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Tag: Sambhav Jain

  • UPKL powers up play with new technical director

    UPKL powers up play with new technical director

    MUMBAI: The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) is gearing up for a stronger, sharper second season, and it’s making a power move on the mat. The league has appointed Tejnarayan Prasad Madhav, a veteran kabaddi coach and former gold medallist, as its new technical director ahead of Season 2.

    Currently serving as chief coach of the Bahrain National Kabaddi Team, Madhav brings decades of experience across playing, coaching and technical supervision. From mentoring squads at the Senior Nationals and Asian Games camps to shaping future champions at grassroots level, his record speaks of precision and purpose.

    Commenting on the appointment, SJ Uplift Kabaddi founder and director Sambhav Jain said, “UPKL has emerged as a credible platform that mirrors the sport’s rise across India. This season, our goal is to deepen that foundation by strengthening player development and maintaining the highest technical standards.”

    For Madhav, the focus is clear, getting every move right. “UPKL has created a structured environment where players can compete, learn and grow. My goal is to bring technical discipline and dynamic gameplay that highlights kabaddi at its finest,” he said.

    Season 2 of UPKL kicks off on 25 December 2025 in Noida, featuring 64 matches of full-throttle action. The player auction, set for 3 November, will set the stage for a season that promises both strategy and spectacle.

    With Madhav at the helm, UPKL isn’t just levelling up its game, it’s rewriting the playbook for how kabaddi should be played.

     

  • Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League returns, set to kick off from 25 December

    Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League returns, set to kick off from 25 December

    MUMBAI — The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) is back after its electrifying debut, promising even more action, intensity, and local pride. Season 2 kicks off on Thursday, 25 December 2025, marking the return of one of the state’s most thrilling sporting platforms — a professional stage for Uttar Pradesh’s finest kabaddi talent.

    This milestone builds on the momentum of UPKL’s inaugural season, which reached over 30 million TV viewers according to BARC India and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Season 2 is set to elevate the excitement with new franchises on board, more matches, and even bigger fan engagement.

    The league will comprise approximately 64 matches spread over 17 days, with all matches taking place in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

    Season 2 will begin with a league phase followed by playoffs, with all players selected through an auction. Building on the excitement of Season 1, which featured exceptional star players like Arjun Deshwal, Vinay Tewatiya, Shubham Kumar, Sahul Kumar, Abhishek Thakur, Mohd Aman, Nitin Panwer, Abhijeet Malik, Arpit Sroha who captivated audiences across the state. This season promises to showcase top-tier talent and deliver even more thrilling kabaddi action and intense competition.

    SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Ltd director & founder, Sambhav Jain expressed, “The success of UPKL season one was a testament to the growing love for kabaddi in our state, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of our viewers, players, investors, sponsors, and every stakeholder involved. Building on the phenomenal success, as we move into the next chapter, we are thrilled for season two. We remain committed to our vision of building a strong platform for local talent and elevating kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh and beyond. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey so far and made season one possible. I look forward to everyone’s continued support in making season two even bigger, bolder, more inspiring, and more impactful.”
     

  • Kabaddi gets a capital lift as UPKL hits Rs 238 crore in valuation

    Kabaddi gets a capital lift as UPKL hits Rs 238 crore in valuation

     MUMBAI: Mat talk turns money talk and UPKL is wrestling its way to the top of India’s sports scene. The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has thrown down the gauntlet and picked up a valuation tag of Rs 238 crore, cementing its status as one of India’s fastest-growing sports properties. Its creator and operator, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, has not only built a regional league, but a nationwide movement with global potential all in its very first season.

    Launched in 2024, the debut edition of UPKL featured eight franchise-based teams, capturing hearts in small towns and big cities alike. The data tells the story: according to BARC, over 30 million television viewers tuned in across India, while digital platforms clocked 300 million impressions.

    Sony Sports Network (on Sports Ten 1 and Ten 3), DD Sports, and Fancode collectively broadcast the matches, ensuring a multi-platform footprint that reached deep into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    SJ Uplift’s Founder and Director Sambhav Jain attributes the league’s soaring valuation to “the growing popularity and resonance” of the UPKL format. He added, “This valuation reaffirms our belief in grassroots sports and the immense, untapped potential of regional talent. The overwhelming response from fans, franchises and brands proves we’re building something bigger than just a league.”

