"This tournament will bring thousands of overseas fans"
The West Midlands will host the first Kabaddi World Cup outside Asia, with tourism bosses calling it a “huge moment” for the region.
The tournament starts on March 17 and will take place in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Walsall.
Almost 50 matches will be played across seven days, with the final on March 23.
Organisers expect a global audience of around 500 million, making it one of the most-watched kabaddi events in history.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the event will highlight the region as a “top destination for global events” and bring economic benefits.
The influx of visitors is expected to boost local businesses, with hotels, restaurants, and shops preparing for an increase in trade.
Kabaddi, an ancient Indian sport dating back more than 4,000 years, involves players scoring points by crossing into their opponent’s territory and returning safely.
The 2025 Kabaddi World Cup will feature men’s and women’s teams from across the world, including India, Iran, and Pakistan. England and Scotland will also compete, giving home fans a chance to cheer for local teams on an international stage.
Mr Parker said hosting the event is a “huge moment for the West Midlands”.
He said: “This tournament will bring thousands of overseas fans, boosting our economy and celebrating the vibrant South Asian communities that are such a vital part of our region.
“The Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will be more than just a sporting event – it’s a celebration of the diversity, energy, and spirit that makes the West Midlands truly special.”
The event is sponsored by Paddy Power, with £500,000 in additional funding from the UK Government’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund.
The University of Wolverhampton is also providing sponsorship. Organisers hope the funding will help further develop kabaddi in the UK and introduce the sport to a wider audience.
Bhupinder Gakhal, a City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for resident services, welcomed the tournament.
He said: “This is a proud moment for our city.
“We aim to use the World Cup to introduce kabaddi to more schools, colleges, and universities across the West Midlands, inspiring our young population to be more active.
“We can’t wait to share the excitement with our community and visitors from around the world.”
Local authorities and event organisers are also working to ensure the event runs smoothly, with additional public transport services and security measures in place.
Community engagement initiatives are being launched to encourage wider participation in the sport beyond the tournament itself.
The opening ceremony will take place on March 17 at Aldersley Stadium in Wolverhampton, with organisers promising a spectacular start to a historic event.
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