Kabaddi’s Journey in the UK: From Grassroots to World Cup Glory
The Rise of Kabaddi in the UK: Pioneering a New Legacy
Kabaddi, a sport renowned for its speed, strategy, and strength, has seen an inspiring evolution in the UK over the last few years. At the heart of the action is Ranj Singh, a multi-faceted sports leader who has brought his wrestling expertise and community focus to champion Kabaddi’s resurgence. From forming teams for the British Kabaddi League to preparing for the historic 2025 Kabaddi World Cup, his story is a testament to dedication, teamwork, and vision.
Wrestling Beginnings That Paved the Way
For Ranj, kabaddi was a natural extension of his wrestling roots. Raised in Wolverhampton within a wrestling family, he recalls, “We as a wrestling club were formed in 1972 by my father and his uncles…so we got involved in wrestling – there was no choice!” Wrestling became a foundation not just for his family but for the club itself, which grew to house multiple combat sports including MMA. Kabaddi, initially played casually alongside wrestling, began to gain serious traction in 2022 when Ranj was approached close friend Prem Singh, committed to promoting kabaddi in the UK.
Prem’s request for Ranj’s help was unique. He wasn’t looking for businessmen to lead a team. Instead, he sought community figures passionate about sport. Jumping into this opportunity, Ranj took on the challenge of not one but two teams—the Wolverhampton Wolfpack and Walsall Hunters—remarkably leading athletes who had little or no experience in kabaddi to the national stage.
The Birth of the British Kabaddi League
The UK’s first-ever structured kabaddi league, the British Kabaddi League (BKL), began in 2022. “We hosted and entered the very first competitive tournament in Wolverhampton,” he said, noting the excitement and challenges of organising such a monumental event. Against all odds, and with no prior benchmark for the sport in the UK, the event turned out to be groundbreaking.
Ranj reflected on their steep learning curve, stating, “We didn’t have anything to gauge on…but we just tried to do the best we could in organising.” From large screens to entertainment to free lunches for attendees, Wolverhampton’s debut set the precedent for the league’s broader success – it certainly set the standard for the seasons to follow. The Wolverhampton Wolfpack quickly proved a formidable force, with one European official even remarking that their squad, comprised mostly of wrestlers adapting to kabaddi, was the best in the tournament.
Building Community Through Grassroots Efforts
Ranj’s passion for kabaddi extends far beyond tournaments. His dedication to developing grassroots sports is evident in the Wolverhampton Wrestling Club’s work, which now serves as a central pillar for Kabaddi in local communities. “We’ve gone into schools, faith centres, and other sports organisations…making Kabaddi more visible,” Ranj explained.
Currently active in 12 schools across Wolverhampton, his team organises curriculum-based lessons during school hours, followed by after-school clubs for more technical training. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, as Ranj shared, “The kids love it. They’re buzzing. They want to do more.” These programmes ensure that kabaddi doesn’t end at the classroom; participants are encouraged to transition into academies for advanced training, whether at the Wolverhampton Wrestling Club or sister academies in Birmingham and Walsall.
This approach has already yielded remarkable results. Ranj proudly spoke of the Wolfpack women’s team, which formed just a year ago and has since seen six of its players selected for England’s Kabaddi World Cup squad. “It’s amazing work,” he praised, highlighting the rapid development and dedication of everyone involved.
The Road to the World Cup
Scheduled to begin on 17th March 2025, the 2025 Kabaddi World Cup marks a milestone moment for the sport in the UK. For the first time in history, the tournament will be held outside of Asia, with Wolverhampton hosting the Finals. Ranj has been a key champion for bringing the event to the West Midlands, working closely with the local council and leveraging his existing teams as proof of the region’s passion and readiness for such an international stage.
“The legacy of the World Cup is the most important thing,” Ranj emphasised. Post-World Cup, his team has plans to ensure Kabaddi continues to thrive. Initiatives include developing school leagues, setting up under-18 competitions, and integrating kabaddi into community sports programmes.
The efforts behind these legacy plans are aimed at avoiding the common pitfall of major events losing momentum afterwards. “The hype’s gone,” Ranj warned, reflecting on other big events. Their goal is to make kabaddi an enduring sport with year-round engagement in the UK.
Celebrating Kabaddi’s United Spirit
For Ranj, kabaddi isn’t just another sport; it’s a medium for connection, growth, and fun. His club’s inclusive approach has knitted close bonds among teammates and inspired individuals across ages and genders to try something new. “It’s a team game… you rely on your team mates, and we found that gelled people even more,” he shared.
With the Kabaddi World Cup and ongoing grassroots initiatives, the future looks bright for this ancient sport on British soil. Ranj and his team’s efforts remind us that success is about more than competition—it’s about laying a foundation, sparking interest, and building a legacy that lasts.
Ranj Singh is based at The Wolverhampton Wrestling Club, GNSG Cannock Road Gurdwara in Wolverhampton which engages in the very diverse communities we live in.
