# Nepal Kabaddi League

The Nepal Kabaddi League (NKL) organized by Astrionix Management is a professional-level Kabaddi League in Nepal, featuring six franchise teams representing Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Dhangadhi, and Butwal. The inaugural season was held from January 17 to January 31 of 2025.
The NKL was established to promote Kabaddi in Nepal and provide a platform for local talent to showcase their skills. The league is organized by Astrionix Management Private Limited.
Janakpur Knights are the current champions after winning the 2025 season, defeating Kathmandu Mavericks in the final.

## History

This league was invisioned by the owner of Astrionix Management - Mr. Amit Begani. Over 90 kabaddi players from Nepal and abroad were featured in the players' draft, held on 15 December 2024 in Kathmandu. The league was officially launched in November 2024.
The NKL aims to boost Kabaddi's popularity in Nepal and develop the sport at the grassroots level. The league is expected to be a significant step towards achieving these goals, with the potential to attract more players and fans to the sport.

## Organization

Teams acquire players through an auction. Each team has a squad of 14 players, with the opportunity of signing up to four foreign players. Drafting of the inaugural season took place on 15 December 2024. .The inaugural edition saw participation from international players from Bangladesh, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

## Format

The league follows single round-robin format, with each team playing against every other teams at National Sports Council Covered Hall (NSC Covered Hall), Tripureshwor, Kathmandu.

## Teams

The NKL consists of six franchise teams, each representing a major city in Nepal.
| Team | City | Debut | Captain | Head Coach |
| Biratnagar Bandits | Biratnagar | 2025 | Kalyan Bhujel | Satisha Nayaka |
| Dhangadi Wild Cats | Dhangadi | 2025 | Padam Bahadur Bist | Mahesh Bohara |
| Himalayan Raiders | Butwal | 2025 | Ganesh Bahadur Karki | Sandip Pant |
| Janakpur Knights | Janakpur | 2025 | Ramu Tamatta | Ganesh Krishna |
| Kathmandu Mavricks | Kathmandu | 2025 | Ghanashyam Roka Magar | Alok Singh |
| Pokhara Lakers | Pokhara | 2025 | Pradip Mijar | Rajaram Periyapuliyan |

## Tournament season and result

| Season | Final | Final | Final | Final Venue | Best Raider | Best Defender | Most Total Points |
| Season | Winner | Result | Runner-up | Final Venue | Best Raider | Best Defender | Most Total Points |
| 2025 | Janakpur Bolts | 45 – 41 Result | Kathmandu Mavericks | NSC Covered Hall, Tripureshwor | Ghanshyam Roka Magar | Tanongsak Srihera | Ghanshyam Roka Magar |

## Team performances

| Season (No. of teams) | 2025 (6) |
| Biratnagar Bandits | PO |
| Dhanghadi Wild Cats | PO |
| Himalayan Raiders | 5th |
| Janakpur Knights | C |
| Kathmandu Mavericks | RU |
| Pokhara Lakers | 6th |
* All the NKL teams have been listed alphabetically.
* C: Champions
* RU: Runner-up
* PO: Team qualified for the playoffs of the competition

## Future Plans

The Astrionix Management has plans to expand the league by introducing a Women's Kabaddi League in the future. The Management team is also working on securing more sponsors and Partnerships to ensure the League's long-term sustainability and growth.