Behind the Scenes of Kabaddi’s Global Growth with S.T. Arasu
Kabaddi is fast gaining momentum on the international stage, with the highly anticipated Kabaddi World Cup set to take place in the UK. To understand the sport’s evolution and worldwide reach, we spoke with S.T. Arasu, Secretary General of World Kabaddi, and a founder of the Malaysia Kabaddi Federation. He shared his journey, the challenges in expanding Kabaddi globally, and what we can expect as Kabaddi continues to grow.
From Journalist to Kabaddi Pioneer
S.T. Arasu’s passion for Kabaddi began in an unexpected way. Back in 1998, while working as a journalist, he noticed something missing. “There was no representation from Malaysia at an elite level, especially in international events like the Asian Games,” he explained. Together with two friends, he decided to take on the challenge. “We said, okay, why don’t we form an association and explore how we can actually get into the Asian Games?”
Their determination led to the establishment of the Malaysia Kabaddi Association in late 1999. By 2002, thanks to their efforts, Malaysia debuted its first Kabaddi team at the Asian Games. What started as a personal challenge evolved into a lifelong commitment to the sport.
The Unique Magic of Kabaddi
One of the reasons Arasu is so captivated by Kabaddi is its simplicity and accessibility. “It’s one of the few sports where you don’t need any equipment,” he said. “Anywhere there’s an empty ground, you can play the game.”
He also highlighted the mental agility Kabaddi demands. “Within 30 seconds, you have to strategise, make decisions, and act. It’s a sport that combines physical endurance with mental sharpness. That’s something quite rare.”
Modernising the Rules of Kabaddi
A key part of Arasu’s work has been modernising the rulebook of Kabaddi to ensure fair play. “The rules hadn’t been updated since the 1930s,” he revealed. With support from technical experts like Ishwar Angadi, he led the effort to rewrite them. One pivotal change was introducing penalties for walkovers while allowing disqualified teams to continue participation. “We’ve tightened the rules to make the game more equitable,” he explained. “Now, a walkover leads to a default score of 27-0, but teams aren’t removed from the tournament entirely.”
Kabaddi’s Global Growth and Challenges
Kabaddi has expanded to over 50 countries. “The growth in Africa has been particularly impressive,” he said, referencing countries like Kenya, Egypt, Tanzania and Cameroon. Despite this progress, challenges remain. “Outside South Asia, players are often part-time as they juggle jobs or studies. Some even travel hundreds of kilometres just to attend weekend training.”
Limited financial support for Kabaddi presents another obstacle. “For countries where it’s not a mainstream sport, securing funding for training and travel is difficult,” he admitted. Yet, the passion and enthusiasm of Kabaddi players continue to be a driving force. “People are involved not because of the money, but because of their love for the sport.”
The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 in the UK
The upcoming Kabaddi World Cup marks a monumental moment for the sport. “This is the first global event in six years,” Arasu said. Hosting the tournament in the UK brings added prestige. “It showcases that Kabaddi is no longer just an ‘Indian-origin sport’ but a global game.”
This year, new nations like China, Poland and Cameroon will debut, enriching the competition. Arasu views the World Cup as a crucial step toward increasing Kabaddi’s prominence. “We aim to integrate Kabaddi into multi-sport events such as the Commonwealth Games, Olympics and Islamic Solidarity Games, creating more opportunities for global participation.”
Building for the Future
World Kabaddi has ambitious plans for the sport’s growth. “We’ve developed a 10-year strategy aimed at grassroots participation. The goal is to have hundreds of thousands of players in each country, creating a larger pool for national teams,” Arasu shared.
Expanding geographically is another priority. “We’re targeting regions like South America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East,” he added. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, which are increasingly becoming sporting hubs, are seen as key to pushing Kabaddi forward.
Teams and Players to Watch
The tournament promises to deliver electrifying moments, with India and Pakistan being the clear frontrunners. “Sri Lanka and Egypt are also teams to watch,” Arasu said. “Egypt, in particular, has been very active, running local competitions and winning the African Championships.”
He also highlighted the unique character of each team. “Some are more offence-driven, others excel defensively. Teams like Poland, composed of entirely domestic players, are an exciting addition. They’ll offer a different flavour to the competition.”
Inspiring a New Generation
Arasu stressed that attracting younger players is vital for Kabaddi’s future. “Unlike football or tennis, Kabaddi doesn’t take years to learn. Children can pick it up in half an hour and start enjoying it,” he said. Simplified formats such as 3v3 games, designed for children aged six to nine, are being used to spark interest early.
The Legacy of the Kabaddi World Cup 2025
Arasu is optimistic about what the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will achieve. “It’s about more than just the matches. It’s about inspiring nations to take Kabaddi to new heights,” he said. His vision includes making Kabaddi an Olympic sport and securing its place in the global sporting arena.
With the Kabaddi World Cup just around the corner, S.T. Arasu and his team are laying the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting chapter in the sport’s history. Kabaddi is poised to captivate audiences and connect nations in a way few sports can.
