Kabaddi World Cup 2025 Begins in England

The much-anticipated Kabaddi World Cup 2025 is set to commence in England this evening, marking a historic milestone as the tournament is being hosted outside Asia for the first time. The Indian men’s team will begin their journey against Italy at Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom.

Kabaddi World Cup 2025: Tournament Overview

The tournament will span seven days, featuring over 60 matches across multiple venues, including Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.

Men’s Competition Format

• The men’s event will feature 10 teams, split into two groups: Group A and Group B.
• India has been placed in Group B alongside Italy, Scotland, Wales, and China.
• Group A consists of Pakistan, England, Canada, Iran, and Kenya.

Women’s Competition Format

• The women’s event will include six teams, divided into two groups: Group D and Group E.
• The Indian women’s team will compete in Group D along with Wales and Poland.
• Group E includes England, Canada, and Kenya.

India’s Kabaddi Dominance: A Look Back

This is the second edition of the Kabaddi World Cup organized by World Kabaddi. The first edition was hosted by Malaysia in 2019, where India emerged victorious in both the men’s and women’s tournaments.

This competition differs from the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) Kabaddi World Cup, which has exclusively been hosted in India.

Kabaddi’s Expansion to England

The decision to host the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 in England reflects the sport’s growing global appeal beyond its traditional strongholds in India, Pakistan, and Iran. With venues spread across the West Midlands, this tournament aims to popularize the sport in Europe and beyond.

India’s Road to Glory

With a strong legacy in Kabaddi, India enters the tournament as the defending champion. The team, known for its agility, tactical superiority, and physical endurance, is expected to face tough competition from teams like Pakistan, Iran, and England.

The opening match against Italy will begin at 5:30 PM IST, and fans eagerly await to see if India can retain its dominance in the sport.

Summary of Kabaddi World Cup 2025

Category	Details
Why in News?	The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 begins in England today, marking the first time the tournament is held outside Asia. India’s men’s team faces Italy in their opening match.
Tournament Duration & Venues	The competition lasts seven days, featuring 60+ matches across Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, UK.
Men’s Competition	– 10 teams split into two groups (A & B). – India is in Group B with Italy, Scotland, Wales, and China.
Women’s Competition	– Six teams split into two groups (D & E). – India is in Group D with Wales and Poland.
Historical Context	– This is the second edition of the World Kabaddi-organized event. – India won both men’s and women’s titles in the 2019 edition in Malaysia.
Difference from IKF Kabaddi World Cup	– The IKF Kabaddi World Cup has always been hosted in India. – The World Kabaddi version is being hosted in England for the first time.
India’s First Match	– Men’s Team: vs. Italy at Wolverhampton, 5:30 PM IST.
Significance	– Expands Kabaddi’s global reach, especially in Europe. – Marks a historic moment as the tournament is hosted outside Asia.