Melbourne will host Australia’s first-ever Pro Kabaddi League exhibition match, with tickets going on sale Tuesday.
Scheduled for 28 December this year at John Cain Arena, the “Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid” will follow the Boxing Day cricket Test match, giving fans another major sporting spectacle.
On Monday, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan, along with Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, Indian Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar, and AFL legends Campbell Brown and Josh Kennedy, officially announced that tickets for the “Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid” will go on sale Tuesday.
Premier Allan expressed her excitement about the debut of kabaddi in Victoria: “I’m so proud to deliver on the promise I made in India to bring kabaddi back home to Victoria. This event is set to introduce one of India’s most beloved sports to Australian fans, creating a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and sporting collaboration.”
Dr Sushil Kumar welcomed the Victorian government’s initiative to bring kabaddi to Melbourne. He spoke to The Australia Today about the significance of the sport, noting: “Kabaddi is the second most popular sport in India, deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history. Over the years, kabaddi has transformed from a village pastime to a respected professional sport.”
He added, “Showcasing kabaddi in Melbourne not only introduces this unique sport to Australia’s diverse sporting culture but also enhances its international popularity. It will help strengthen cultural ties between India and Victoria, offering opportunities for collaboration in sports, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchange.”
Dimopoulos emphasized the significance of the event, not just for sport, but for the state’s economy: “This event will bring spectators from all walks of life to Melbourne and boost the state’s economy, particularly in areas like tourism, hospitality, and cultural tourism. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase Victoria as a leading sports and events destination.”
