“The West Midlands has an incredible sporting legacy"
The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 made history by becoming the first-ever edition of the tournament held outside of Asia.
From March 17 to 23, the West Midlands is hosting the world’s best kabaddi players, delivering a high-intensity, action-packed competition that is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide.
For the UK, this is more than just a sporting event. It is a cultural celebration and a testament to the sport’s global rise.
With 10 teams competing in nearly 50 matches across Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton, this will be elite-level kabaddi at its very best.
World Kabaddi President Ashok Das emphasised the importance of this historic tournament:
“This a historic moment, hosting the Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup outside of Asia for the first time, is testament to the growth of our sport.”
The event, hosted by World Kabaddi and delivered by the British Kabaddi League (BKL) on behalf of the England Kabaddi Association, is funded through the WMCA Commonwealth Games Major Events Legacy Fund.
The City of Wolverhampton Council is the lead organisation, supported by Birmingham, Coventry, and Walsall Councils.
If you love fast-paced, physically demanding competition, this is the event for you.
The West Midlands: A Sporting Powerhouse
The West Midlands is the perfect host for the Kabaddi World Cup 2025.
The region has a strong South Asian community, many of whom have played and supported kabaddi for generations.
According to Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead for Major Sporting Events at the West Midlands Growth Company, this tournament highlights the region’s sporting credibility:
“The West Midlands has an incredible sporting legacy, and this tournament will showcase the region’s ability to host major international events.”
The competition will take place in world-class venues, ensuring accessibility and excitement for fans:
- CBS Arena, Coventry
- WV Active Aldersley, Wolverhampton
- Nechells Wellbeing Centre, Birmingham
- University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus Sports Centre
With these top venues and excellent transport links, the West Midlands is ready to deliver a world-class sporting spectacle.
A Festival of Sport and Culture
The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 is more than just a tournament. It is a celebration of culture, diversity, and sporting excellence.
The opening ceremony was a vibrant spectacle that featured:
- Live performances by students from Wolverhampton Music Service
- Energetic dance routines by the Bollywood Dreams Dance Company
- A grand entrance of competing teams, showcasing kabaddi’s global appeal
The event also represents a massive economic opportunity for local businesses. With international teams and fans travelling to the UK, there will be significant investment and exposure for the region.
Ellie Murphy, Marketing Lead for the tournament, stated:
“The Kabaddi World Cup is more than just a sports event—it’s a chance for the UK to celebrate a sport that connects so many people globally.”
Beyond competition, the tournament will also feature cultural exhibitions, workshops, and community engagement programs aimed at promoting kabaddi and physical activity within BAME communities.
A Sport on the Rise
Kabaddi has seen unprecedented global growth in recent years.
The Pro Kabaddi League in India has attracted over one billion viewers across multiple seasons, proving that the sport has a massive international audience.
Kabaddi has successfully transitioned from a South Asian pastime into a mainstream global sport, with thriving teams in Poland, Kenya, Tanzania, Mexico, Australia, and the USA.
World Kabaddi’s mission is to further expand the sport’s reach, with the ultimate goal of achieving Olympic recognition:
“Our aim is to provide one of the most accessible sports around the globe to everyone—especially within the UK, where there is a growing community within the sport.”
This tournament is a major stepping stone for kabaddi’s Olympic ambitions, showcasing the sport’s inclusivity, fast pace, and global appeal.
Meet the Teams
With ten of the world’s best teams confirmed for the Kabaddi World Cup 2025, the competition promises high-intensity action.
Among the teams to watch:
Men’s
Group A
- Hungary
- England
- Poland
- Germany
- USA
Group B
- India
- Italy
- Scotland
- Wales
- Hong Kong China
Women’s
Group D
- India
- Wales
- Poland
Group E
- Hong Kong China
- Hungary
- England
Players such as Poland’s Bartlomiej Gorniak, Hong Kong China’s Christy Tai, and Scotland’s Sukhinder Dhillon will be key figures to watch throughout the tournament.
With nearly 50 matches in seven days, expect fierce rivalries, last-second victories, and unforgettable moments.
Where to Watch and How to Get Involved
Nothing beats the live experience. The electric atmosphere of kabaddi, the roaring crowds, and the fast-paced action make it a must-see event.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or completely new to the sport, this is your chance to witness history in the making.
Get your tickets on the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 website.
But fans who can’t make it to the venues can still catch all the action live. The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will be streamed via:
- BBC iPlayer
- The Olympic Channel
- DD Sports
- Willow TV
The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for UK sports fans to witness one of the world’s most exciting and fastest-growing sports.
With elite players, passionate fans, and a rich cultural programme, this event will not only define kabaddi’s global future but also showcase the UK’s ability to host world-class sporting events.
Don’t miss out—be part of the action!
DESIblitz is proud to be the official media partner of the Kabaddi World Cup 2025.
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