The Kabaddi World Cup 2025: A Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Community

The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 is more than just a sporting spectacle—it is an international celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Through an inspiring programme of workshops, performances, and interactive experiences, thousands of young people, artists, and community members have come together to explore the rich heritage of Kabaddi and South Asian culture.

The vibrant opening ceremony will set the tone for the tournament, featuring live dhol performances by students aged 9–19 from Wolverhampton Music Service, a dynamic professional Bollywood dance troupe, and a grand athlete procession led by youth representatives from Wolverhampton Wrestling Club.

Across the Midlands, over 2,700 students took part in community workshops held in schools and cultural hubs. These workshops provided hands-on creative experiences, including:

· Dada-inspired art, celebrating Kabaddi on the international stage.

· Collaborative street murals, inspired by Kabaddi heroes and contemporary Mumbai.

· Traditional South Asian dance and music, connecting young people with the cultural roots of the sport.

The community weekend at Wolverhampton Art Gallery (15th–16th March) will bring local communities together for interactive arts workshops, centred around a stunning South Asian market installation by artist Daya Bhatti.

Beyond the events themselves, the programme has created a lasting impact, fostering new partnerships between schools, artists, and local organisations. With artist facilitators supporting educational engagement and leading workshops, the Kabaddi World Cup has become a platform for cultural exchange and inclusion. Schools embraced the opportunity to create flags, banners, and artwork to display at Kabaddi World Cup venues, showcasing the creativity and talent of their students.

As we reflect on this incredible journey, it is clear that the power of sport and the arts can unite communities, spark creativity, and leave a lasting legacy. The energy and enthusiasm shown throughout the tournament have set a new standard for celebrating culture through sport, and we look forward to building on this momentum for future events.