An Interview with Dr. Osama Said, newly elected President of World Kabaddi 

 The future of Kabaddi and the impact of the Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup 2025  

As the finals of the Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup 2025 approach, excitement is building around the event’s potential to elevate the sport on a global scale. We had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Osama Said, the newly elected president of World Kabaddi, about his vision for kabaddi, the challenges ahead, and the future of Kabaddi worldwide. 

How will KWC2025 act as a springboard for the sport going forward? 

“Organising the World Cup in England in 2025 is a crucial step towards increasing the global reach of Kabaddi. This event represents a significant shift that will help drive participation in European and American countries, strengthening the sport’s presence worldwide. 

This year’s tournament will not only highlight the sport’s increasing popularity but also serve as a symbol of inclusion and diversity in sport. As Kabaddi continues its global rise, World Kabaddi is driving efforts to secure its place in major multi-sport events, including the Olympic Games.” 

How important has it been to bring the World Cup to the UK and other parts of the world? 

“It is essential for the UK and other nations to host the World Cup and similar championships. These events serve as a platform to showcase Kabaddi, introduce it to new audiences, and cultivate future generations of players. Moreover, such international exposure is a key milestone in our pursuit of bringing Kabaddi into the Olympic Games. 

The Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup marks a key milestone in this vision, building on momentum from expanding leagues like the BKL, which launched in 2022 and was streamed live on BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom last year. 

To take the Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup outside of Asia for the first time is testament to the growth of our sport. Kabaddi is an immensely popular and investable global proposition, and we are hopeful that it can serve as a catalyst for further growth within the Olympic Movement.” 

What is your vision for World Kabaddi over the next five years? 

“We have a strategic plan in place for the next five years. Our focus is on developing Kabaddi personnel—coaches, administrators, referees, and technical officials—by offering specialised training courses in marketing, sponsorship, advertising, and social media. Additionally, we aim to organise international leagues and tournaments that will attract investment, further advancing the sport. With the UK hosting the Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup at a high level, future World Cups will only continue to grow in stature. We look forward to announcing the next host country soon.” 

What are the main challenges you foresee? 

“One of our biggest challenges is securing financial sponsorship for Kabaddi activities. To address this, we are actively working on global marketing strategies and signing sponsorship deals with partners from our member nations. Another challenge is expanding Kabaddi into new countries, a goal we have already begun implementing through strategic development plans.” 

How do you see the global appetite for Kabaddi evolving? 

“Interest in Kabaddi has grown significantly in recent years, largely due to the successful organisation of international events in multiple countries. More people are participating in and following the sport, which is an encouraging sign for its continued expansion.” 

Diversity and community are at the heart of Kabaddi. How will you build on this? 

“We plan to strengthen our ties with community organisations by integrating Kabaddi into their activities. Our outreach will extend to embassies, schools, universities, and sports clubs to increase participation and embed the sport within local communities. 

The world cup is committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that Kabaddi is accessible to people of all backgrounds. The tournament is not just about competition but about uniting cultures, strengthening communities, and inspiring the next generation. 

What have you enjoyed most about the world cup so far? 

“The best part has been the opportunity to meet so many passionate individuals. The positive atmosphere surrounding the tournament, along with the exceptional organisation of the event, has made this a truly memorable experience.” 

How do you plan to further promote and elevate the women’s game? 

“Developing women’s Kabaddi is a key priority for us. We are committed to organising women’s championships and launching a global women’s league. Additionally, we have strengthened the Women’s Committee at World Kabaddi, giving it an active role in shaping the sport’s future. One of our initiatives is to establish national programs in several countries that will train young female players under the age of 12.” 

Looking ahead, are there any new initiatives on the horizon? 

“We are working on an international training camp, bringing together selected players and coaches from national federations. This camp will feature international matches, training programs for both men and women, and school partnerships, allowing young athletes to train alongside elite players. This initiative is designed to inspire the next generation and strengthen the global Kabaddi community.” 

With the momentum of the Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup 2025, Kabaddi is poised for an exciting future. Under the leadership of visionaries like Dr. Osama Said, the sport continues to break new ground, uniting communities, expanding its global presence, and taking strides towards inclusion in the Olympic Games. 

​Dr. Osama Said, is the incoming president of World Kabaddi, succeeding Ashok Das of England. With a rich background in sports science and physical education, Dr. Said has served as the head coach of the Egyptian Wrestling teams during the 2018 Olympic Games in Buenos Aires and various Wrestling World Championships. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Sports Science and Physical Education and has lectured at the Egyptian Olympic Academy. His administrative roles include presidencies of both the Egyptian Kabaddi Federation and the Africa Kabaddi Confederation. Dr. Said’s extensive experience and leadership are expected to usher in a new era for Kabaddi, promoting its growth and inclusion on the global stage.