    Backed by a vision to scale kabaddi into a globally recognised sport, Jain sees UPKL not just as a commercial vehicle but as a cultural movement. With plans to build a sustainable ecosystem for athletes, fans and sponsors, SJ Uplift is already eyeing expansion, new partnerships, and greater professionalisation in the seasons ahead.

    UPKL’s debut season is not just a sporting win, it’s a statement. With a Rs 238 crore valuation, deep-rooted audience traction, and a hyperlocal-to-global narrative, it’s making regional kabaddi not just prime-time entertainment, but premium IP.

    From dusty courts to digital charts the future of Indian kabaddi is looking like a full-body slam dunk.

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  • SJ Uplift Kabaddi elevates Simran Malik chief operating officer

    SJ Uplift Kabaddi elevates Simran Malik chief operating officer

    MUMBAI: In a strategic move aligned with its next phase of growth, SJ Uplift Kabaddi has announced the elevation of Simran Malik as the company’s COO. Simran, who previously served as Head of Marketing, has been a key force in building the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League’s (UPKL) presence in India’s sporting ecosystem, particularly in shaping grassroots engagement strategies and driving operational success.

    Simran’s new role as COO will oversee all operational functions, including franchise relations, logistics, matchday execution, and stakeholder engagement.  She will also focus on streamlining internal processes to enhance efficiency across teams, ensuring operational excellence as the company scales up. A major part of her responsibilities will include spearheading the rollout of Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League Season 2, along with World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL). In addition, she will also support other emerging sports initiatives, from managing infrastructure and broadcast partnerships to supporting grassroots development and youth training programs under SJ Uplift Kabaddi.

    Talking about Simran’s elevation, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Ltd Director and Founder, Sambhav Jain added, “From playing a key role in shaping Season One to now leading Season Two, Simran’s rise reflects her instrumental contributions, steady growth, and trusted stewardship through every phase of our journey. She has consistently demonstrated clarity, commitment, and leadership in the role she has taken on. As we enter a progressive phase of growth and structure, her elevation reflects the company’s trust in her leadership and our shared ambition for the future.”

    Reflecting on the growth, Simran Malik said, “This promotion marks a meaningful milestone in my journey with SJ Uplift Kabaddi. I’m grateful to Mr. Sambhav Jain for his trust and mentorship. I’m equally thankful to my team—their dedication is the foundation of everything we are building. Our belief is simple: when the team grows, we all grow. As we build a next generation sports ecosystem rooted in regional passion and global ambition, I’m excited to lead new projects like UPKL Season 2 and support WSKL. By unifying operations, we are expanding leagues into new markets, enhancing every match experience, and forging partnerships across continents. I also hope to inspire more women to take leadership roles in the sports industry, because when diversity grows, the ecosystem thrives. Our mission: to transform kabaddi from a regional sport into a global phenomenon, one fan, one league, one market at a time.”

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  • Kabaddi goes global with Rs 48 crore WSKL set for 2026 Dubai debut

    Kabaddi goes global with Rs 48 crore WSKL set for 2026 Dubai debut

    MUMBAI: From mud courts to the world stage Kabaddi is getting a passport stamp. SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, the force behind the successful Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), has announced the launch of the World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL), an international franchise-based kabaddi extravaganza set to kick off in February–March 2026 in Dubai.

    Touted as Kabaddi’s boldest global leap yet, WSKL has already received confirmations from 20 national federations, with 30 countries actively engaged in shaping the league. Backed by the International Kabaddi Federation and the South Asian Kabaddi Federation, WSKL aims to not only attract eyeballs across continents but also make a serious pitch for Olympic inclusion.

    The league’s format will feature eight franchise teams, with rosters mixing international stars and top Indian players. To match this global ambition, WSKL has committed a Rs 48 crore player purse in its debut season signalling both serious investment and serious intent.

    “With WSKL, the world becomes the playing field,” said SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd founder Sambhav Jain. “Our vision is Olympic-sized, we’re here not just to entertain, but to evolve the sport into a global property that thrives year-round, not just seasonally.”

