The hugely popular South Asian sport of kabaddi is making history from 17th to 23rd March as its World Cup comes to the West Midlands, UK – the first edition to take place outside Asia.
The South Asian sport’s journey to the global stage has been a long time in the making.
Ashok Das, President of World Kabaddi grew up in India before settling in the UK. “We started Kabaddi in the British Army, in universities, and dreamed of the big one: the World Cup. Today the dream is coming true, of hosting the first ever Kabaddi World Cup outside Asia, in the West Midlands,” he said.
The host region has invested from its Commonwealth Games legacy fund for the event.
“The Commonwealth Games was a launchpad for a golden decade of major events. We wanted to deliver events that have purpose and impact,” said Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events for the West Midlands Growth Company.
“We’re a region that is very diverse and we want to make sure that we host events that represent the communities that we want to celebrate and inspire.”
Kabaddi aims for the Games
The ultimate goal for many sports is to get on the programme of a major multi-sport event like the Olympic or Commonwealth Games, and kabaddi is no exception.
“Kabaddi is more than 4,000 years old, and we carry the dream of getting the sport into the Commonwealth and then the Olympic Games,” said Das.
The next Commonwealth Games takes place in Glasgow in 2026 with a streamlined and sustainable format.
“For us to do something positive in 2026 is very important,” said Prem Singh, CEO, British Kabaddi League and founder member of Scottish Kabaddi. “We’re hoping we can bring a little bit of vibrancy with hosting a kabaddi event at the Commonwealth Games, hopefully in partnership with 2026. If that’s not possible, we’ll still be doing something there and inviting teams from the Commonwealth.”
Global growth
The organisers hope this will be the first of many World Cups to take place in new regions. “We’re doing this World Cup to give confidence to other nations that they can also host major events and promote their own communities,” said Singh.
“It’s a giant step for kabaddi kind! We hope to inspire America, Canada and right across the world – that’s one of our major goals. And I wouldn’t be surprised if in next five years a major championship will go to the Arab world.”
World Kabaddi is also developing an East African kabaddi league and a European super league. “Our whole goal is about setting the scene for future development,” said Singh.
“China gave entry to kabaddi in the Asian games in 1992,” said Das. “We are getting more young people from China involved.”
“TV advert to the world”
The media coverage that a major international event brings is vital for hosts and rightsholders alike.
“The media abroad, and also western media, can help us to promote kabaddi across the community,” said Das.
The Pro Kabaddi League final in Pune had a TV audience of 250 million people. “Those numbers are mind-blowing compared to UK audiences,” said Lavery. “We want more people to know about the West Midlands, to visit the West Midlands – this is our TV advert to the world.”
The Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will be screened on BBC iPlayer, Olympic Channel, DD Sports and Willow TV, with talkSPORT and sponsor Paddy Power will also provide coverage.
“Paddy Power coming on board will be lifting kabaddi onto a different level,” said Das, highlighting the betting company’s investments in community programmes.
“It’s not just about the event; it’s about setting up infrastructure in schools, colleges and universities,” said Singh. “It’s going to inspire an awful lot of people and to be the catalyst to hoping that people from South Asian communities will take a greater interest in sport, physical activity and going to watch matches.”
