Bangladeshi-Origin Anisa Khan Named Captain of England Women’s National Kabaddi Team: Anisa Khan, a British woman of Bangladeshi origin, has been appointed captain of England’s women’s national kabaddi team, marking a significant milestone in her sporting journey.
Khan announced her appointment on social media, and her father, Yawar Khan, also confirmed the news. She is set to lead England at the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, which begins in Ahmedabad, India, on October 23, 2026.
The tournament will feature 14 countries, including England and Bangladesh, bringing together teams from across the Commonwealth and beyond to compete in the traditional South Asian sport.
From ‘The Apprentice’ to International Kabaddi
Khan is known in the United Kingdom for her appearance on BBC One’s popular business reality show The Apprentice, where she emerged as a finalist and runner-up. She is also a consultant and the founder of Bombay Pizza, a food brand that has gained popularity in the UK.
She completed her higher education at the London School of Economics (LSE), building a professional career alongside her sporting ambitions.
Khan began playing kabaddi at university in 2017. What started as a university-level sporting interest developed into a commitment that eventually earned her a place on England’s women’s national team.
She was also part of England’s squad for the 2024 European Beach Kabaddi Championship, gaining experience in international competition.
Her appointment as captain represents another step forward in a journey that combines business, education, television exposure and competitive sport.
Proud Bangladeshi Heritage
Although raised in the United Kingdom, Khan maintains family roots in Bangladesh. Her ancestral home is in Akua village, Rajnagar upazila, in the Moulvibazar district of the Sylhet division.
Her father, Yawar Khan, migrated from Bangladesh to the UK in 1973. He initially entered the restaurant business before expanding into real estate. He is also the founder of the UK’s Asian Curry Awards, an initiative celebrating achievements in the Asian restaurant and culinary industry.
Anisa is the youngest of four siblings.
Her achievement highlights the contributions of British Bangladeshis to professional life, entrepreneurship and sport, while underscoring the growing international reach of kabaddi.
England Prepare for Commonwealth Championship
As captain, Khan will lead England’s women’s team at the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad, beginning October 23, 2026. The competition will provide an opportunity for participating nations to showcase their talent in a sport with deep cultural roots in South Asia.
Kabaddi has expanded beyond its traditional strongholds, attracting players and supporters across Europe and other regions. International competitions have helped raise its profile and create opportunities for athletes from diverse backgrounds.
For Khan, the captaincy marks the culmination of nearly a decade of involvement in the sport since her university days. Her progression from university player to national team captain reflects the opportunities available to athletes who pursue their sporting ambitions alongside professional careers.
As England prepares for the championship, Khan will carry the responsibility of leading her teammates in a tournament featuring 14 participating nations. Her appointment is also a moment of pride for the British Bangladeshi community, connecting her family’s heritage with her achievements on the international sporting stage.
