In a move aimed at bolstering sports ties and promoting Kabaddi in Central Asia, Indian aerospace scientist Hanumantula Jeevan Rao has been elected as the Honorary President of the Republican Public Association – Kazakhstan Kabaddi Federation. The decision was made at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Federation held in Astana, Kazakhstan, in July. This appointment recognizes Rao's contributions to sports development and his efforts to popularize Kabaddi in Central Asia.

Hanumantula Jeevan Rao is a research scientist in aerospace engineering at Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan, and is known for his work in aerospace engineering and innovation. He is a recipient of the Young Engineer Award 2024-25 and has been featured in the Indian Book of Records and the International Book of Records for his contributions to science, technology, and innovation.

The Kazakhstan Kabaddi Federation aims to broaden the reach of Kabaddi through training programs, competitions, and exchange programs. Rao's appointment is expected to strengthen the relationship between India and Kazakhstan in sports, technology, and youth development.

Kabaddi is a contact team sport with ancient origins in India. It involves two teams of seven players, where a "raider" enters the opposing team's half to tag players and return without being tackled. Points are awarded for successful tags and for defenders who stop the raider. It is popular in South Asia and is the national sport of Bangladesh. In India, it ranks as the third most popular sport, following cricket and football.

Rao has expressed his commitment to strengthening cultural and sporting ties between India and Kazakhstan and promoting Kabaddi as a sport that unites communities and inspires youth. He will collaborate with Sergey Tsyrulnikov, a Goodwill Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan and a multiple Guinness World Records holder, who is also an official ambassador of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has been actively promoting sports, with the former President setting a goal to involve 30% of the population in sports. The country has hosted major international tournaments, including the 2011 Asian Winter Games in Astana and Almaty. While football and cycling are popular sports in Kazakhstan, the appointment of an Indian scientist as the head of the Kabaddi federation indicates a growing interest in diversifying the sporting landscape.

Kabaddi Asia, the continental affiliate of World Kabaddi, elected a new executive body in December 2024, with Sheikh A Rahman Mubarak A H Al-Thani of Qatar as President. The organization aims to strengthen Kabaddi in Asia through development programs and enhanced tournament calendars. The All India Kabaddi Federation is also looking to host the Kabaddi Asia championships in 2025.