Abstract
Kabaddi—an indigenous contact sport from the Indian subcontinent—has moved from village akharas to televised
arenas, symbolizing both cultural continuity and transformation. This thematic paper examines kabaddi as a bearer of cultural
identity amid globalization and commercialization. Drawing on histories of the sport, scholarship on sport and nationalism, work
on diaspora identity, and the rise of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), it explores how kabaddi can be preserved as intangible
heritage while engaging mass media, gender equity, and transnational communities. The paper proposes a multi-level
preservation agenda spanning governance, education, media, and community practice.
Key Words: Kabaddi; indigenous sport; cultural identity; globalization; Pro Kabaddi League; gender; diaspora; heritage
Author’s Name:-Aman Dewangan,Chandan Singh Patel