The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 marked a historic milestone in the sport’s journey, not only because of its competitive nature but also due to its location. For the first time ever, the Kabaddi World Cup was held outside of Asia, taking place in England from 17th March to 23rd March 2025. This global expansion of Kabaddi highlighted the growing international appeal of the sport and set the stage for future international competitions.
The tournament took place in various cities across England, including Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton, providing a diverse backdrop for the games. These cities are known for their sporting facilities, making them ideal for hosting the world’s best Kabaddi players. England’s hosting of the event was a testament to the growing interest in Kabaddi beyond its traditional home in India and neighbouring countries. It also marked the first time that Kabaddi would be introduced to European audiences on such a large scale, with fans from various parts of the world tuning in to witness the action.
In the men’s final, India showcased their unrivalled mastery of Kabaddi, defeating England in a thrilling final match with a nail-biting 44-41 victory. The game, held in Wolverhampton, was a spectacle, as both teams fought fiercely for the title. England displayed exceptional teamwork and skill throughout the tournament, but it was India’s experience and tactical prowess that ultimately secured their victory.
India’s players demonstrated their individual brilliance while working seamlessly as a team to edge out their English counterparts. England’s efforts were commendable, but they couldn’t overcome India’s well-rounded performance. India’s win cemented their legacy as the dominant force in Kabaddi, though England’s strong performance indicated that Kabaddi is becoming a serious sport outside of Asia.
The women’s final was equally exciting, with India once again emerging as champions, this time defeating England with a convincing 57-34 scoreline. The Indian women’s team, which has consistently been one of the top teams in international Kabaddi, displayed their superior strategy and technique.
England’s women gave a valiant effort, but India’s depth in talent, with standout players, proved to be significantly strong. India’s dominance in both the men’s and women’s tournaments further solidified their position as the Kabaddi powerhouse on the world stage.
The 2025 Kabaddi World Cup was a significant event not just for the players and fans, but for the sport as a whole. Hosting the tournament in England marked a key moment in Kabaddi’s expansion beyond Asia. The event introduced Kabaddi to new audiences, with local fans in England showing great enthusiasm for the sport.
Kabaddi’s increasing popularity outside of Asia is evident, as countries like Australia, Canada, and USA continue to invest in the sport, with local clubs and leagues gaining momentum. This growth was evident in the participation of teams from non-traditional Kabaddi countries, bringing fresh competition to the sport.
With strong performances from both India and emerging nations like England, the future of Kabaddi looks bright. Fans worldwide can expect even more thrilling action, as the sport continues to break barriers and capture hearts around the globe.
