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 won the inaugural season by defeating Kathmandu Mavericks in the final with a score of 43 – 41.
History This league was envisioned 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 team 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.
On 28 March 2026, the league officially announced the franchise owners for the second season. Two teams underwent rebranding after change in ownership: Biratnagar Bandits became Biratnagar Bahubali and Himalayan Raiders became Butwal Bulls.
Current teams Team City Debut Captain Head Coach Owner(s) Biratnagar Bahubali Biratnagar, Koshi Province 2025 Kalyan Bhujel Satisha Nayaka National Investment Holding Pvt. Ltd. Butwal Bulls Butwal, Lumbini Province Ganesh Bahadur Karki Sandip Pant Morai Corporation Pvt. Ltd. Dhangadi Wild Cats Dhangadi, Sudurpashchim Province Padam Bahadur Bist Mahesh Bohara Dhading Wildcat Pvt. Ltd. Janakpur Knights Janakpur, Madhesh Province Ramu Tamatta Ganesh Krishna Neco Insurance Limited Kathmandu Mavricks Kathmandu, Bagmati Province Ghanashyam Roka Magar Alok Singh Kathmandu Mavericks Pvt. Ltd. Pokhara Lakers Pokhara, Gandaki Province Pradip Mijar Rajaram Periyapuliyan Fewa Construction Pvt. Ltd.
Franchise history width=100px 2025 2026 Biratnagar Biratnagar Bandits (Not Announced) Biratnagar Bahubali (National Investment Holding Pvt. Ltd.) Butwal Himalayan Raiders (Not Announced) Butwal Bulls (Morai Corporation Pvt. Ltd.)
Tournament season and result SeasonFinalFinal VenueBest RaiderBest DefenderMost Total PointsWinnerResultRunner-up2025Janakpur Knights45 – 41 ResultKathmandu MavericksN.S.C. Covered Hall, Tripureshwor Ghanshyam Roka MagarTanongsak SriheraGhanshyam Roka Magar2026
Team performances Season (No. of teams)2025(6)2026(6) Biratnagar Bahubali PO Dhanghadi Wild Cats PO Butwal Bulls 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.
See also Sports in Nepal Nepal national kabaddi team Nepal women's national kabaddi team
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