Kanpur Warriors Joins Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League for Season 2, Backed by Bhumika Vora

The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has announced the induction of a new team, Kanpur Warriors, ahead of Season 2. Owned and operated by BA Sports Club LLP and backed by entrepreneur Bhumika Vora, the franchise represents a strategic expansion of the league into one of the state’s most sport-driven cities.

Building on the momentum of a successful debut season, the introduction of Kanpur Warriors marks a significant step in UPKL’s efforts to grow the game across kabaddi-strong belts of Uttar Pradesh. The team’s entry is expected to deepen engagement at the grassroots level, while offering emerging players a platform to compete within a structured, professional ecosystem.

UPKL is conceptualised, owned, and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi, which continues to drive the league’s expansion with a clear focus on inclusivity and regional representation. The city of Kanpur, with its kabaddi heritage and vibrant youth culture, has long been recognised for its sporting enthusiasm. The new franchise aims to channel that energy into a professional setup that nurtures both talent and local pride.

The announcement comes on the heels of a landmark inaugural season for UPKL, which recorded over 30 million television viewers, as per BARC India, and generated more than 300 million digital impressions. Much of this viewership stemmed from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reinforcing the league’s aim to provide mainstream visibility to India’s indigenous sport.

Bhumika Vora, Owner of Kanpur Warriors, added, “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 centre 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.”

The franchise plans to engage with fans through a digital-first brand launch and by building a regional identity that resonates with local communities. With a focus on fan culture and youth participation, Kanpur Warriors aims to foster a sense of belonging and ambition around kabaddi in the region.

As part of UPKL’s broader vision, the addition of Kanpur Warriors signals the league’s intent to create high-performance hubs in traditional kabaddi heartlands, supporting talent development and community participation.