World Kabaddi Day 2025 has been a day of celebration for the global kabaddi community, highlighting the resounding success of the Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup—the first ever held outside of Asia. This tournament, hosted in the West Midlands region of England, marks a crucial step in kabaddi’s expansion, solidifying its status as a sport with international potential and aspirations to be included in multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.

Since its founding in 2018, World Kabaddi has grown significantly, now comprising five continental bodies and over 55 national federations. The 2025 edition of the World Cup has not only strengthened the sport’s global presence but also showcased India’s dominance in both the men’s and women’s categories, as they triumphed over England in the grand final.

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA

Outgoing World Kabaddi President Ashok Das emphasized the importance of this event, stating that this edition of the World Cup has been a milestone for kabaddi, reflecting the sport’s growth and global impact. Meanwhile, Prem Singh, CEO of the British Kabaddi League (BKL), highlighted the crucial role of the partnership with Paddy Power in boosting kabaddi’s popularity in the UK and beyond.

The tournament also marked the beginning of a new era for World Kabaddi with the transition of the presidency from Ashok Das to Dr. Osama Said of Egypt, who will lead the organization for the next four years. Said, president of the Egyptian Kabaddi Association and Kabaddi Africa, has pledged to continue expanding the sport’s reach. Finally, Joel Lavery of the West Midlands Growth Company underscored the impact of hosting the event in England, noting that this achievement will serve as a platform for kabaddi’s future growth.