Hard Life of Indian Kabaddi Players Facing Poor Support and No Rewards
Though Kabaddi is the most popular sport in India with seven Asian Games gold medals, most players find it to be financially unsustainable. According to a Sportstar analysis (March 2025), 60% of non-Pro Kabaddi League athletes make less than Rs 50,000 yearly, which drives them into menial professions like vegetable sales. Government backing is insufficient; the kabaddi budget for 2025 is cut to Rs 80 crore. Unlike cricket, participants lack pensions or insurance; a suggested Rs 5,000 stipend was turned down. Systemic negligence jeopardizes the future of the sport as junior registrations drop by thirty% since 2023 calls for quick changes to guarantee financial security for kabaddi players.