Kabaddi has become one of India’s fastest growing sports, with tournaments like the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) inspiring thousands of young athletes to dream of playing professionally. However, reaching the highest level requires discipline, proper coaching, and consistent competition.
If you are wondering how to become a professional kabaddi player, the journey begins with developing the right skills and joining a quality Kabaddi Training Academy.
How to Become a Professional Kabaddi Player
The first step is building your fitness. Professional kabaddi demands speed, strength, agility, and quick decision making. Most official competitions under the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) also have weight limits, with senior men’s events generally requiring players to stay below 85 kilograms.
The next step is choosing your playing role.
Raiders should focus on techniques such as toe touches, hand touches, bonus points, dubki, and escape skills. Defenders need to master ankle holds, thigh holds, dash tackles, chain defence, and corner positioning.
After developing your skills, players should compete regularly through the following pathway:
Local Club Tournaments → District Championships → State Championships → Khelo India or National Championships → Pro Kabaddi League and the Indian National Team
Young players can also benefit from Mashal Sports’ Future Kabaddi Heroes (FKH) program, which scouts talented athletes between 18 and 22 years of age and provides opportunities to enter the PKL New Young Players auction.
Best Kabaddi Academies in India
Here are eight of the best Kabaddi Academies in India for aspiring professionals.
1. Narwal Kabaddi & Sports Academy, Sonipat, Haryana
Founded by the famous Narwal family, this academy is known for producing several top-level PKL raiders through modern training methods and excellent fitness programs.
2. Pro Kabaddi Academy, Pune, Maharashtra
Operated by Sinhagad Krida Mandal, this academy provides video analysis, match simulations, and exposure to professional scouts.
3. Brigadier Ran Singh Kabaddi Academy, Jhajjar, Haryana
Affiliated with the Haryana Steelers, the academy offers NIS certified coaching, athlete accommodation, and structured development programs.
4. Vijayanagara Kabaddi Academy, Hospet, Karnataka
Supported by Karnataka’s Sports Ministry, the academy offers quality infrastructure, modern training facilities, and personalized fitness plans.
5. Bhainswal Kalan Kabaddi Academy, Sonipat, Haryana
One of India’s most respected grassroots centres, it has produced numerous national level players while providing affordable training to young athletes.
6. Shivaji Nagar Kabaddi Academy, Mumbai, Maharashtra
This historic academy is known for improving defensive skills and preparing players for high-pressure tournaments.
7. Sree Kanteerava Stadium Training Center, Bengaluru, Karnataka
This government supported training centre provides certified coaching, excellent gym facilities, and professional fitness programs.
8. Patna Kabaddi Training Center, Bihar
One of Eastern India’s leading kabaddi centres, it offers opportunities for both male and female players to progress into state teams.
How to Choose the Right Academy
Before joining a Kabaddi Training Academy, check whether it provides standard synthetic mats, as modern kabaddi is played on indoor mats rather than mud courts.
Look for coaches with National Institute of Sports (NIS) certification or experience as former national or PKL players.
It is also important to choose an academy that regularly sends players to district, state, and AKFI-affiliated tournaments, giving you the best chance of being noticed by scouts.
Following the right training pathway and enrolling in one of the best Kabaddi Academies in India can significantly improve your chances of becoming a professional player. With hard work, discipline, and consistent performances, your dream of representing a PKL franchise or even India can become a reality.
