Radha Kapoor Khanna | Meet the woman changing the sports scene in India with her ‘Dabang’ franchise

Women in sport administration are unusual, with Hannah Waddingham’s character in the blockbuster Apple TV show “Ted Lasso” standing out. However, Radha Kapoor Khanna, the owner of Dabang Delhi Kabaddi Club in Delhi, has shattered the Indian glass ceiling in this field. On February 25, 2022, the team won the VIVO Pro Kabaddi League’s eighth season title in a thrilling final match against Patna Pirates.

“I used to play Kabaddi in school and I still enjoy it! I wanted to groom, hone, and offer the best kabaddi players to the nation. We are ecstatic to have won Season 8 of the Pro Kabaddi League, and we look forward to bringing more glory to our franchisees in the years ahead. “Hopefully, one day, the sport will be played at the Olympics as well,” Radha says in an interview with YSWeekender.

A passion for sports

Radha earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design and Management from Parsons School of Design in New York. She has developed the Indian School of Design and Innovation and defines herself as a creative entrepreneur and design thinker.

Radha, who had participated in a variety of sports as a child, was eager to promote them as well. She says.

“Kabaddi is an indigenous sport played across the country, and I wanted to empower young talent. The Pro Kabaddi League was the right platform to do this.”

She has invested in the promotion of various sports in addition to Kabaddi. She is the owner of the Dabang Mumbai Hockey Club and the Dabang Delhi Table Tennis Club, where her team won the Ultimate Table Tennis League title in the second season.

Radha Kapoor concentrated on the creation of ‘Rurban’ (rural and urban) sports projects in the catchment areas of northern India, a word she developed. This is where Kabaddi’s popularity as a sport truly shines. She has implemented several grassroots projects and cultivated young talent as part of her venture, with the goal of taking the sport to the next level.

Twelve teams from various parts of the country competed in Season 8 of the Pro Kabaddi League. In the league stage of the tournament, each team plays the other 11 teams twice. The top six teams advance to the play-offs, where the top two teams advance to the semi-finals without having to compete in the regular season.

Delhi Dabang Club is a club in Delhi, India. After the victory, Radha Kapoor Khanna

“We always wanted a team that embodies the traits of power, attention, agility, and other positive aspects needed to excel in sport,” Radha Kapoor Khanna explains when questioned about the strong moniker she has collectively given to her sports teams. We formed ‘Dabang Delhi K.C.’ with that goal in mind, and it was the perfect fit for our team. All of our franchisees adopted the ‘Dabang’ name since it resonated with our followers and admirers.”

The process of selecting athletes, according to Radha, is tough because everything hinges on finding the proper talent.

The goal has always been to assemble a roster that includes both young and veteran players. She also praises their grassroots programmes for assisting in the identification of potential.

Radha personally controls the selection process, she is supported by a team of managers and coaches. They are are more informed about player results in local competitions across India.

Despite joining as a ‘New Young Player’ as part of the league’s special programme. He has established himself as a leader and has been named ‘Most Valuable Player’ in seasons 7 and 8.