Nepal Kabaddi League Kicks Off Today
Kathmandu – The inaugural edition of Nepal Kabaddi League (NKL), Nepal’s first-ever franchise kabaddi tournament, begins today.
The opening match will feature Kathmandu Mavericks taking on Pokhara Lakers at the covered hall of the Dasharath Stadium, under the National Sports Council. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM.
Kathmandu Mavericks are led by Nepal’s national team captain and former Pro Kabaddi League player, Ghanashyam Roka Magar, as their marquee player. The team has prepared under the guidance of former Nepal captain Saroj Singh.
Pokhara Lakers, on the other hand, have Pradeep Mizar as their marquee player and are coached by Vishnudatta Bhatt, who has previously trained Nepal’s national team.
The tournament features six teams: Kathmandu Mavericks, Pokhara Lakers, Biratnagar Bandits, Janakpur Knights, Dhangadhi Wildcats, and Himalayan Raiders.
- Janakpur Knights: Coached by Parvati Rai, with Ramu Tamata as the marquee player.
- Biratnagar Bandits: Led by marquee player Kalyan Bhujel, with Lok Bahadur Bista as the coach.
- Dhangadhi Wildcats: Marquee player Padam Bahadur Bista, coached by Mahesh Bohara.
- Himalayan Raiders: Marquee player Ganesh Bahadur Parki, coached by Sandip Pant and former Indian Pro Kabaddi League player Polthuganti Satish Kumar.
The league will see participation from 66 Nepali players and 18 international players, including six each from Thailand and Bangladesh, and three each from Kenya and Sri Lanka.
Each team will comprise 14 players, with 2 to 4 foreign players per team. However, only two foreign players can be on the field simultaneously during a match.
The first edition of the Nepal Kabaddi League promises to bring excitement and competitive action, marking a new era for the sport in the country.