Kanpur Warriors join Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League as new franchise

The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has announced the inclusion of a new team, Kanpur Warriors, ahead of its second season. The franchise is owned by BA Sports Club LLP and led by entrepreneur Bhumika Vora.

The addition of the Kanpur-based team is part of the league’s ongoing effort to grow kabaddi across the state. UPKL, owned and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi, is expanding into regions with a strong tradition in the sport. Kanpur, known for its kabaddi culture and active youth participation, is seen as a natural fit.

“UPKL was always envisioned as a launchpad for grassroots athletes, transforming kabaddi from a gully sport into a structured professional ecosystem,” said Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder of SJ Uplift Kabaddi. “Following the extraordinary success of Season 1, welcoming new cities like Kanpur is not just growth; it is our evolution. Kanpur’s inclusion strengthens our vision to build a tiered ladder for athletes: from local leagues to UPKL and eventually national and global stages.”


UPKL’s first season saw strong viewership, reaching over 30 million television viewers according to BARC India, and generating more than 300 million digital impressions. Much of this engagement came from audiences in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Speaking about the new team, Bhumika Vora said, “Kanpur is a city full of fire, heritage, and underrepresented talent, and with Kanpur Warriors, we now have a platform to showcase, build, and grow. Through UPKL, we aim to break stereotypes, back our youth, and place kabaddi at the center of Kanpur’s sporting identity. The name ‘Warriors’ reflects not just athletic grit, but the spirit of our people. We are building a platform where kabaddi is a sport of choice, not just an alternative.”