Odisha Chief Minister delivered a passionate call for the promotion and global expansion of India's indigenous sports during his address at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. (More Sports News)
CM Majhi credited the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) with revolutionising how indigenous sports are perceived and consumed globally
Odisha Chief Minister delivered a passionate call for the promotion and global expansion of India's indigenous sports during his address at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. (More Sports News)
Speaking on Saturday at a session titled 'Indigenous Sports: From India to the Global Stage,' Majhi highlighted the remarkable trajectory of traditional games like Kabaddi, which have evolved from local pastimes into international sensations.
The Chief Minister emphasised the deep cultural roots of these sports, stating, "Indigenous sports are rooted in our history and culture. They have been integral to our communities since time immemorial, inculcating various virtues like teamwork, endurance, respect for nature and collective joy." He positioned the summit not just as a celebration of games, but as an acknowledgement of a "way of life" reflecting ancestral wisdom and creativity.
"We must acknowledge the remarkable resurgence of traditional sports like Kabaddi. Thanks to initiatives like the Pro Kabaddi League, the sport has captured the imagination of millions across India," he remarked. "What was once only played in small communities has now become one of India's most popular and commercially successful sporting leagues, inspiring young boys and girls across the nation."
The high-profile panel included the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, Pro Kabaddi League Business Head and League Chairman, Mr. Anupam Goswami, Kho Kho Federation of India President, Mr. Sudhanshu Mittal, international sports consultant, Mr. Nic Coward, Fancode Co-Founder, Mr. Yannick Colaco, and Iranian Kabaddi international Mr. Fazel Atrachali, whose participation underscored the sport's global appeal.
Mr. Anupam Goswami provided compelling statistics, revealing that the 2024 PKL season reached 201 million viewers. "While the global stage remains a key aspiration, the real opportunity lies in unlocking the potential of India's vast and diverse market," Goswami commented, highlighting the untapped commercial and engagement potential of these sports.
Chief Minister Majhi outlined a clear vision for the future: "Our vision is simple - to create champions in every village and to ensure that every child with a dream gets the right platform to start." He stressed the importance of taking these traditional sports to a wider audience, both within India and internationally.
"Preserving indigenous sports is preserving our soul. It is about giving our children a sense of rootedness and pride in their heritage. It is about building a future rooted in the strength of our past," CM Majhi concluded, reinforcing the critical link between cultural heritage and future development through sport.