The Power Play: An Interview with Simran Malik, COO of SJ Uplift Kabaddi

An Exclusive Interview with Simran Malik, Chief Operating Officer at SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Limited

In an exclusive interview, we speak with Simran Malik, the new Chief Operating Officer at SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Limited.

Her elevation marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it gears up for its next growth phase. We discuss her journey from leading the successful launch of the UPKL to her new strategic role in shaping the future of kabaddi.

What motivated you to transition from Head of Marketing to Chief Operating Officer at SJ Uplift Kabaddi?

Simran Malik: As a Head of Marketing, I developed a deep understanding of our audience, our athletes, and the long-term vision of SJ Uplift Kabaddi.

Over time, I came to realize that my passion extended beyond brand visibility—I was driven to shape the very systems that influence player development, grassroots engagement, and the operational heartbeat of our league.

Stepping into the role of COO felt like a natural progression. It gave me the opportunity to align strategic priorities across scouting, event logistics, partnerships, and fan engagement, bringing a more integrated, cross-functional approach to growing the sport.

With a strong foundation in stakeholder management and growth strategy, I saw the potential to lead meaningful, systemic change from within.

This role allows me to contribute to the core of kabaddi, not just its public image—focusing on long-term, sustainable growth for both the league and the sport.

How do you plan to enhance the operational efficiency of SJ Uplift Kabaddi in your new role?

Simran Malik: At SJ Uplift Kabaddi, operational efficiency is key to scaling with purpose. My immediate focus is on building systems that are not only efficient today but also scalable for tomorrow.

This means embedding data-driven processes that support both the athletic and business sides of the league.

We’re streamlining workflows across departments, implementing performance tracking mechanisms, and ensuring stronger integration across our ecosystem of partners and stakeholders.

Whether it’s talent scouting, event logistics, or fan engagement—every function needs to be part of a cohesive, tech-enabled framework.

Ultimately, I’m working toward building a robust operational backbone—one that’s agile enough to support our day-to-day demands and strong enough to fuel our long-term expansion across regions.

What strategies will you implement to engage grassroots talent in kabaddi?

Simran Malik: For me, grassroots engagement begins with visibility and inspiration. When young athletes see players from their regions rising through the ranks, it instills aspiration and belief in what’s possible.

That’s why one of our core strategies is to spotlight these journeys—leveraging digital platforms and regional media to bring their stories to light.

We’re also working on creating more structured touchpoints for grassroots talent—whether that’s through regional scouting, localized tournaments, or development programs.

The aim is to create a transparent and inspiring pipeline from village-level players to league-level professionals.

By amplifying local heroes and creating clear pathways for progress, we’re not just finding talent—we’re building a culture that celebrates and nurtures it.

How do you see the role of technology in the future of kabaddi operations?

Technology is going to be a game-changer for kabaddi—not just as a support system, but as a core driver of growth and professionalism.

I see its role expanding across four critical areas: player performance and analytics, talent scouting and development, league and event management, and fan engagement and broadcasting.

Whether it’s using data to improve player conditioning, building scouting platforms to discover talent in remote regions, or creating seamless event operations—technology will allow us to be faster, smarter, and more connected.

From a fan perspective, it also means immersive experiences, better storytelling, and broader accessibility. For us at SJ Uplift, embedding tech into our operations isn’t optional—it’s essential to shaping the future of kabaddi.

How do you plan to balance the demands of expanding the league while maintaining its core values?

Simran Malik: Expansion is vital to the growth of SJ Uplift Kabaddi, but it must be rooted in the very values that gave the league its meaning—authenticity, community, and a player-first mindset. For me, it’s not about growing fast; it’s about growing with purpose.

Our focus is on intentional, mission-driven growth. Every new city we enter, every franchise we launch, and every initiative we roll out must reflect our deep commitment to grassroots development and community engagement.

Expansion, to us, is not a trade-off—it’s an opportunity to extend our values to a broader stage. We aim to grow the sport while honoring its origins and preserving the spirit that makes kabaddi so powerful.

Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations that are in the pipeline for SJ Uplift Kabaddi?

Simran Malik: We’re in an exciting phase of growth, and several key partnerships are currently in the pipeline that reflect our strategic ambitions.

We’re in advanced discussions with leading broadcasters to ensure national and regional visibility, which will help elevate the league’s reach and fan engagement significantly.

On the expansion front, we’re actively negotiating the sale of new franchises, particularly in key cities across Uttar Pradesh. This aligns with our vision of deepening local connections and bringing the sport closer to communities.

We’re also exploring collaborations with prominent brands for commercial partnerships. These will not only strengthen our brand presence but also add value through fan activations and engagement.

Each of these initiatives is a step toward building a strong, self-sustaining kabaddi ecosystem—one that benefits athletes, fans, and stakeholders alike.

What impact do you hope to make on the kabaddi community through your leadership?

Simran Malik: My vision is to help kabaddi evolve into a respected, structured, and aspirational sport—both within India and on the global stage—while staying deeply connected to its grassroots soul.

I want to build an ecosystem where a young player from a small village sees a clear and achievable path to playing professionally, even internationally. That means investing in better infrastructure, athlete welfare, coaching quality, and visibility across all levels of the game.

Through my leadership, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and professional environment where kabaddi thrives not just as a sport, but as a movement that uplifts communities and inspires the next generation.

How do you envision the global expansion of kabaddi, and what role will SJ Uplift Kabaddi play in that?

Simran Malik: Kabaddi has its roots in South Asia, but its essence—agility, strength, strategy, and team spirit—is universal. I truly believe kabaddi has the potential to become a global sport, much like basketball or MMA, with structured leagues, international stars, and passionate fanbases across continents.

At SJ Uplift Kabaddi, we see ourselves as the bridge between tradition and transformation. Our mission is to take kabaddi from local fields to global arenas—without losing its authenticity.

By fostering international collaborations, embracing technology, and telling powerful stories, we aim to position kabaddi not just as India’s gift to the world, but as a sport the world can own, play, and celebrate.

Simran Malik’s appointment as COO signals a new era for SJ Uplift Kabaddi. Her unique blend of marketing acumen and operational expertise is set to drive the company’s ambitious growth plans.

As we conclude, it’s clear that Simran is not just a leader but a visionary poised to elevate kabaddi to unprecedented heights.

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