Patna: Three eastern Indian states are joining forces to create a new professional platform for kabaddi players. The Kabaddi Association of Jharkhand, Bihar State Kabaddi Association, and Chhattisgarh Kabaddi Association, all affiliated with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), have announced the inaugural JBC Kabaddi League (Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh Kabaddi League), scheduled for the first half of 2026.
The league will feature five teams representing the three states, offering emerging talent high visibility through a structured format that includes player scouting, auctions, and professional exposure. Organisers say the initiative aims to boost fan engagement, foster community pride, and support the development of local kabaddi infrastructure.
The league is being promoted by sports entrepreneur Rannvijay Singh, director of the Bhojpuri Industry Premier League (BIPL) and franchise owner of Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League’s Awadh Ramdoots team. Speaking about the launch, Singh said: “State and local leagues are key growth pathways. Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh share a deep connection with kabaddi, played widely in schools and community spaces. The JBC Kabaddi League builds on this legacy by creating a structured platform that connects grassroots talent to the professional ecosystem. With the strong support of the state Kabaddi Associations, we are confident in our vision to make kabaddi mainstream and a viable career choice.”
To encourage grassroots participation, the league has appointed Randhir Singh Sehrawat, a former national player and coach, as brand ambassador. Known as “Coach Saab,” Sehrawat has devoted more than four decades to Indian kabaddi and has been awarded the Arjuna Award in 1997 and the National Citizen Award in 1991, becoming the first kabaddi player to receive the latter. Over his career, he has won 93 medals across major tournaments, including Senior Nationals, Federation Cups, and All India Railway Championships.
