From Kashmir to Kanyakumari: Inside PKL's Most Comprehensive Referee Training Program

Last Updated:September 04, 2025, 11:47 IST

A 12-day training camp in Hyderabad prepared 45 officials from Kashmir to Kanyakumari for PKL Season 12, adapting to new tiebreaker rules and heightened match intensity.

(Credit: PKL Media)

With the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 well underway, a dedicated group of officials from ‘Kashmir to Kanyakumari’ completed an intensive 12-day training camp that signals a significant transformation in kabaddi officiating.

Running from August 15 to August 27 in Hyderabad, this comprehensive program welcomed 23 newcomers, taking the total number to 45 officials, creating a perfect blend of fresh talent and seasoned referees.

Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra led the representation with four referees each, reflecting the nationwide commitment to officiating in this league.

“Due to changes in some rules and formats this season, we have increased the number of officials in our training," explains E Prasad Rao, Technical Director of the PKL.

What makes this training key is the response to PKL’s new tiebreaker format, which has transformed every match into what officials describe as a ‘do or die’ situation.

“Now every match is a whether you can say do or die match. Every match has to be decided by a tiebreaker rule," ‘Kabaddi’ Rao emphasised, underlining the heightened responsibility officials now carry.

The tiebreaker format introduced game-changing complexities: five raids per team, no player eliminations during tiebreakers and the baulk line becoming the bonus line.

“So many rules are changed in a tiebreaker," making the officials’ role ‘very, very, very crucial,’ reiterated Mr. Rao.

The camp’s methodology reflects PKL’s evolution from sporting competition to precision-based entertainment. With multiple matches per venue, officials must execute decisions with accuracy.

“How to go, how fast to collect information," he noted, emphasising that every procedural element has been ‘calculated with time and methodology.’

Preview For PKL 12 Season Openers

Wednesday’s first match will see Puneri Paltan take the mat against Bengal Warriorz with the hopes of continuing their good form of two straight wins. Their task will be cut out, however, given the way the Warriorz – led by Devank Dalal – played against the defending champions Haryana Steelers.

The second match will see U Mumba and Haryana Steelers battle for supremacy. Reeling from their loss against the Warriorz in their last match, the Steelers will be facing off against an in-form U Mumba, who have two wins in two match led by the experience of Sunil Kumar.

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Visakhapatnam, India, India

First Published:

September 04, 2025, 11:47 IST

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