Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently visiting Poland to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Poland, highlighted an unexpected yet significant link between the two nations, the Kabaddi.
During his keynote address, PM Modi emphasized the growing popularity of Kabaddi in Poland, a sport deeply rooted in Indian culture but now gaining traction globally. “We are connected through the game of Kabaddi. This game reached Poland through India, and they took it to great heights. Poland is going to host the Kabaddi Championship for the first time. I want to wish good luck to their team,” the Prime Minister stated.
Since the inception of the Mashal Sports-organized Pro Kabaddi League in 2014, the sport has seen a rise in popularity worldwide.
The connection between India and Poland through Kabaddi is a testament to the sport’s expanding reach, which has grown significantly since the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was established by Mashal Sports in 2014. The league has not only elevated the status of Kabaddi in India but also attracted international talent, including players from Poland.
Poland’s involvement in Kabaddi is not new. The country’s men’s national team qualified for the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in Ahmedabad, marking a significant achievement when they triumphed over then-World Champions Iran in a preliminary group match. This victory underscored Poland’s growing proficiency in the sport.
In the Pro Kabaddi League, Polish players have also made their mark. Michal Spickzo, a formidable defender, became the first European to participate in the league when he joined the Bengaluru Bulls in 2015, continuing his association with the team in 2016. More recently, Piotr Pamulak followed in Spickzo’s footsteps, joining the Bengaluru Bulls in the 2023 season.
The increasing popularity of Kabaddi is evident in the PKL’s growing success, with the recent Season 11 auction witnessing eight players fetching bids over INR 1 crore, setting a new record in the league’s history. Poland’s involvement in the sport adds an international dimension to this uniquely Indian game, fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
