Culture Society, Identity and Belonging
The second most popular sport in India – and Bangladesh’s national sport – has come to the West Midlands.
This week the Kabaddi World Cup is being hosted outside of Asia for the first time, and new viewers may appreciate a primer.
A 13 x 10 metre pitch is split in half as players take turns crossing onto the other team’s side, repeating “kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi” to prove they are holding their breath.
Points are scored by tagging as many opponents as possible without being caught or taking a breath before returning to one’s home territory.
It’s speculated the game originated about 4,000 years ago as training for self defence and hunting.
Just over a decade ago the sport only attracted small audiences in South Asia, but TV deals and the creation of the Pro Kabaddi League have seen it explode.
In 2025 more than 400 million people are expected to watch it worldwide, roughly 70 per cent of the reach of the Indian Premier League.
The Kabaddi World Cup is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
