Vaibhav Suryavanshi headlines PKL 12 season opener on National Sports Day

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is all set to kick off its 12th season with a star-studded opening on National Sports Day. Icons from across Indian sport will come together to celebrate the spirit of kabaddi and India’s sporting heritage.

Among those gracing the occasion will be badminton legend Pullela Gopichand, former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay, kabaddi superstar Pardeep Narwal, and rising Rajasthan Royals cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The celebrated figures will unite for the National Anthem, setting the stage for another thrilling season of India’s homegrown sporting league.

The gesture highlights India’s rich sporting legacy — honouring champions who have made the country proud globally, while underscoring kabaddi’s growing international appeal. PKL Season 12 will open not just as a competition, but as a tribute to the nation’s sporting fabric that blends heritage with achievement.

“On the auspicious occasion of National Sports Day, it is only fitting that this season of the Pro Kabaddi League begins in the presence of legends who have shaped India’s sporting journey. Their legacy reflects the very spirit PKL celebrates — honouring our roots while taking kabaddi to new heights. We’re privileged to have them with us as we usher in another thrilling season,” said Anupam Goswami, Business Head – Mashal & League Commissioner, Pro Kabaddi.

Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Suryavanshi also shared his excitement at being part of the occasion. “National Sports Day reminds me how sports bring everyone together. Playing teaches you teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I feel lucky to be part of Rajasthan Royals, learning and chasing my dreams — and I hope more kids like me start playing and believing in themselves,” he said.

This year, PKL introduces significant format changes to raise competitiveness. For the first time, all matches will produce a result, with tiebreakers deciding drawn encounters even in the league stage. Additionally, a new ‘play-in’ phase will bridge the league and playoffs. The top two teams will qualify directly, while 3rd and 4th battle in a mini-qualifier, and teams ranked 5th–8th fight through the play-in stage for a chance at progression.

PKL Season 12 begins on August 29 with a high-voltage southern derby between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas.