Haryana Receives Guinness World Record for Kabaddi Exhibition Match
New Delhi, Aug 17 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini was presented with a Guinness World Record certificate on Sunday at Haryana Bhawan, recognising the state’s achievement in hosting the world’s largest Kabaddi exhibition match.
The record-setting event took place in Panchkula on March 24, 2024, coinciding with World Kabaddi Day, and showcased the participation of 128 players in a single exhibition match. The game lasted for 2 hours and 9 minutes, marking a historic moment for the traditional Indian sport.
HIPSA’s Recognition of Kabaddi Excellence
The honour was conferred by the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA). HIPSA president Kanthi D Suresh and GI-PKL founder Karthik Dammu jointly presented the certificate to CM Saini.
The event highlighted Haryana’s stronghold in Kabaddi, a sport deeply rooted in the state’s cultural and athletic traditions.
“This record has further cemented Haryana’s legacy as the heartland of Kabaddi,” HIPSA stated.
Boosting Sports Culture in Haryana
The felicitation coincided with the sixth state-level Khel Mahakumbh held at Panchkula’s Tau Devi Lal Stadium. CM Saini inaugurated the tournament by initiating a Kabaddi match, inspiring young athletes to take pride in their sporting heritage.
He expressed confidence in Haryana’s role in shaping India’s sporting future:
“Haryana’s athletes will bring the most medals for India at the 2036 Olympics, bringing glory to the nation. Our aim is for every village to produce an athlete who can hoist the Indian flag on an international platform.”
Kabaddi Goes Global: HIPSA’s Initiatives
Beyond national recognition, HIPSA has been working to expand Kabaddi’s reach across borders. In April 2025, the organisation hosted the Global Indian Pravasi Kabaddi League (GI-PKL), which saw participation from players across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The league brought together the global Indian diaspora, celebrating Kabaddi as not just a sport, but a cultural bridge fostering unity and pride.
Final Thoughts by TheTrendingPeople
The Guinness World Record achievement is more than just a milestone for Haryana — it is a symbol of India’s growing influence in promoting indigenous sports on the global stage.
With initiatives like HIPSA’s international outreach and Haryana’s grassroots commitment to nurturing athletes, Kabaddi is steadily transitioning from a traditional Indian game to a sport of global recognition.
As India looks ahead to future Olympics, the spirit shown in Panchkula serves as a reminder of how deeply sports can unite communities and inspire generations.