KATHMANDU: The Nepal Kabaddi League (NKL) is attracting more players ahead of its second season. NKL organizers, Astronics Management, announced on Monday that 512 Nepali players have registered for the Season 2 draft.

Astronics Management Chief Amitkumar Begani said, “In the first season, 278 Nepali players registered for the NKL draft. This time, 512 domestic players have signed up, showing the growing craze for the league and its increasing appeal among players.”

Among the registrants, Bagmati Province leads with 155 players, followed by Sudurpashchim (103), Lumbini (98), Madhesh (70), Koshi (35), Karnali (27), and Gandaki (24).

In the first season, six teams from six cities selected 84 players through the draft, including 66 Nepali players.

Begani also noted rising interest from foreign players.

Around 40–50 foreign players are expected to participate in Season 2, all of whom will be high-level athletes.

In Season 1, 18 players from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Kenya competed in the league.

The inaugural NKL season, the first franchise-based tournament in Nepali kabaddi history, took place from 17–31 January 2025.

Six teams—Biratnagar Bandits, Janakpur Knights, Kathmandu Mavericks, Pokhara Lakers, Himalayan Raiders (Butwal), and Dhangadhi Wildcats—competed across six cities.

In an exciting final at the Tribhuvan Covered Hall in Tripureshwor, Janakpur defeated Kathmandu 43–41 to become the inaugural NKL champion.

First-season captains Ghanshyam Magar (Kathmandu) and Ganesh Parki (Himalayan Raiders) are now participating in India’s Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12.

Draft details and the schedule for Season 2 will be announced soon.