UK
Kabaddi World Cup 2025 Comes to the West Midlands. For the first time in history, the Kabaddi World Cup (KWC) 2025 will be hosted outside of Asia, bringing the world’s best kabaddi players to the West Midlands, England! From March 17th to 23rd, 2025, top men’s and women’s teams from five continents—including powerhouses like India, Iran, Pakistan, and China, alongside home teams from England and Scotland—will compete for global glory.
A Historic Tournament in England
This landmark event is hosted by World Kabaddi and delivered by the British Kabaddi League (BKL) on behalf of the England Kabaddi Association (EKA), with funding support from the WMCA Commonwealth Games Major Events Legacy Fund. The City of Wolverhampton Council is leading the charge, backed by Birmingham, Coventry, and Walsall Councils.
Event Details
- 📍 Venues: Wolverhampton | Coventry | Walsall | Birmingham
- 📅 Duration: 7 Days
- 🎯 Matches: 60+ thrilling contests
- 🌍 Viewership: Expected to exceed 250M across Europe
Excitement Builds with Team Group Draw
The University of Wolverhampton recently hosted the official team group draw, led by S.T. Arasu, Secretary General of the World Kabaddi Organisation. The atmosphere was electric as teams were placed into groups, setting the stage for fierce competition.
Men’s Competition Groups:
- Group A: England, Malaysia, Poland, Cameroon
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Scotland, Egypt
- Group C: India, China, USA, Tanzania
- Group D: Pakistan, Taiwan, Italy, Kenya
Women’s Competition Groups:
- Group A: England, Hong Kong, Poland, Tanzania
- Group B: India, Egypt, Scotland, Kenya
Kabaddi: A Sport with Deep Roots
Kabaddi, an ancient sport with origins in prehistoric survival tactics, has evolved into a global phenomenon. It was first introduced as a demonstration sport at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin and is now one of the fastest-growing sports in South Asia, played in 50 World Kabaddi member countries. In India, the Pro Kabaddi League is second only to cricket’s IPL in viewership.
Official Statements from Leaders
Ashok Das, President of World Kabaddi:
“We have worked closely with the City of Wolverhampton Council, West Midlands Growth Company, and our partners over the past two years to make this World Cup a reality. The West Midlands was an obvious choice due to its sporting culture, diversity, and central location in the UK. Kabaddi unites communities and nations, and this event reflects that spirit.”
Paddy Power, Title Sponsor:
“Kabaddi is chaotic, combative, and absolutely bonkers – in other words, it’s everything we love about sport! As Title Sponsor, we are excited to bring this incredible game to a new audience with banter, big hits, and breathtaking action.”
Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council:
“This is a historic moment for our city and region. Hosting the semi-finals and finals at Aldersley Stadium will boost tourism, inspire young athletes, and cement Wolverhampton’s place on the sporting map.”
Prem Singh, Chief Executive, British Kabaddi League:
“We’ve experienced the fantastic hospitality of the West Midlands during the British Kabaddi League season. The region is deeply connected to kabaddi, and we are eager to introduce the sport to schools, colleges, and universities.”
Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice Chancellor, University of Wolverhampton:
“The University of Wolverhampton is proud to be the exclusive Higher Education partner for the Kabaddi World Cup 2025. This aligns with our commitment to inclusion, cultural engagement, and community enrichment.”
Funding and Legacy Impact
The tournament has received £500,000 from the UK Government’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund following a successful bid by City of Wolverhampton Council and World Kabaddi. This funding will:
- Increase access to sports and culture in the region
- Boost the West Midlands’ reputation as a premier event host
- Drive investment and tourism
- Inspire the next generation of kabaddi players
Participating Nations
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, China
- Europe: England, Scotland, Italy, Poland
- Africa: Tanzania, Kenya, Cameroon, Egypt
- Pan America: USA
