The 2025 Kabaddi World Cup has officially commenced, marking a historic milestone for the sport. For the first time, the tournament is being held outside of Asia, with the United Kingdom playing host to the world’s best kabaddi teams. The Midlands, a region with a strong South Asian community and a growing interest in kabaddi, has been selected as the venue, with matches scheduled across Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.
With India entering as the tournament favorite and several strong contenders looking to challenge for the title, the 2025 edition of the Kabaddi World Cup promises to be the most competitive and globally significant yet. In this article, we dive into the significance of this tournament, key teams and players to watch, and what this means for the future of kabaddi on the international stage.
A Historic Moment for Kabaddi
Since its inception, the Kabaddi World Cup has primarily been hosted in South Asia, with India and Iran serving as the dominant hosts. However, the decision to bring the tournament to the United Kingdom marks a bold step toward expanding the sport’s global reach.
Why the UK?
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Strong South Asian Community – The UK, particularly the Midlands, has a large population of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi heritage, many of whom have grown up watching and playing kabaddi.
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Growing International Interest – Kabaddi has been steadily gaining popularity outside of Asia, with countries like the UK, Canada, and Kenya developing strong national teams.
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Infrastructure and Organization – With world-class sporting facilities and experience in hosting major international events, the UK is well-equipped to deliver a successful tournament.
Hosting the Kabaddi World Cup in the UK is expected to introduce the sport to a wider audience and provide a new platform for its growth outside of traditional strongholds.
Tournament Format and Venues
The 2025 Kabaddi World Cup features 12 teams divided into two groups, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds. Matches are being held in four key cities:
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Birmingham – The opening ceremony and several group-stage matches are being played at the Utilita Arena, known for hosting major international sporting events.
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Coventry – The Coventry Building Society Arena is hosting key knockout-stage games.
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Walsall – Home to a large South Asian population, Walsall is playing a crucial role in hosting group matches.
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Wolverhampton – The Molineux Stadium, typically known for football, is being transformed to accommodate the high-energy sport of kabaddi.
With a mix of indoor and outdoor arenas, the UK is providing a fresh setting for kabaddi, making the sport more accessible to new fans.
Teams to Watch
India – The Tournament Favorites
India has long been the dominant force in kabaddi, winning multiple World Cup titles. With a well-balanced team featuring a mix of experienced veterans and young stars, they enter the 2025 tournament as favorites once again.
Key Players:
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Pawan Sehrawat – One of the most dynamic raiders in kabaddi today, known for his speed and agility.
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Parvesh Bhainswal – A defensive powerhouse who plays a crucial role in India’s backline.
India’s depth and experience make them the team to beat, but they will face stiff competition.
Iran – The Rising Contenders
Iran has emerged as India’s biggest challenger in recent years, winning the 2018 Asian Games gold medal and consistently performing well in international tournaments. Their team is built around physicality and strategic gameplay.
Key Players:
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Fazel Atrachali – A legendary defender with unmatched tackling ability.
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Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh – A versatile player who can both raid and defend effectively.
If any team can dethrone India, it’s Iran.
Pakistan – A Team with History
Pakistan has a rich history in kabaddi and has been a consistent force in international competitions. They have a strong mix of experience and youth, making them a serious contender.
Key Players:
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Wasim Sajjad – A powerful raider who can single-handedly change the course of a match.
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Malik Binyamin – A skilled all-rounder capable of making crucial plays on both ends.
Pakistan’s passionate following in the UK could give them an extra edge.
Other Teams to Watch
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Canada – With a growing kabaddi scene, Canada has produced some exciting young talent.
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Kenya – One of the few African nations competing, Kenya brings incredible athleticism to the tournament.
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England – As the host nation, England will be looking to make a statement and prove that kabaddi has a place in the UK’s sporting culture.
The Future of Kabaddi on the Global Stage
The decision to bring the Kabaddi World Cup to the UK signals a major shift in the sport’s trajectory. While kabaddi has traditionally been dominated by Asian countries, its inclusion in global sporting events and leagues has helped spread its popularity.
What This Means for the Sport:
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Increased Sponsorship and Investment – Hosting the tournament in a major international market could attract more corporate sponsorship and funding.
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Expansion of Professional Leagues – The success of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in India has shown that kabaddi can be a commercially viable sport. A successful World Cup could lead to the establishment of similar leagues in Europe and North America.
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Olympic Aspirations – Kabaddi has been pushing for inclusion in the Olympics. A well-organized and widely viewed World Cup in the UK could strengthen its case for future Olympic consideration.
With the right promotion and investment, kabaddi could become a truly global sport in the next decade.
Final Thoughts: A Tournament to Remember
The 2025 Kabaddi World Cup in the UK is not just another sporting event—it’s a landmark moment in the sport’s history. By bringing the game to a new audience, the tournament has the potential to elevate kabaddi to unprecedented heights.
With powerhouse teams like India, Iran, and Pakistan battling for supremacy, and emerging nations like Canada and Kenya looking to make a mark, fans can expect intense matches, high-flying raids, and bone-crushing tackles throughout the competition.
As the tournament unfolds across Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton, one thing is certain—kabaddi’s global journey has just begun.
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