    Unlike UPKL’s domestic focus under the rallying cry of Apna Bharat, Apna Khel, WSKL is all about building a borderless Kabaddi ecosystem. Participating countries already include South Korea, Iran, Japan, Thailand, Canada, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the United States, with more nations expected to come on board as the countdown begins.

    But WSKL isn’t just about the tournament weeks. It’s being positioned as a 12-month Kabaddi ecosystem, offering off-season fan engagement, long-term player development, and a pipeline of international talent. That’s a far cry from the one-off seasonal formats currently dominating the sport.

    Dubai, with its neutral ground and strategic accessibility, has been selected as the inaugural host city, a move aimed at attracting a global audience and spotlighting Kabaddi on an international scale.

    With the whistle blown for what promises to be a high-stakes power play for the sport’s future, WSKL is more than just a league, it’s a leap. And if all goes to plan, Kabaddi might just tackle its way into the Olympic fold.

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  • The Hype Studio bags PR mandate for Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League

    The Hype Studio bags PR mandate for Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League

    Mumbai – The Hype Studio, a pioneering public relations and digital marketing agency, is thrilled to announce that it has secured the PR mandate for the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting Kabaddi as a premier sport in India, paralleling the success of other major sporting leagues.

    Founded in 2018, The Hype Studio has carved a niche in crafting compelling brand narratives and robust digital strategies. With a diverse portfolio that includes public relations, digital marketing, and influencer management, The Hype Studio is poised to elevate the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi league through innovative communication strategies and engaging media advocacy.

    “The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League represents not just a sport, but a cultural heritage that resonates deeply within India,” stated a senior management from The Hype Studio. “We are excited to leverage our expertise in omni-channel communication to bring this vibrant sport to the forefront of the Indian sports scene. Our approach will blend creative storytelling with strategic insights to foster a strong connection between the league and its fans.”

    The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League, a venture initiated by 1X Sportz in association with the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi Association, aims to showcase and nurture local talent through a structured sports platform. With eight teams competing in a total of 60 matches, the league promises to be a crucible of high-octane Kabaddi action, adhering to a double round-robin format to ensure fair and competitive play.

    The league has been strategically developed to reflect the IPL model, offering a significant opportunity for local athletes to gain recognition and develop their skills on a grand stage. “Our partnership with The Hype Studio is crucial in creating a resonant brand identity and a compelling narrative for the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League,” commented 1X Sportz founder Sambhav Jain. “Their innovative approach and proven track record in public relations make them the ideal partner to help us realise our vision of making Kabaddi a household sport across India.”

  • How Nero India successfully revived Indian craftsmanship on their journey

    How Nero India successfully revived Indian craftsmanship on their journey

    Mumbai: Rishika Jain and Sambhav Jain embarked on a transformative journey that began with a passion for preserving and promoting traditional Indian craftsmanship inspired by the purity of nature and fluidity of water, their brand, Nero India, was born. Their vision is to revive age-old artisanal techniques while infusing them with modern aesthetics, creating an unparalleled experience for its patrons.

    Rishika and Sambhav recognized the immense talent and skill possessed by Indian artisans, which often went unnoticed in a rapidly modernizing world. They saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between tradition, modernity, and sustainability by infusing contemporary design elements with sustainable age-old techniques. Nero India aimed not only to revive dying crafts but also to make them relevant in today’s market. Nero’s mastery is evident in its adept fusion of hand-block prints with solid panels, a technique that creates mesmerizing contrasts and captivates the eye with its visual allure. The intricate Zari embroidery on an expansive range of fabrics, including Organza, Chanderi, Tissue, Velvet, and Cotton ensures versatility and luxury in every piece.

    The founders embarked on a mission to empower local artisans, providing them with a platform to showcase their craftsmanship to a global audience. By leveraging e-commerce platforms and social media, they were able to reach customers beyond geographical boundaries. Key to their success was their ability to adapt traditional techniques to contemporary tastes. Nero India stands as a testament to their vision, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and trendsetting innovation, akin to a true work of art that resonates with fashion enthusiasts worldwide.