At present two premier leagues are in progress in India. One is the Badminton Premier League and the other Pro Wrestling League. 
 

After the success of IPL in cricket, premier league in many sports have come up and played. These sports include Football, Kabbadi, boxing, Tennis, Badminton and wrestling. These leagues have attracted investment from various quarters including from sports personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, SauravGanguly, Sehvag; Bollywood stars like Abhishek Bachhan, Shah Rukh Khan, PreeityZinta, Shilpa; and of course various corporate houses and other investors. 

IPL has become a breeding ground for Indian cricket. Many present Indian cricketers have shown their class and ability in IPL and based on that they found their place in Indian cricket team. These young stars had the advantage to be in the same dressing rooms with the greats of the game and learn from them to formulate their game, attitude and preparation methods. The IPL brought all greats of the game together playing for their ‘club’ team. Big money ensured through auction procedure made these players financially secured and encouraged them to be full time professionals. 

This success in terms of investment returns, player’s financial status, their capability and overall improvement of the game standard also encouraged young children attracted to the game. This league opened the door of opportunity for budding cricketers with ability.

Other games followed the suite and formed the league. Many sports entrepreneurs took initiatives to form these leagues; for example Mrs Neeta Ambani for Football. Many international big players are seen playing in India, rubbing their shoulders with Indian players giving them life lasting lessons in the game and of life. Such opportunity, I am sure would not have come to their doorsteps in their life time otherwise. 

These leagues also provide opportunity to the sports fans to see the quality game live in their own home town. Audience in stadium and ring is a single most encouragement to the players and investors. These leagues have found sponsors, investors and TV media taking interest in young and not so famous players. Most of the leagues are televised live and I am sure many of us follow them depending on the interest we have. 

Currently Badminton Premier League in Haydrabad is in progress. In this season six teams are participating. The players like Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Sameer Varma, kamlesh Kidambi Shrkanth etc are participating. Also World ranking players like Carolina Marin are also participating. 

Same way, Pro Wresting League of wrestling is being held at Noida. Six teams are participating in this season (Season – 2). Wrestlers from Canada, Tunisia, Sweden, Russia etc are taking part in this season. 
 

- Veteran Wg Cdr Jaydev Desai