Former AFL star Josh Kennedy has swapped the footy field for a Kabaddi court, immersing himself in the high-octane Indian sport during a recent visit to New Delhi.
The former Sydney Swans and Hawthorn player trained alongside some of the Pro Kabaddi League’s finest, gearing up to captain an All-Star Australian team at the inaugural Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid on December 28 at John Cain Arena.
Kennedy embraced Kabaddi’s rich culture by exchanging jerseys with Tamil Thalaivas star raider Sachin Tanwar and Jaipur Pink Panthers skipper Arjun Deshwal, showcasing the camaraderie between Australian and Indian sports.
“Experiencing Kabaddi firsthand has been incredible.”
“It’s fast, intense, and deeply rooted in Indian culture. I’m excited to bring this experience to Melbourne and show Australians the thrill of this game,” Kennedy added.
Supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria, the event is set to debut Kabaddi in Australia, further cementing Melbourne’s status as the global sporting capital.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos observed:
“The Pro Kabaddi League has one of the fastest growing fan bases around the globe and we know people will flock to see this one-of-a-kind event – another major event keeping our state buzzing and boosting our local businesses and jobs.”
The Melbourne Raid will kick off with a curtain-raiser match featuring an Australian team coached by former Hawthorn star Campbell Brown, against a team of Indian Pro Kabaddi players. This will be followed by an electrifying clash between two PKL All-Star teams.
Premier Jacinta Allan, who announced the event alongside Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, AFL greats, and Indian Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar, highlighted the cultural bridge the event represents:
“I am so proud to deliver on the promise I made in India to bring Kabaddi back home to Victoria.”
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements added:
“The arrival of the Pro Kabaddi League is a cultural breakthrough for our largest growing diaspora. It embodies the spirit of exchange that defines Melbourne.”
The event is timed to follow the third day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, allowing fans to continue their sporting excitement just a short walk away at John Cain Arena.
Dr Kumar welcomed the initiative, noting,
“Kabaddi is the second most popular sport in India, rooted deeply in its culture and history. The Melbourne Raid opens a new chapter in our growing ties.”
The December clash promises to be a landmark in Australia-India sporting relations, blending the best of Kabaddi with Melbourne’s vibrant sports scene.
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