The Haryana Steelers, one of the cornerstone franchises of the Pro Kabaddi League, have announced the launch of the Haryana Steelers Cup (HS Cup). This state-level youth tournament is designed to act as a primary scouting ground for male athletes aged 16 to 20, further cementing Haryana’s reputation as the heartland of Indian kabaddi.
The tournament will run from March 21 to March 29, 2026, offering a total prize purse of ₹5 lakh and a direct pathway into the franchise’s professional academy system.
Tournament Structure & Venues
The HS Cup will utilize a zonal format to ensure maximum outreach across the state’s most passionate kabaddi districts.
- Zonal Phase: Matches will be held in three major hubs: Rohtak, Hisar, and Sonipat.
- The Finals: The top-performing teams from each zone will converge at the Brigadier Ran Singh (BRS) Kabaddi Academy in Dighal for the championship rounds.
- Prize Distribution: * Champions: ₹2 lakh
- Runners-up: ₹1 lakh
- Zonal Incentives: Cash prizes for the top four teams in each zone.
- Individual Awards: Dedicated prizes for the ‘Best Raider’ and ‘Best Defender.’
A Pathway to the Pros
The HS Cup is not just a standalone tournament; it is the competitive arm of the Steelers’ larger Academy Development Programme. By partnering with licensed local academies, the franchise provides young athletes with:
- Professional Coaching: Access to the same training philosophies used by the senior PKL team.
- Structured Development: A transition from grassroots play to high-performance environments.
- Scouting Exposure: Direct visibility to the Haryana Steelers’ coaching staff and talent scouts.
“The Haryana Steelers Cup will serve as an important competitive platform where young players can showcase their skills, gain match experience and take their first steps toward a professional Kabaddi career.” — Divyanshu Singh, CEO of Haryana Steelers and JSW Sports
Registration is currently open for teams across the state.
- Deadline: March 19, 2026
- Registration Contact: +91 87701 04730
- Eligibility: Male players aged 16–20 years.
