The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has announced Aligarh Tigers as its second new franchise for Season 2. Owned by healthcare entrepreneur Sumit Sarraf, Managing Director of Shekhar Sarraf Memorial Hospital, the team signals UPKL’s expanding reach into kabaddi-strong regions across Uttar Pradesh.
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Franchise Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Aligarh Tigers |
| Owner | Sumit Sarraf (MD, Shekhar Sarraf Memorial Hospital) |
| League | Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) |
| Season | Season 2 |
| Operator | SJ Uplift Kabaddi |
| Recent Addition | Second franchise after Kanpur Warriors |
Why Aligarh Tigers Matter
Aligarh’s deep-rooted sporting culture and emerging generation of disciplined players make it an ideal addition to UPKL. The Aligarh Tigers aim to unlock grassroots talent and provide local athletes a structured pathway to professional competition.
Sumit Sarraf shared his vision: “UPKL has set a new standard for a niche sport, giving kabaddi unprecedented visibility and professional recognition. Aligarh has immense untapped potential, and with Aligarh Tigers, we want to harness that energy into a sport that reflects our city’s strength, discipline, and pride.”
UPKL’s Growing Success
Following an extraordinary Season 1, UPKL has established itself as one of India’s fastest-growing sports properties. The debut season achieved:
- 30 million+ TV viewers (BARC India)
- 300+ million digital impressions
- ₹238 crore valuation
These numbers underscore the growing appeal of regional kabaddi leagues and UPKL’s strong market presence.
Sambhav Jain, Founder of SJ Uplift Kabaddi, emphasized the league’s mission: “UPKL was created as a platform to nurture talent and give athletes a structured pathway from the local level to professional competition. With Kanpur and now Aligarh joining, we are expanding that vision further, building stronger ecosystems and discovering sharper talent.”
What’s Next?
The Aligarh Tigers will bring fresh competitive energy to UPKL Season 2, uniting fans, athletes, and the city’s sporting spirit under one banner. The franchise aims to promote health, fitness, and sporting excellence while putting Aligarh firmly on India’s kabaddi map.
For more kabaddi updates, visit SJ Uplift Kabaddi and follow UPKL on social media.
