Backed by entrepreneur Bhumika Vora and BA Sports Club LLP, the team signifies UPKL’s next phase of expansion
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh | August 2025 – The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), conceptualized and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt. Ltd., has announced the inclusion of a dynamic new franchise — Kanpur Warriors — ahead of Season 2. Owned by BA Sports Club LLP and led by entrepreneur Bhumika Vora, the Kanpur Warriors marks a bold step in growing the league’s presence in one of the state’s most culturally rich and kabaddi-passionate regions.
Strategic Expansion into Kabaddi-Strong Kanpur
Kanpur has long been known for its kabaddi culture, active youth circuits, and untapped local talent. With the addition of Kanpur Warriors, UPKL strengthens its commitment to promoting regional pride, grassroots engagement, and inclusive representation across Uttar Pradesh.
Sambhav Jain, Founder & Director, SJ Uplift Kabaddi, remarked:
“UPKL was envisioned as a platform for grassroots talent—turning kabaddi from a local pastime into a professionally governed sport. Kanpur’s induction into the league is a strategic evolution, not just expansion. This inclusion reinforces our mission to build a progressive path from local leagues to state, national, and global platforms.”
Riding on Season 1 Success
UPKL’s debut season delivered impressive numbers:
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30 million+ TV viewers (BARC India)
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300 million+ digital impressions
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Strong resonance among Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
These milestones set the stage for further league expansion and increased fan engagement in Season 2.
Bhumika Vora: Bringing Passion and Purpose to the Mat
Entrepreneur Bhumika Vora, the force behind Kanpur Warriors, brings a vision rooted in empowerment and representation.
“Kanpur is full of fire, heritage, and underrepresented potential,” Vora said. “With Kanpur Warriors, we’re not just entering a league — we’re creating a movement. We aim to put kabaddi at the heart of the city’s sporting identity. The name ‘Warriors’ symbolizes the spirit, grit, and ambition of our people.”
Digital-First Launch and Fan-Centric Strategy
Kanpur Warriors is set to launch with a digital-first branding campaign that aims to:
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Ignite local fan engagement
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Champion youth participation
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Celebrate Kanpur’s kabaddi heritage
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Build a community-first franchise identity
This modern approach mirrors UPKL’s broader strategy of combining traditional roots with contemporary formats to appeal to younger and more diverse audiences.
About SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt. Ltd.
SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt. Ltd. is a pioneering sports management company focused on the professionalization and promotion of kabaddi. As the owner, conceptualizer, and exclusive rights holder of UPKL, the company ensures complete creative and commercial control of the league. Its mission is to:
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Empower kabaddi athletes
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Create high-quality, competitive platforms
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Foster fan engagement and international recognition of the sport
About Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL)
The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League is a structured, state-level professional kabaddi league created to:
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Promote India’s indigenous sport
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Nurture homegrown talent
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Connect communities through sport
UPKL blends traditional ethos with modern sports management, providing a launchpad for athletes while remaining rooted in regional pride and cultural heritage.
