RAHUL CHAUDHARI will continue as the brand ambassador for Season 2 of the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL). Widely celebrated as the ‘Showman of Kabaddi’, Chaudhari has been a key figure in boosting the sport’s popularity and inspiring young athletes across the country.
Chaudhari began his kabaddi journey as a defender before rising to prominence as one of India’s most formidable raiders. A former member of the Indian national team, he won gold at the 2016 South Asian Games and was part of the squad that lifted the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. He also captained the Indian team at the 2014 Beach Asian Games in Thailand and led the Uttar Pradesh team during the 2015 National Kabaddi Championship.
To further enhance the league’s reach, UPKL has partnered with Zee Sports, the new initiatives arm of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited. The collaboration will expand nationwide viewership through both television and OTT platforms.
Season 2 will feature 12 teams competing in 71 matches over 19 days in Noida, with the tournament set to begin on 25 December.
SJ Uplift Kabaddi founder and director Sambhav Jain said, “UPKL’s journey from Season 1 to 2 reflects how regional leagues can evolve into powerful ecosystems, connect communities and turn local passion into mainstream recognition. Rahul brought in brand firepower for Season 1, and with him on board for our upcoming season, we will further leverage his following to make UPKL a household name across India. Through this continued association with Rahul, we are confident that we are better positioned to expand the league’s visibility, bring in new energy and add star appeal to the league’s growing fan base.”
Chaudhari added, “I was thrilled to see the hunger and determination of UPKL’s first season. The league created a pathway for grassroots talent to rise and make their mark at the national level. It has become a powerful launchpad, empowering players and non-players to look at Kabaddi more closely from a career lens. My partnership with UPKL is built upon a shared vision for Kabaddi. I am confident that young athletes will once again get the platform and opportunity they deserve.”
