The World Kabaddi League (WKL) was a professional circle-style Kabaddi league in India, United States, Canada, Pakistan and the United Kingdom. It was the first worldwide circle style kabaddi league.
History
The league's first season was in 2014; 8 international teams played in 14 cities in 4 different countries. Three of the teams had celebrity owners.[2] The regular season was four months long, and was followed by an elimination tournament that took place in Mohali, Punjab, India, in which the top four teams determined a champion.
The league attempted a comeback in 2016, but had numerous budgetary problems.[2] After a reorganization, the league rebranded itself as the Global Kabaddi League and launched the new version in 2018.[2][3] The only team to return for the third season was the California Eagles.[2] This version of the league lasted until the final match on November 3, 2018.[4]
California Eagles Vs. Royal Kings USA & Khalsa Warrios Vs. Yo Yo Tigers
August 9, 2014
4:30 am
5:00 pm
Vancouver Lions Vs. Lahore Lions & United Singhs Vs. Punjab Thunder
August 10, 2014
4:30 am
5:00 pm
Royal Kings USA Vs. Lahore Badshahs & Vancouver Lions Vs. Yo Yo Tigers
August 16, 2014
6:00 am
6:30 pm
California Eagles Vs. Punjab Thunder & Khalsa Warrios Vs. United Singh
August 17, 2014
6:00 am
6:30 pm
California Eagles Vs. Punjab Thunder & Khalsa Warrios Vs. United Singhs
August 23, 2014
6:30 am
7:00 pm
California Eagles Vs. United Singhs & Lahore Badshahs Vs. Punjab Thunder
August 24, 2014
6:30 am
7:00 pm
Royal Kings USA Vs. Yo Yo Tigers & Khalsa Warrios Vs. Vancouver Lions
August 30, 2014
6:30 am
7:00 pm
Khalsa Warrios Vs. Lahore Badshahs & Punjab Thunder Vs. Royal Kings USA
August 31, 2014
6:30 am
7:00 pm
Playing technique
Two teams of seven players face each other in a circle and take turns sending a "raider" into the other team. To win a point, the raider must take a breath, run into the opposing half, tag one member of the opposite team, then return to his home. The raider will have only 30 seconds to touch the opponents and come back to his home. The game is played with 20-minute halves and a five-minute half-time break during which teams exchange sides.
Venues
The venues of the World Kabaddi League spanned four countries.[10]