‘Z’ Partners with Kabaddi Champions League Haryana to Bring ‘Mitti Ka Khel’ to Millions; Inaugural Season to Telecast Live across Zee 5 & Linear Channels
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (‘Z’), India’s leading media and entertainment company, today announced a landmark partnership with the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) Haryana to bring the high-octane action of professional kabaddi to viewers nationwide. Officially sanctioned by the Amateur Kabaddi Association Haryana (AKAH), the league’s inaugural season is set to take place from January 25th to February 7th, 2026, featuring 8 powerhouse franchises competing for the ultimate glory.
The collaboration will see KCL Haryana stream digitally on the Zee 5 app and broadcast across ‘Z’s leading linear channels, including Anmol TV, Z Yuva, Z Bollywood, &Pictures HD, Z Punjabi, and ‘Z’s dedicated sports platforms. By offering feeds in both Hindi and regional languages, ‘Z’ aims to maximize accessibility for fans across India’s diverse demographic landscape, particularly within the heartlands where Kabaddi is a legacy sport.
The 14-day tournament will feature the founding eight franchises: Karnal Kings, Gurugram Gurus, Rohtak Royals, Faridabad Fighters, Panipat Panther, Sonipat Stars, Bhiwani Bulls, and Hisar Heros. Guided by Dronacharya Awardee Shri Balwan Singh, championed by brand ambassadors Rajesh Narwal and Mohit Chhillar and with world’s top kabaddi players, the league is designed to give ‘Mitti Ka Talent’ a professional platform to rise.
The partnership extends beyond live matches to include a 360-degree content ecosystem on Zee 5, featuring “Champions Talks” (podcasts with players and coaches), “Champ’s POV” (behind-the-scenes footage), and city-wise cine-films. ‘Z’ will support the league with an intensive promotional campaign across its network, leveraging its cumulative reach of over 800 million viewers to build a massive, youth-centric fanbase.
Laxmi Shetty, Head , Advertisement Revenue, Broadcast and Digital, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., said,
“At ‘Z’, we are committed to strengthening our content-tech leadership by bringing India’s most authentic and high-passion sports to every screen. Kabaddi is more than just a sport; it is a cultural legacy that resonates with the heartbeat of Bharat. By partnering with Kabaddi Champions League Haryana, we are unlocking a massive opportunity for brands to connect with a deeply engaged, youth-led audience in a high-impact, event-based environment. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our strategy of diversifying our sports portfolio and monetizing niche, regional-first properties. With our integrated ecosystem across Linear and Zee 5, we are not just broadcasting a tournament; we are building a professional stage for grassroots talent and providing advertisers with a high-trust platform to reach the real pulse of India.”
Beyond the mat, KCL Haryana is committed to social impact, aligning with the Government of Haryana’s “Drug-Free Haryana” campaign to promote fitness, discipline, and pride through sports.
“We are thrilled to partner with ‘Z’, an iconic broadcaster that understands the soul of Indian entertainment and sports,” said a Spokesperson for KCL Haryana. “Haryana is the global powerhouse of Kabaddi, and with ‘Z’s unparalleled reach, we can finally give our local champions the national visibility they deserve. By bringing together the best players and ensuring the best, high-octane games, we are creating the best viewing experience for fans across every screen in Bharat. This league is a professional bridge for grassroots players to become national icons. With ‘Z’s expertise in storytelling and digital-first innovation, we are confident that the inaugural season will set a new benchmark for indigenous sports in India.”
The season officially kicks off on January 25th, 2026, following a state-wide Trophy Tour. Fans can expect world-class production, expert commentary from the likes of Sunil Taneja and Vishwash Chauhan, and high-energy live performances throughout the league days.
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