Sports
JBC Kabaddi League launches in Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh
Inaugural season in first half of 2026 features five teams; Randhir Singh Sehrawat named brand ambassador.
MUMBAI: Kabaddi is raiding new territory because when three states team up, the mat just got a whole lot bigger. The Kabaddi Association of Jharkhand, Bihar State Kabaddi Association, and Chhattisgarh Kabaddi Association, all affiliated with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) have greenlit the JBC Kabaddi League (Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh Kabaddi League). Set to debut in the first half of 2026, the inaugural season will pit five teams against each other in a structured league format designed to spotlight emerging talent.
Promoted by sports entrepreneur Rannvijay Singh also director of the Bhojpuri Industry Premier League (BIPL) and owner of the Awadh Ramdoots franchise in the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League, the JBC Kabaddi League promises organised scouting, player auctions, and pro-level exposure. The goal? Turn grassroots raiders into household names, boost fan engagement, stir regional pride, and spark investment in local kabaddi infrastructure.
Rannvijay Singh said, “State and local leagues are key growth pathways. Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh share a deep connection with kabaddi, played widely in schools and community spaces. The JBC Kabaddi League builds on this legacy by creating a structured platform that connects grassroots talent to the professional ecosystem. With the strong support of the state Kabaddi Associations, we are confident in our vision to make kabaddi mainstream and a viable career choice.”
To anchor the grassroots push, the league has roped in Randhir Singh Sehrawat affectionately called “Coach Saab” as brand ambassador. With over four decades in Indian kabaddi as both player and national-level coach, Sehrawat boasts an Arjuna Award (1997), the National Citizen Award (1991 he was the first kabaddi player to receive it), and 93 medals from major events including Senior Nationals, Federation Cups, and All India Railway Championships.
For a sport already massive in rural heartlands, this cross-state league could be the bridge that carries raw talent from village akharas to bigger stages proving once again that in kabaddi, one good raid can change the game for an entire generation.
Sports
IPL 19 records 96.8 ad index as advertisers and categories decline: TAM Sports report
Fewer categories and advertisers as tech and FMCG brands reshape IPL ad mix
NEW DELHI: The on-field action remains strong, but advertising activity during the Indian Premier League has shown a slight shift this season. A report from TAM Sports, a division of TAM Media Research, indicates that the first 13 matches of IPL 19 have recorded a marginal decline in commercial volumes compared to the same phase last year.
Indexed ad volumes stood at 96.8, down from 100 in IPL 18. The number of advertising categories fell from over 50 to 40, while the advertiser base reduced from 65 to 45. At the same time, the number of channels broadcasting the tournament declined from 28 to 25.
Mouth Fresheners emerged as the leading category, contributing over 14 per cent of total ad volumes. Ecom-Other Services and Ecom-Wallets followed, maintaining a strong presence during the early part of the tournament.
The technology sector has gained prominence this season. Google ranked as the top advertiser, accounting for over 13 per cent of ad share. The company focused on promoting its Google Search Engine and Google Gemini AI platform. In contrast, categories such as Ecom-Gaming and Cellular Phones-Smart Phones did not feature among the leading segments this year.
TAM Sports analyst Arjun Sharma said the decline in volumes reflects a more focused approach by advertisers, with fewer but more prominent players dominating the space.
The report also identified new entrants, with ten additional categories including Chocolates, Laptops/Notebooks, and Hair Care products. Among companies, Vishnu Packaging and Reliance Consumer Products remained key advertisers, while Havells India and K P Pan Foods continued to feature prominently.
Among brands, Vimal Pan Masala and Kamla Pasand Silver Coated Elaichi recorded high visibility, while Cadburys Dairy Milk Chocolate was among the notable new entrants.
With the tournament still underway, advertising activity may increase in the coming weeks as more brands look to capitalise on IPL viewership.
