Simran Malik Named COO at SJ Uplift Kabaddi

The glass ceiling in Indian sports leadership shattered further this week as Simran Malik assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer at SJ Uplift Kabaddi. Her promotion signals a strategic shift for the organization behind the burgeoning Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), positioning it for aggressive domestic expansion and international outreach. Malik’s elevation from Head of Marketing comes at a pivotal moment as the company prepares for UPKL Season 2 and advances its World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL) ambitions.

Leadership Reshuffle at SJ Uplift Kabaddi

Malik’s appointment places her at the helm of all operational functions, including franchise relations, logistics, matchday execution, and stakeholder engagement. Her proven track record includes architecting UPKL’s grassroots engagement framework during Season 1, which saw participation from eight regional franchises and attracted over 50 million television viewers according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data.

Founder Sambhav Jain emphasized Malik’s indispensable role: “Simran’s rise reflects her instrumental contributions through every phase of our journey. Her clarity and leadership have been vital as we enter a progressive growth phase.” The restructuring aims to streamline operations ahead of UPKL Season 2’s late-2025 launch and WSKL’s inaugural season targeting South Asian and European markets.

Malik’s mandate extends beyond league management to youth development programs across Uttar Pradesh’s 75 districts. These initiatives align with India’s Khelo India initiative, designed to identify rural talent through structured kabaddi pathways.

Global Ambitions and Gender Representation

In her first statement as COO, Malik outlined a dual vision: scaling kabaddi’s commercial viability while championing diversity. “We’re expanding leagues into new markets and enhancing fan experiences globally,” she noted, adding that her appointment should “inspire more women to take sports leadership roles.”

Her strategy includes:

• Infrastructure Modernization: Upgrading 15 venues across UP with LED courts and digital ticketing
• Broadcast Innovations: Exploring augmented reality graphics for WSKL streams
• Grassroots Integration: Partnering with 200 schools for youth kabaddi clinics by 2026

This comes amid unprecedented growth in kabaddi’s commercial ecosystem. The Pro Kabaddi League’s brand value surged 62% to ₹1,289 crore ($154M) in 2024 (Duff & Phelps), proving regional leagues like UPKL have fertile ground for expansion.

The Road Ahead for Indian Kabaddi

Malik’s promotion coincides with kabaddi’s inclusion in the 2026 Asian Games and mounting calls for Olympic recognition. Her operational expertise will be critical as SJ Uplift Kabaddi navigates:

• Talent Pipeline Challenges: Bridging urban-rural participation gaps
• Commercialization Pressures: Balancing investor expectations with sport integrity
• Global Competition: Differentiating UPKL/WSKL from established leagues

Industry analysts note Malik’s marketing background could revolutionize fan engagement. “Her social media initiatives made UPKL Season 1 the most-discussed regional league on digital platforms,” stated SportzPower editor Suvajit Mustafi.

As kabaddi evolves from dusty village courtyards to international arenas, leaders like Simran Malik embody its transformative potential. Her COO role at SJ Uplift Kabaddi marks more than an organizational shift—it’s a beacon for inclusive sports governance. For UPKL Season 2 and beyond, expect Malik to leverage operational precision and grassroots passion to make kabaddi a global heavyweight. Follow SJ Uplift Kabaddi’s official channels for league developments.

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Must Know

Q: What does Simran Malik’s promotion mean for UPKL Season 2?
A: As COO, Malik oversees all operational aspects of UPKL Season 2, including franchise coordination, venue logistics, and fan engagement strategies. Her focus on streamlining processes aims to elevate the league’s quality and viewer experience based on Season 1 feedback.

Q: How will SJ Uplift Kabaddi’s restructuring impact global kabaddi?
A: The leadership shift accelerates preparations for the World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL), targeting kabaddi’s expansion beyond South Asia. Malik’s team is negotiating broadcast partnerships and player drafts involving athletes from Iran, Kenya, and Poland.

Q: Why is Malik’s appointment significant for women in sports?
A: Malik becomes one of only four female COOs in India’s professional sports league ecosystem. Her position challenges gender norms in kabaddi—a sport traditionally dominated by male administrators—and establishes a mentorship pipeline for women in sports management.

Q: How does this align with India’s broader sports development goals?
A: SJ Uplift Kabaddi’s youth initiatives dovetail with the Ministry of Youth Affairs’ Khelo India mission. By integrating rural talent scouts and district-level training, the company supports national talent identification frameworks outlined in India’s National Sports Development Code.