Kabaddi, a sport with roots tracing back 5,000 years, is making waves as it returns to the international stage with the Kabaddi World Cup 2025, hosted in England. Taking place from March 17th to March 23rd, this monumental event marks the first time the Kabaddi World Cup is held outside of India.
The tournament, sponsored by Paddy Power and supported by Lyca Radio Network, promises to be a cultural spectacle aimed at bridging communities and showcasing the nuances of Kabaddi, a game revered in South Asia. In the competition, teams of 12 players (seven active participants and five reserves) will engage in fast-paced matches across various venues in the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.
Kabaddi combines elements of wrestling and rugby, with teams alternating between offensive raids and defensive plays across four ten-minute quarters. The game's objective is to score points by pouring into the opposition's territory, tagging players, and returning safely—all while chanting "Kabaddi!". Players must hold their breath during raids, intensifying the suspense and skill involved.
The excitement reached new levels as the tournament commenced amid fervent anticipation. Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Radio Network, expressed his enthusiasm for the coverage, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Paddy Power to elevate the Kabaddi World Cup to new heights. This partnership is not only a significant boost for the sport but also for the economy of the West Midlands. On the Lyca Radio Network, we will provide unparalleled coverage of the tournament, with every game being broadcast, alongside exciting giveaways and exclusive interviews.”
As the tournament progressed, fans witnessed thrilling matches, including a historic 64-64 draw between Scotland and the reigning champions India. This matchup was particularly notable due to Scotland's remarkable comeback, scoring more points than any team had ever managed against India in World Cup history.
Traditionally, no team had previously scored more than 27 points against India in the World Cup, making Scotland's performance truly extraordinary. They had also achieved a victory against Wales earlier in the tournament, positioning themselves as a formidable contender in higher-stakes scenarios.
Locals gathered in droves to support their teams, with each match drawing larger audiences. According to Prem Singh, CEO of BBC, who spoke during a media roundtable, “We have a wonderful relationship with BBC. In fact, they were one of the major organisations that backed us when we did the British Kabaddi League, and without them, we wouldn’t have had the exposure and there would be no World Cup [here] because we would not be in the right place.”
Not only did the BBC offer live coverage of all the matches, but their involvement underscored the growing acceptance and popularity of Kabaddi in mainstream sports culture across the UK. Keeping up with the trend, other networks, including Talksport, also provided coverage of the matches, reaching diverse audiences via traditional and social media.
Social media has been a crucial element in promoting the sport’s reach, particularly among younger demographics. Joel Lavery, the West Midlands Growth Company strategic lead for sporting events, articulated their strategy saying, “We’re going to be pushing a lot of the edited highlights through social media, because that’s how we’re going to expand the reach to a much younger and more diverse audience who are accessing the sport on mobile and handheld technology. It’s a core part of our strategy to amplify the impact of the World Cup through social media as well as mainstream TV.”
As the tournament continues, local communities are not only engaging in the thrilling matches but also embracing Kabaddi's cultural heritage and sporting spirit. With international teams vying for glory, the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 stimulates interest in the sport, which has always been a intrinsic part of Indian society.
As teams like India, Scotland, and others compete fiercely, fans are set to witness Kabaddi evolve into a global sport, possibly paving the way for professional leagues in Europe and East Africa in the future. The current event serves as a substantial leap in increasing the sport's prominence worldwide. The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 is more than just a sporting event; it's a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and competition.
