Ravindra Shetty joins World Super Kabaddi League

MUMBAI: The World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL) has scored a major point off the mat by roping in Ravindra Shetty as its technical director, a move set to shape the league’s strategy and global ambitions ahead of its 2026 rollout.

A veteran with more than two decades in international kabaddi, Shetty brings both experience and innovation to the role. He will oversee WSKL’s technical and competition framework, including referee and coach development, and introduce new playing formats aimed at taking kabaddi to global audiences.

Known for his inventive touch, Shetty has coached across India and Southeast Asia, from leading the Karnataka State Team to mentoring India’s Junior Team at the 2023 Junior Kabaddi World Cup in Iran. Currently heading the Thailand National Team, he has guided them through major tournaments including the Asian Games, Banglabandhu Cup, and Women’s Kabaddi World Cup.

“Ravindra Shetty brings a new dimension of technical leadership,” said SJ Uplift Kabaddi CEO Aishwarya Gautam. “His expertise and innovative mindset will be key in redefining kabaddi for a global stage.”

Credited with creating two dynamic formats, Kabaddi three star and Kabaddi super five, both recognised by the South East Asian Kabaddi Federation (SEAKF,) Shetty has been instrumental in making the sport faster, sharper, and more spectator-friendly.

“The World Super Kabaddi League represents a new era for the sport,” said Shetty. “It’s about blending India’s heritage with a modern, international vision.”

With Shetty at the helm, WSKL looks poised to take kabaddi from the local grounds of India to arenas around the world, proving that the ancient game still has plenty of moves left to show.