Joshua Kennedy’s AFL to Kabaddi Experience

• Joshua Kennedy, a retired Australian Football League (AFL) legend, will lead the Australian ‘kabaddi’ team in the Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid.

• Kennedy, a third-generation Aussie Rules player, led his club Sydney Swans to the AFL Premiership in 2012.

• He has won the Brett Kirk Medal and Peter Badcoe VC medal.

• His professional career in kabaddi ended in 2022 due to a hamstring injury.

• Kennedy’s first impression of kabaddi was its excitement, intensity, fast-paced, and physical nature.

• He has been training with Pro Kabaddi’s technical director and Jaipur Pink Panthers.

• The Australian side, including ex-Aussie rules footballers, is expected to contribute in both departments.

• The John Cain Arena will host kabaddi festivities after the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia.

• Kennedy hopes to bring footy to India and promote the sport in different communities.