Kabaddi World Cup 2025 Kicks Off in the UK: India, Pakistan, Iran Face Off in Global Showdown
London: The ancient sport of Kabaddi has gone international in a big way! The 2025 Kabaddi World Cup kicked off this week in the United Kingdom, marking a historic moment as the traditional South Asian sport takes center stage on the global arena.
Fans from around the world gathered in stadiums across Birmingham, Manchester, and London as top-tier teams from India, Pakistan, Iran, Kenya, the UK, and Canada began their battle for kabaddi supremacy. With colorful opening ceremonies, intense tackles, and lightning-fast raids, the event is already being hailed as a cultural and sporting success.
India vs Pakistan: A Clash of Titans
The opening weekend saw a high-voltage face-off between India and Pakistan, drawing massive viewership across sports channels and streaming platforms. India clinched a narrow victory in a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.
“We’ve never seen such global buzz around kabaddi,” said Vikram Singh, the coach of India’s national team. “This World Cup is more than just a tournament — it’s a cultural movement.”
UK Hosts Go All Out
As hosts, the UK has embraced kabaddi fever. British fans, many unfamiliar with the sport, were seen chanting team slogans and waving flags with enthusiasm typically reserved for football. The event is also being used to promote diversity and integration across South Asian diaspora communities in Britain.
The UK’s Sports Minister praised the tournament, saying, “This is not just a game. It’s a celebration of heritage, unity, and the power of sport to bridge cultures.”
Format and Favorites
The 2025 edition of the Kabaddi World Cup features 12 teams split into two pools. The top two from each group will progress to the semifinals, followed by the grand finale in London’s iconic O2 Arena. India, the defending champion, remains the favorite, but Iran and Kenya have emerged as serious contenders.
Streaming Boom and Media Frenzy
Social media platforms have exploded with #KabaddiWorldCup2025 content, as influencers, fans, and sports channels push out real-time updates, replays, and behind-the-scenes footage. Kabaddi is trending on X (formerly Twitter) in India and the UK, proving its rising global popularity.
What’s Next?
The group stage will run for the next two weeks, followed by the knockout rounds. Tickets are selling out fast, and online streaming numbers are already rivaling mid-tier cricket events.
With electrifying action, passionate rivalries, and growing international appeal, the 2025 Kabaddi World Cup is not just reviving a traditional sport — it’s redefining global sports entertainment.
