Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

England: New kings of kabaddi?

A DOCTOR, an optician and a pharmacist – just some of the members of England’s kabaddi team whose performance in the World Cup sparked a new interest in the ancient sport.

The squad, made up of part-time players and university students, reached the quarter-finals of the tournament in October before losing to eventual winners India.


The World Cup in India had a Twenty20 cricket-style makeover with new rules for bonus points, Bollywood music, and backing from actors like Abhishek Bachchan, who owns the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League.

Ashok Das, England’s coach, told Eastern Eye there is a new buzz around the game in UK universities after the competition was shown on Sky Sports for the first time.

He said there is more interest among British Asians and non-Asians in kabaddi, where two teams take turns running across the centre line to the other team’s half of the court and have to tag their opponents and sprint back.

Ashok, whose team are now preparing for next year’s European Champions Trophy, said: “We have raised the profile for England and done well in the World Cup. It is more popular than ever, the World Cup was shown in 133 countries. I have had many calls and

messages from people saying I want to take part and get training.”

There are clubs in nine colleges and universities in the UK: London School of Economics, Imperial College London, University of Manchester, University of Birmingham, Kings College London, the University of Warwick, Finchley College, University of Exeter and

Aston University.

LSE’s team clinched a sponsorship deal with an Indian bank recently and have a girl’s team along with Imperial College.

Ashok travels around the country to train the team in parks and makeshift venues along with raising funds for the national side.

His team includes Jay Depala, a maths and economics student at LSE, Philip Mottram, a political economics undergraduate at the University of Birmingham, and medical student Keshav Gupta from Imperial College.

Ashok joked that he has the most intelligent kabaddi team in the world.

He added: “We have Asian, one Chinese, white British, all mixed. They were playing in universities. They are friends of players, they like the sport, that is why we have non-Asians as well.

“We want a wide range of people in the England team. We have a women’s team which is all non-Asian.”

The sport has come a long way in the UK since village games in India were shown on Channel 4 in the 1990s.

Ashok introduced the game to the British Army in 2005 and took them on a tour to India to compete against other teams. But a huge barrier is funding.

Ashok ploughs his own money into the national team and they do not have a permanent venue for training.

The team was funded for last month’s World Cup by the International Kabaddi Federation. Ashok, who works for Birmingham City Council and trains the team in his spare time, said: “All of the Asian countries’ teams get funded from their government. Although we have played for 20 years in the UK, we have approached UK Sport for funding but didn’t get anywhere.

“If we got six months training and funding then we can [win the World Cup].” And Ashok, who played kabaddi in his native Punjab, has big dreams for the sport.

“My dream is to see it in the Olympics or England win the World Cup or European Champions Trophy. I want to see a wide range of people playing.”

More For You

Alcaraz &  Djokovic

Djokovic (L) and Alcaraz embrace during practice prior to The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 26.

Getty

Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz eyes third straight title as Sinner, Djokovic lead challenge

CARLOS ALCARAZ will look to win his third consecutive Wimbledon title this year, reinforcing his position as the leading player on all surfaces. Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in a closely fought French Open final, heads to London hoping to reverse the result.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will also be in contention. At 38, this could be his best chance to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic lost the last two Wimbledon finals to Alcaraz and will aim to reclaim the trophy at the All England Club.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Beckham

Beckham’s arm surgery linked to an old injury from a 2003 football match

Getty Images

David Beckham hospitalised for arm surgery after years of pain from old football injury

Quick highlights:

  • David Beckham had surgery on his right arm following years of discomfort from a 2003 injury.
  • Victoria Beckham posted a hospital photo with the caption “Get well soon Daddy.”
  • Doctors removed a pin that failed to dissolve from an earlier procedure.
  • Fans flooded social media with support as Beckham begins recovery.

David Beckham has undergone surgery on his right arm after enduring years of pain from an old football injury. The former England captain was admitted to hospital this week, where doctors corrected a long-standing issue stemming from a 2003 match against South Africa. Beckham is now recovering, with his wife Victoria offering fans a glimpse into his post-op condition through an Instagram update.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alcaraz-Wimbledon-Getty

Carlos Alcaraz plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic in the Gentlemen's Singles Final on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Wimbledon draw: Alcaraz opens against Fognini, Sabalenka faces qualifier

CARLOS ALCARAZ will begin his attempt to win a third straight Wimbledon title against Italian Fabio Fognini, while women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine.

The draw, held on Friday at the All England Club, featured several notable first-round matchups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jofra Archer

The 30-year-old fast bowler has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has played just 13 Tests, the last of which was in February 2021.

Getty Images

Jofra Archer recalled for second Test against India

JOFRA ARCHER has been named in England's squad for the second Test against India, marking his return to the Test side after more than four years.

The 30-year-old fast bowler has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has played just 13 Tests, the last of which was in February 2021.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rajasthan Royals owner accuses former partner of blackmail
Manoj Badale (Photo: Getty Images)
Getty Images

Rajasthan Royals owner accuses former partner of blackmail

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE cricket franchise Rajasthan Royals' majority owner has accused his former co-owner of trying to blackmail him by alleging he was defrauded out of his minority stake in the club.

London-based venture capitalist Manoj Badale and his company Emerging Media Ventures are suing businessman Raj Kundra at London's High Court for allegedly breaching a 2019 confidential settlement agreement.

Keep ReadingShow less