For many years, kabaddi was seen as a sport mainly played in South Asia. However, that picture is changing rapidly. Today, the game is expanding across Europe, attracting new players, clubs, and fans in several countries. With professional leagues, international tournaments, and growing youth participation, kabaddi has established a strong presence outside its traditional home.
So, is Kabaddi popular in Europe? The answer is yes. While it is still developing compared to football or rugby, the sport has experienced remarkable growth and continues to gain popularity across the continent.
Kabaddi Growth in Europe
A major milestone in the Kabaddi growth in Europe came in March 2025 when the Kabaddi World Cup was held outside Asia for the first time.
The tournament took place across several venues in England’s West Midlands, including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Walsall. The event attracted large crowds and reached millions of viewers through broadcasts on BBC iPlayer and other international platforms.
Hosting the World Cup in Europe helped introduce kabaddi to many people who had never watched the sport before. It also demonstrated that Europe could successfully organize major international kabaddi events.
Countries Where Kabaddi Is Growing
Several nations have played an important role in the expansion of the sport.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has become the center of European kabaddi. The British Kabaddi League features teams such as Manchester Raiders, Birmingham Bulls, and London Lions.
England’s men’s and women’s teams also impressed at the 2025 Kabaddi World Cup by finishing as runners up. Universities across the country now host national kabaddi competitions, helping introduce the game to younger players.
Poland
Poland has developed into one of Europe’s strongest kabaddi nations.
Former American football player Michał Spiczko inspired many athletes after successfully transitioning into professional kabaddi. Poland went on to win three consecutive European Kabaddi Championships in 2019, 2021, and 2023, becoming one of the continent’s dominant teams.
Italy
Italy has embraced both Standard Style and Circle Style kabaddi.
The country has hosted major European tournaments and continues to invest in local competitions. Its strong domestic structure has helped produce talented players while increasing interest in the sport.
Hungary
Hungary is among the fastest growing kabaddi nations in Europe.
Support from the World Kabaddi Federation has encouraged youth participation, while exhibition matches at major festivals have introduced the game to new audiences.
Germany and the Netherlands
Germany and the Netherlands continue to strengthen their national teams by attracting athletes from sports such as rugby, wrestling, and mixed martial arts.
Their physical style has helped both countries become regular contenders at European Kabaddi Championships.
Why Kabaddi Appeals to Europe
One of the biggest reasons behind the Kabaddi growth in Europe is the sport’s accessibility.
Kabaddi requires very little equipment, making it affordable for schools and community clubs. Many people also enjoy the combination of speed, strength, and strategy, comparing the game to a mix of rugby, wrestling, and tag.
The 30-second raid clock adds excitement by forcing quick decisions and keeping matches fast paced, making the sport attractive for modern audiences.
A Bright Future for European Kabaddi
The answer to “Is Kabaddi popular in Europe?” becomes clearer every year as more countries embrace the sport.
The countries where Kabaddi is growing continue to establish leagues, university competitions, and national teams, while the European Kabaddi Federation works to strengthen the sport across the continent. With increasing international exposure and ambitions of future Olympic inclusion, kabaddi appears set to enjoy even greater success in Europe over the coming years.
