The Evolution of Refereeing in Pro Kabaddi League: A Decade of Progress

Since its debut in 2014 the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has redefined kabaddi bringing it closer to fans and transforming the sport’s officiating. As PKL heads into a new season E Prasad Rao who is widely known as “Kabaddi Rao” and the Technical Director of PKL sheds light on how refereeing has progressed over the league’s first decade.

Before the season’s start Rao and his team conducted a training camp for 45 referees including eight women and 20 newcomers which an increase from last season’s 37. This growth underscores PKL’s commitment to strengthening officiating standards.

One major step forward has been the establishment of formal training programs for referees. “Referee training courses and workshops were introduced after PKL’s inception,” Rao says. “Our focus now extends beyond certification. We train officials to truly grasp the nuances of their roles.” This shift from informal officiating to structured training marks a fundamental change in the game.

The PKL led several refereeing innovations most notably the TV umpire. “PKL pioneered TV umpiring in kabaddi” Rao shares with pride. This technology has enhanced the accuracy of decisions in kabaddi’s rapid gameplay.

The league’s dedication to officiating excellence is also visible in its structured approach. “We’ve created specialised roles for officials. For example we now have four line umpires a role that didn’t exist before in kabaddi” Rao explains. This specialisation ensures greater precision and fairness during matches highlighting the league’s strides in refining the game’s officiating standards.

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