University of Wolverhampton to host historic kabaddi World Cup in Walsall
A World Cup will head to the Black Country next year - as the sport of kabaddi heads to Walsall.
The 2025 Kabaddi World Cup will take place at the Walsall campus of the University of Wolverhampton, with 16 nations to descend on the event in March.
The contact sport, which originates in India, sees teams broken down into raiders and blockers, with the aim of scoring points by entering opposition territory, tagging an opponent and making it back into their own half without being tackled to the ground.
On Thursday the university welcomed local authorities and members from World Kabaddi, England and British Kabaddi to its Chancellor's Hall for the competition's draw.
The tournament takes place from March 17 until March 23. It is the first time the sport's showpiece will be held outside of Asia.
Nations from the sport's five member continents Africa, Asia, Oceania, Pan America and Europe will all compete in the Paddy Power-backed games.
India are traditionally the strongest nation, though Poland have shown a strength in the sport's European sector.
Professor Prashant Pillai, pro vice-chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the university, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be the exclusive Higher Education partner for the Kabaddi World Cup especially given our heritage in India and South Asia where the University has extensive links and is strategically growing its network with institutions and communities.
“The University were very specific in choosing to partner with World and British Kabaddi given the positive impact and opportunities that kabaddi can bring to communities, particularly around inclusion and creating a sense of belonging to our campus and cities, while also showcasing the power of sport on a national and international scale."
Chief executive of the British Kabaddi League Prem Singh added: “We’re thrilled that the Kabaddi World Cup will be hosted in the vibrant West Midlands. This is not only a significant milestone for the sport but also a tremendous opportunity for the region.
“The tournament is expected to attract global attention, bringing economic benefits and tourism to the area. More importantly, it provides a platform to celebrate and champion kabaddi, a sport deeply rooted in South Asian culture and widely played across its communities.”
Tickets for next year's showpiece can be purchased here.
