Vizag: As Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 gains momentum, a dedicated group of officials from across India—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari—have completed an intensive 12-day training camp, marking a new era in kabaddi officiating, according to a PKL release.
Held in Hyderabad from August 15 to 27, the program welcomed 23 newcomers, bringing the total number of trained officials to 45—a mix of fresh talent and experienced referees. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra topped the representation with four referees each, highlighting the nationwide commitment to raising officiating standards.
“Due to changes in some rules and formats this season, we have increased the number of officials in our training,” said E Prasad Rao, PKL’s Technical Director. He noted that the new regulations required an expanded, rigorous preparation program. The selection process began with online training and culminated in intensive in-person sessions for the final group.
The training was particularly crucial in light of PKL’s new tiebreaker format, which has transformed every match into a “do-or-die” situation for officials.
“Every match now has to be decided by the tiebreaker rule,” Rao explained, underscoring the heightened responsibility of referees. The format introduces several changes: five raids per team, no player eliminations during tiebreakers, and the baulk line functioning as the bonus line.
“These rule changes make the officials’ role extremely critical,” Rao added.
The camp’s approach reflects PKL’s evolution from a sporting competition into precision-based entertainment. With multiple matches at each venue, officials must execute decisions swiftly and accurately. “Every step—how to move, how fast to collect information—has been carefully planned with methodology and timing,” Rao said.
Wednesday’s opening matches will feature Puneri Paltan facing Bengal Warriorz, as both teams aim to continue their winning momentum. The Warriorz, led by Devank Dalal, are coming off an impressive performance against defending champions Haryana Steelers.
The second match pits U Mumba against Haryana Steelers. The Steelers, recovering from a loss to the Warriorz, will take on an in-form U Mumba side, who are unbeaten in two matches under the leadership of Sunil Kumar.
