An Interview with Simran Malik, COO of SJ Uplift Kabaddi

An Unique Interview with Simran Malik, Chief Working Officer at SJ Uplift Kabaddi Non-public Restricted

In an unique interview, we converse with Simran Malik, the brand new Chief Working Officer at SJ Uplift Kabaddi Non-public Restricted.

Her elevation marks a pivotal second for the group because it gears up for its subsequent development part. We focus on her journey from main the profitable launch of the UPKL to her new strategic function in shaping the way forward for kabaddi.

What motivated you to transition from Head of Advertising and marketing to Chief Working Officer at SJ Uplift Kabaddi?

Simran Malik: As a Head of Advertising and marketing, I developed a deep understanding of our viewers, our athletes, and the long-term imaginative and prescient of SJ Uplift Kabaddi.

Over time, I got here to appreciate that my ardour prolonged past model visibility—I used to be pushed to form the very programs that affect participant growth, grassroots engagement, and the operational heartbeat of our league.

Getting into the function of COO felt like a pure development. It gave me the chance to align strategic priorities throughout scouting, occasion logistics, partnerships, and fan engagement, bringing a extra built-in, cross-functional method to rising the game.

With a powerful basis in stakeholder administration and development technique, I noticed the potential to guide significant, systemic change from inside.

This function permits me to contribute to the core of kabaddi, not simply its public picture—specializing in long-term, sustainable development for each the league and the game.

How do you intend to reinforce the operational effectivity of SJ Uplift Kabaddi in your new function?

Simran Malik: At SJ Uplift Kabaddi, operational effectivity is vital to scaling with objective. My speedy focus is on constructing programs that aren’t solely environment friendly at the moment but additionally scalable for tomorrow.

This implies embedding data-driven processes that assist each the athletic and enterprise sides of the league.

We’re streamlining workflows throughout departments, implementing efficiency monitoring mechanisms, and guaranteeing stronger integration throughout our ecosystem of companions and stakeholders.

Whether or not it’s expertise scouting, occasion logistics, or fan engagement—each perform must be a part of a cohesive, tech-enabled framework.

Finally, I’m working towards constructing a strong operational spine—one which’s agile sufficient to assist our day-to-day calls for and powerful sufficient to gasoline our long-term enlargement throughout areas.

What methods will you implement to have interaction grassroots expertise in kabaddi?

Simran Malik: For me, grassroots engagement begins with visibility and inspiration. When younger athletes see gamers from their areas rising by the ranks, it instills aspiration and perception in what’s doable.

That’s why one in all our core methods is to highlight these journeys—leveraging digital platforms and regional media to deliver their tales to gentle.

We’re additionally engaged on creating extra structured touchpoints for grassroots expertise—whether or not that’s by regional scouting, localized tournaments, or growth applications.

The intention is to create a clear and galvanizing pipeline from village-level gamers to league-level professionals.

By amplifying native heroes and creating clear pathways for progress, we’re not simply discovering expertise—we’re constructing a tradition that celebrates and nurtures it.

How do you see the function of know-how in the way forward for kabaddi operations?

Expertise goes to be a game-changer for kabaddi—not simply as a assist system, however as a core driver of development and professionalism.

I see its function increasing throughout 4 vital areas: participant efficiency and analytics, expertise scouting and growth, league and occasion administration, and fan engagement and broadcasting.

Whether or not it’s utilizing information to enhance participant conditioning, constructing scouting platforms to find expertise in distant areas, or creating seamless occasion operations—know-how will enable us to be quicker, smarter, and extra linked.

From a fan perspective, it additionally means immersive experiences, higher storytelling, and broader accessibility. For us at SJ Uplift, embedding tech into our operations isn’t non-obligatory—it’s important to shaping the way forward for kabaddi.

How do you intend to steadiness the calls for of increasing the league whereas sustaining its core values?

Simran Malik: Growth is significant to the expansion of SJ Uplift Kabaddi, but it surely should be rooted within the very values that gave the league its which means—authenticity, neighborhood, and a player-first mindset. For me, it’s not about rising quick; it’s about rising with objective.

Our focus is on intentional, mission-driven development. Each new metropolis we enter, each franchise we launch, and each initiative we roll out should mirror our deep dedication to grassroots growth and neighborhood engagement.

Growth, to us, will not be a trade-off—it’s a chance to increase our values to a broader stage. We intention to develop the game whereas honoring its origins and preserving the spirit that makes kabaddi so highly effective.

Are you able to focus on any partnerships or collaborations which might be within the pipeline for SJ Uplift Kabaddi?

Simran Malik: We’re in an thrilling part of development, and a number of other key partnerships are presently within the pipeline that mirror our strategic ambitions.

We’re in superior discussions with main broadcasters to make sure nationwide and regional visibility, which is able to assist elevate the league’s attain and fan engagement considerably.

On the enlargement entrance, we’re actively negotiating the sale of latest franchises, notably in key cities throughout Uttar Pradesh. This aligns with our imaginative and prescient of deepening native connections and bringing the game nearer to communities.

We’re additionally exploring collaborations with distinguished manufacturers for industrial partnerships. These won’t solely strengthen our model presence but additionally add worth by fan activations and engagement.

Every of those initiatives is a step towards constructing a powerful, self-sustaining kabaddi ecosystem—one which advantages athletes, followers, and stakeholders alike.

What affect do you hope to make on the kabaddi neighborhood by your management?

Simran Malik: My imaginative and prescient is to assist kabaddi evolve right into a revered, structured, and aspirational sport—each inside India and on the worldwide stage—whereas staying deeply linked to its grassroots soul.

I wish to construct an ecosystem the place a younger participant from a small village sees a transparent and achievable path to taking part in professionally, even internationally. Which means investing in higher infrastructure, athlete welfare, teaching high quality, and visibility throughout all ranges of the sport.

By means of my management, I hope to contribute to a extra inclusive {and professional} surroundings the place kabaddi thrives not simply as a sport, however as a motion that uplifts communities and conjures up the following era.

How do you envision the worldwide enlargement of kabaddi, and what function will SJ Uplift Kabaddi play in that?

Simran Malik: Kabaddi has its roots in South Asia, however its essence—agility, energy, technique, and crew spirit—is common. I actually consider kabaddi has the potential to develop into a worldwide sport, very like basketball or MMA, with structured leagues, worldwide stars, and passionate fanbases throughout continents.

At SJ Uplift Kabaddi, we see ourselves because the bridge between custom and transformation. Our mission is to take kabaddi from native fields to international arenas—with out dropping its authenticity.

By fostering worldwide collaborations, embracing know-how, and telling highly effective tales, we intention to place kabaddi not simply as India’s reward to the world, however as a sport the world can personal, play, and have a good time.

Simran Malik’s appointment as COO alerts a brand new period for SJ Uplift Kabaddi. Her distinctive mix of promoting acumen and operational experience is ready to drive the corporate’s bold development plans.

As we conclude, it’s clear that Simran isn’t just a pacesetter however a visionary poised to raise kabaddi to unprecedented heights.

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