In Interview with Sukhinder ‘Skip’ Dhillon: The Journey of Kabaddi in Scotland
With the start of the Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup 2025 just one week away, we had the privilege of speaking with Sukhinder “Skip” Dhillon, a key figure in the Scottish Kabaddi community. From his early days as a player to his current role as a coach, Skip shared his passion for the sport, the challenges of promoting Kabaddi in Scotland, and his vision for the future. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and a deep love for the game.
Getting Started in Kabaddi
Skip started his journey into kabaddi in 2012. He was captivated by the unique dynamics of circle kabaddi, a variation of the sport involving four players and one raider, unlike the national style, which is more akin to football with a single raider. Skip’s passion was ignited when he joined the Scotland team for the 2012 World Cup, an opportunity that offered him his first experience at the national level. With the support of the Lenzie Rugby team and skilled MMA fighters from the South side of Glasgow, Skip and his team embraced this initial challenge, although they found it overwhelming.
Skip’s enthusiasm for kabaddi stems from his family’s involvement in the sport. His uncle was a player in India, and another uncle attempted to establish kabaddi in Scotland, despite facing numerous obstacles. Skip reflects on these early experiences with great fondness: “My passion started in 2012… to achieve what we did and win the British Championship was overwhelming. Kabaddi taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life.” Despite the challenges, Skip’s journey in kabaddi has been driven by his dedication to the sport and his determination to elevate its profile in Scotland.
From Player to Coach
Skip’s transition from player to coach was a natural progression fuelled by his deep love for kabaddi and the realisation that his playing days were limited. After serving as the captain of the Scotland team, he found that his physical constraints prevented him from continuing as an active player. He embraced the opportunity to coach, channelling his experience and passion into nurturing the next generation of players. Skip reflects on this shift: “From there, I said, well, where’d I go from here? I can’t really play, but I don’t want to see the sport fade away. Coaching gave me a new purpose; it allowed me to stay connected to the game and help others achieve their potential.” His dedication to coaching has been instrumental in elevating Scotland’s kabaddi profile and inspiring young athletes to pursue the sport.
Motivating the Team
Motivating his team has been one of Skip’s greatest strengths as a coach. He understands the importance of creating a supportive and encouraging environment where players can thrive. Skip is known for his ability to lift his team’s spirits, even in challenging times, by fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
“I love the interaction,” Skip shares. “The thrill of those 30 seconds in the zone, whether making a crucial tackle or a super raid, is unparalleled. When the team faces setbacks, I remind them that it’s all part of the journey. It’s about turning those moments around and coming back stronger. The players’ passion and dedication are what drive me to keep pushing them to be their best.” Skip’s motivational approach has been instrumental in building a resilient and cohesive team.
Future Aspirations for Kabaddi in Scotland
Promoting Kabaddi in a country where football and rugby dominate the sports landscape has been no small feat. Skip candidly discussed the obstacles, saying, “The challenges are accessibility to players… Scotland is predominantly football or rugby orientated.” He also highlighted the need for better marketing efforts, noting, “I think the marketing’s a major part of it. We need to announce what we’re doing and share on social media streams.”
Looking ahead, Sukhinder is optimistic about the growth of Kabaddi in Scotland. He believes that grassroots development is key, saying, “It has to be growth from grassroots always… I think the universities are a great platform to come into.” By engaging young players and creating opportunities for them to experience the sport, he hopes to secure a bright future for Kabaddi in Scotland.
Cheer for Scotland!
Sukhinder Dhillon’s story is a testament to the resilience and passion that drive Kabaddi forward in Scotland. As the Kabaddi World Cup 2025 unfolds, let’s rally behind the Scottish team and celebrate their journey on the global stage. Their dedication and love for the game are sure to inspire fans and players alike.
