is also set to be a somewhat star studded affair, with Bollywood counterpart Abhishek Bachchan, having also purchased the Jaipur team.
Sony to broadcast Kabaddi
Sports and entertainment channel Sony SIX today said it has won exclusive rights to broadcast World Kabaddi League in India in its inaugural year.
World Kabaddi League, (WKL) is the world’s first professional Kabaddi League that has been conceptualized in India and will be played globally, the company said in a statement.
Commenting on the announcement, MSM Executive VP and Business Head Sony SIX Prasana Krishnan said: “We feel it is time to revive its legacy and make it an exciting venture for all those involved in the Kabaddi ecosystem. It will be interesting to take this sport to the swanky stadiums in India and abroad.”
“It’s our endeavor to popularize Indian sports and through this association we aim to create visibility and generate interest for the game,” he added.
The league will be played by 10 teams every weekend across 15 cities covering 4 continents.
India Post News Service