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The Positive Impact of Kabaddi on the Local Economy
- Pratik Purohit & Prathamesh Langhe
The Pro Kabaddi League has exerted a franchises in the ongoing Vivo Pro Kabaddi
significant and positive influence on the local League season 5. While Ranjit, Suresh, and
economy. This impact is felt through various Jeeva have graced the league before,
channels such as ticket sales, sponsorships, Sriram and Babu are making their debut.
and broadcasting rights, which contribute Jeeva Kumar was even part of the Indian
to substantial revenue. Moreover, the league team that secured top honors at the 2010
acts as a catalyst for job creation, benefiting Asian Games in Guangzhou.
not only players but also coaches, referees,
and support staff. The construction and Kabaddi’s Role in Breaking the Chains of
development of stadiums provide further Poverty
employment opportunities within the civil The value of the Pro Kabaddi League has
infrastructure sector. Additionally, the witnessed a remarkable surge. For example,
league serves to elevate lesser-known the highest bid during the player auction
kabaddi players by offering them exposure has escalated from Rs 12.8 lakh (for Rakesh
to the world of commercial kabaddi. In sum, Kumar by the Patna franchise) in 2014 to
the Pro Kabaddi League emerged as a boon ₹2.26 crore (for Pawan Kumar Sehrawat
for the local economy. by Tamil Thalaivas) in 2022. To put this in
context, the total prize money in season
Alathankarai Kabaddi Club four (₹2 crore) pales in comparison to what
Nestled in the heart of southern Pawan received in 2022. Another testament
India, Alathankarai, located in the to the league’s colossal growth is its media
Rajakkamangalam taluk of the Kanyakumari rights value. Last year, Star India secured the
district, stands out as more than just rights until 2025 for ₹905 crore.
another nondescript village. Its narrow
lanes lead to a remarkable destination, Opening Doors for Employment Through
the Alathankarai Kabaddi Club. While the Sports Tourism
economic status of its residents may not There is substantial evidence demonstrating
be affluent, their unwavering enthusiasm the pivotal role of sports in bolstering a
for kabaddi shines through. For the past 28 nation’s economic growth by creating
years, the Alathankarai Kabaddi Club has abundant job opportunities. Notably, various
diligently nurtured this spirit by providing sports, including tennis, hockey, football,
free training to village youngsters and those basketball, and kabaddi, through their
from neighboring areas. prestigious leagues, have fostered diverse
Established in 1989 by Ravichandran, a employment opportunities. The Indian
former kabaddi player, the club boasts a sports industry offers a broad spectrum
unique distinction: it has been instrumental of work opportunities across numerous
in producing some of the most sought- sectors, encompassing sales, transportation,
after kabaddi players in the country. Many marketing, media, and finance. This thriving
players who received their training at the sports sector contributes significantly
club, including R Sriram (Dabang Delhi), to India’s economic development while
Jeeva Kumar (UP Yoddha), Chandran Ranjit mitigating unemployment. It’s not only the
(Gujarat Fortunegiants), M Babu (Haryana players and mentors who benefit; a wide
Steelers), and D Suresh Kumar (U Mumba), range of related facilities reap the rewards
are currently representing different as well.
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