Sony acquires 2019 World Cup Kabaddi rights in South Asia

Pay-television broadcaster Sony has acquired exclusive rights in South Asia to this year’s World Cup Kabaddi tournament.

The countries covered comprise India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan. Sony will broadcast the competition on its linear channels and its premium video-on-demand service, SonyLIV.

Sony bought the property from rights-holder the Malaysia Kabaddi Federation.

The tournament, which will be held in Malacca, Malaysia from July 20-28, is the inaugural edition of the competition.

It will feature 32 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams from nations including India, Pakistan, England, the US, Egypt, Australia and Kenya.

Earlier this year, Discovery India’s DSport, Viacom12’s MTV, DD Sport and several other regional broadcast networks in India acquired rights to broadcast the inaugural Indo International Premier Kabaddi League.