The Blackburn Kabaddi Festival returned in grand style on July 4, 2026, bringing together sports fans, families, and the local South Asian community for a memorable day of competition and celebration. Held at the East Lancs Cricket and Sports Club on Dukes Brow, the event marked a special milestone as it celebrated 50 years of kabaddi in Blackburn.
The Kabaddi and Weightlifting Festival combined exciting circle kabaddi matches with traditional strength sports, creating a unique sporting experience that attracted large crowds from across the United Kingdom.
Celebrating 50 Years of Kabaddi in Blackburn
The 2026 edition of the Community Kabaddi Festival was more than just a sporting event. It also honored the rich history of kabaddi in Blackburn and paid tribute to three respected community figures who helped establish and grow the sport in the region.
The festival was dedicated to the memory of Pehalwan Qamar Zaman, Haji Younas Pardesi, and Chaudhry Fazal Hussain, whose contributions played an important role in promoting kabaddi among British Asian communities.
The event was organized by a volunteer committee that included Raja Romey, Raja Bally, Asad Qamar, Malik Irfan, and Jangeer Mughal. Their efforts ensured that the festival remained free and open for everyone to enjoy.
Weightlifting and Strength Competitions Draw Attention
Before the kabaddi action began, spectators enjoyed several traditional strength events that formed an important part of the Kabaddi and Weightlifting Festival.
The morning featured weightlifting contests, stone lifting demonstrations, punchbag challenges, and a volleyball tournament. Competitors from local fitness centers, including Better Bodies and Muscle Factory, showcased their strength by lifting heavy weights and natural stones.
These events entertained the crowd while celebrating traditional strength sports that have long been popular within the community.
Pakistan vs India Kabaddi Clash Delivers Excitement
The main attraction of the UK Kabaddi Event was the international-style Pakistan versus India circle kabaddi challenge.
The fast paced contest featured skilled raiders and defenders battling in front of an energetic crowd. Dhol drummers and Punjabi commentators added to the lively atmosphere throughout the evening, keeping supporters fully engaged.
One of the biggest surprises came from Sarfraz Nawaz, an MMA fighter from nearby Nelson, who was playing only his second competitive kabaddi match. Despite his limited experience, he impressed spectators with several important defensive stops during the contest.
The competitive spirit and passionate support from the crowd made the match one of the highlights of the festival.
Community Leaders Join the Celebration
Several local dignitaries attended the Community Kabaddi Festival, including the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Parwaiz Akhtar.
Community leaders, sponsors, and guests watched the action before presenting trophies and awards to the best performers at the end of the day.
Their presence highlighted the growing importance of kabaddi within the multicultural sporting landscape of the United Kingdom.
Looking Ahead
The successful Blackburn Kabaddi Festival once again demonstrated the popularity of kabaddi among British Asian communities while introducing the sport to new fans.
By combining kabaddi, weightlifting, and traditional strength competitions, the event offered something for spectators of all ages.
With another major kabaddi mela already scheduled for August 16 at Witton Park, the success of this UK Kabaddi Event has created plenty of excitement for the rest of the summer. The festival once again proved that community-driven sporting events continue to play a vital role in preserving culture, promoting fitness, and bringing people together through sport.
