India Creates History: Clinches Both Men’s & Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 Titles
Wolverhampton, UK – March 24, 2025 – India has made history by securing both the men’s and women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 titles, reaffirming its dominance in the sport. These historic victories took place in Wolverhampton, UK, marking the first time the tournament was held outside Asia.
The Indian women’s team delivered an impressive performance, defeating England with a score of 57-34, while the men’s team triumphed in a thrilling final, edging out the hosts 44-41. These double victories solidify India’s status as the undisputed powerhouse of kabaddi.
India’s Kabaddi Dominance Continues
Throughout the tournament, both Indian teams showcased exceptional tactical skills, resilience, and teamwork. In the women’s final, India demonstrated outstanding defensive coordination and effective raiding strategies, preventing England from staging a significant comeback. Captain Ritu Negi led her team with precision, executing crucial raids and ensuring a robust defense.
The men’s final, on the other hand, was a nail-biting contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. India secured a narrow victory over England, 44-41, thanks to a brilliant performance in the final moments of the match. England’s vice-captain, Sally Hill, praised her team’s efforts, stating, “Competing against the defending champions on home soil was an incredible experience. The level of kabaddi we witnessed today highlights how much the sport has grown globally.”
The sold-out finals attracted thousands of spectators and millions of viewers worldwide, reinforcing the expanding reach of kabaddi beyond South Asia.
A Landmark Tournament for Kabaddi
The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 was remarkable not only for India’s victories but also for being the first edition hosted outside Asia. Matches were held in Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton, attracting international attention to the sport. Funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Commonwealth Games Major Events Legacy Fund, the tournament aimed to enhance kabaddi’s global recognition and accessibility.
India’s triumph in this second edition of the World Cup continued its legacy, following victories in the inaugural tournament held in Malaysia in 2019. However, controversy arose when the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) declared the event “unauthorized,” raising questions about its legitimacy.
Community Engagement & Future Prospects
The event also ignited local interest in kabaddi. Workshops, demonstrations, and community engagement programs introduced new audiences to the sport, helping it gain traction beyond its traditional strongholds.
Looking ahead, organizers hope that this momentum will lead to greater investment in professional leagues and grassroots development. However, the controversy surrounding the tournament’s sanctioning emphasizes the need for a more structured framework for future international kabaddi events.
Despite these challenges, India’s historic double win has undoubtedly propelled kabaddi to the global stage, signaling a promising future for the sport.
