GENEVA, March 12 (Xinhua) -- England is set to host the first Kabaddi World Cup outside of Asia, reflecting the growing global popularity of the ancient Indian sport.
During an online media briefing Wednesday, organizers from World Kabaddi and local officials discussed preparations for the seven-day tournament, which will take place in England's West Midlands from March 17 to 23. Nearly 50 matches will be held across Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
"With less than one week to go until the Kabaddi World Cup, excitement is building among players, coaches and fans around the world for this historic moment for our sport," said Ashok Das, president of World Kabaddi. "To take the Kabaddi World Cup outside of Asia for the first time is testament to the growth of our sport. Kabaddi is an immensely popular and investable global proposition, and we are hopeful that it can serve as a catalyst for further growth within the Olympic Movement."
Kabaddi, which has a history spanning more than 4,000 years, was included as a demonstration sport at the 1936 Olympic Games and has been a medal sport at the Asian Games since 1990.
World Kabaddi, the international governing body, is seeking recognition from the International Olympic Committee. It is working with five continental organizations - representing Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas - as well as more than 50 national federations.
"We are getting closer to fulfilling a decades-long dream of thousands of Kabaddi players by bringing the Kabaddi World Cup to the West Midlands," said Prem Singh, chief executive of the British Kabaddi League.
"The British Kabaddi League has been a huge success since its launch in 2022 and has underlined the growing interest in both playing and watching the sport. We are confident the World Cup will build on this and create even more opportunities for communities to engage with a sport deeply rooted in its cultural heritage." ■
