HIPSA Set to Globalize Indigenous Games with Expanded ‘Pravasi Sports’ Initiative

May 25, 2025: Building on the phenomenal debut of the Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL), the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) is preparing to significantly expand its flagship ‘Pravasi Sports’ programme. Designed to bring India’s indigenous sports to the global diaspora, the initiative aims to both internationalize these games and reconnect Pravasi youth with their cultural roots.

According to a release from GI-PKL, the ‘Pravasi Sports’ vision is twofold: to introduce traditional Indian sports such as Kabaddi, Mallakhamb, and Silambattam to global audiences, and to foster cultural ties by encouraging Indian-origin youth abroad to engage in heritage-based sports events in India.

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“Pravasi Sports is about honouring our roots while celebrating global talent,” said HIPSA president Kanthi D Suresh. “We’re building pathways for young Indians across the world to embrace and represent our cultural games, creating global ambassadors for India’s sporting legacy.”

GI-PKL CEO Karthik Dammu emphasized the overwhelming success of the Kabaddi league and expressed enthusiasm for expanding into other disciplines. “We’re thrilled to extend our model into cricket, marathons, and more, to further unite the diaspora and elevate India’s presence in international sport,” he said.

The upcoming Pravasi Sports calendar will feature:

• Global Pravasi Cricket League (GPCL): A franchise-style T20 cricket league spotlighting Indian-origin players from around the world. Season 1 was held in 2022 with participation from eight countries and cricketing stars like Ian Bell and Munaf Patel.
• GI-PKL Season 2
• Chalo India – Pravasi Marathon Championship: A symbolic run celebrating national pride and India’s cultural soft power.
• Pravasi Sports Summit: A global gathering of sports, policy, and industry leaders to explore sports as a driver of peace, development, and diplomacy.

HIPSA is also forming an Advisory Council composed of prominent figures from sports, government, business, media, and civil society to guide its 10-year strategic vision.

By blending cultural preservation with global participation, HIPSA’s Pravasi Sports is poised to redefine the role of sports in diaspora engagement and cultural diplomacy.