The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has strengthened its association with one of India’s most celebrated kabaddi players, Rahul Chaudhari, who will continue as the brand ambassador for season two, the organisers said yesterday in a statement.

Popularly known as the ‘Showman of Kabaddi’ across India, Rahul has played an instrumental role in elevating the sport’s popularity, inspiring young athletes to join the fraternity. With him continuing as the

brand ambassador, UPKL said it has reinforced its position as one of India’s steadily growing State-level leagues.

Rahul began his career in kabaddi as a defender but came to be known as one of India’s strongest raiders. He is a former member of the Indian national kabaddi team, which won the Gold Medal at the 2016 South Asian Games. He was also a part of the team that won a gold medal in the Kabaddi World Cup 2016. He served as the captain of the Indian kabaddi team during the Beach Asian Games 2014 held in Thailand, as well as the captain for the UP team in the National Kabaddi Championship 2015.

On the strengthening partnership with Rahul, Sambhav Jain, Founder and Director, SJ Uplift Kabaddi, said in a statement, “UPKL’s journey from Season 1 to 2 reflects how regional leagues can evolve into powerful ecosystems, connect communities and turn local passion into mainstream recognition. Rahul brought in brand firepower for Season 1, and with him on board for our upcoming season, we will further leverage his following to make UPKL a household name.”

Rahul added, “I was thrilled to see the hunger and determination of UPKL’s first season. The league created a pathway for grassroots talent to rise and make their mark at the national level. It has become a powerful launchpad, empowering players and non- players to look at kabaddi more closely from a career lens. My partnership with UPKL is built upon a shared vision for kabaddi.”

Further enhancing visibility, UPKL’s partnership with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited’s new initiatives arm Zee Sports will drive nationwide consumption for the league through TV and OTT.

Season 2 will feature 12 teams competing in 71 matches over 19 days in Noida and will kickstart on December 25, 2025.

SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt. Ltd. is the conceptualizer, owner and operator of UPKL.