Men's Kabaddi World Cup 2025: India once again proved its kabaddi supremacy on the world stage, reclaiming both the men’s and women’s titles at the Kabaddi World Cup 2025.

Held from March 17 to 23 across the West Midlands in the United Kingdom, this tournament marked a historic first—being staged outside of Asia.

With matches spread across Birmingham, Coventry, Walsall, and Wolverhampton, the week-long event showcased the sport’s expanding global appeal, culminating in an edge-of-the-seat men’s final where India edged past hosts England 44-41.

India Crowned Champions After Thrilling Final

The final match between India and England was a battle of nerves and resilience. India entered the contest with great confidence, having thrashed Wales 93-37 in the semi-final, but England proved to be a formidable opponent. The host nation had stormed past Scotland in the semi-finals with an emphatic 84-36 win and were equally determined to create history in front of a passionate home crowd.

The final began with both teams playing cautiously but aggressively. England showed early dominance, leveraging their raiders' agility and their defenders' sharp reflexes. However, the experience and calmness of the Indian team eventually began to show. By the second half, India's lead raider, who had already been instrumental in the semi-final, stepped up once again with multiple successful raids.

In the dying minutes of the match, with the scoreline tight, India's captain reportedly told his team, "Stay calm, every point matters. Let's finish this together," according to team officials. The Indian defence line held strong, denying England crucial points and clinching the match 44-41.

England Take Pride in Strong Performance

Despite finishing as runners-up, England won many hearts with their spirited display throughout the tournament. Their quarter-final demolition of Hong Kong China (89-23) and semi-final thrashing of Scotland showcased their growing stature in the world kabaddi scene. England's captain said after the final, "We left it all on the mat. Credit to India, but we are proud of what we've achieved and the passion we've shown at home."

Scotland Secure Third Place

The battle for the bronze medal saw Scotland lock horns with Wales on 23 March. After being outclassed by England in the semi-final, the Scottish team bounced back strongly to defeat Wales 67-56. Their victory was powered by a well-balanced mix of solid defence and dynamic raids. Scotland's coach remarked, "We may not have made it to the final, but this team has made the nation proud with a well-deserved third-place finish."

Quarter-Final Highlights

• England stormed past Hong Kong China with an 89-23 victory in the first quarter-final.

• Scotland dominated the United States, winning 89-30 in the second quarter-final.

• Wales overcame Poland 52-38 in a competitive third quarter-final clash.

• India showcased their strength, defeating Hungary 69-24 in the last quarter-final, leaving no doubts about their title credentials.

Semi-Final Results: Route to the Final

• England vs Scotland: England's 84-36 semi-final triumph was a testament to their aggressive tactics and near-flawless execution.

• India vs Wales: India's 93-37 semi-final victory was arguably the most commanding performance of the tournament, with relentless raids and clinical defence.

Prize Money and Awards

The organisers of the Men's Kabaddi World Cup 2025 have yet to officially release the details of the prize money distribution. However, reports suggest that the champion team India is set to receive a cash prize of approximately £150,000, while the runners-up England will receive around £75,000. Scotland, the third-place finishers, are expected to be awarded £40,000 for their spirited campaign. Individual awards, including Best Raider and Best Defender, will be announced during the official closing ceremony banquet in London next week.

A Tournament to Remember

The Men's Kabaddi World Cup 2025 showcased not only India's continued dominance in the sport but also the rapid progress made by European teams. England's near victory and Scotland's podium finish highlighted the growth and popularity of kabaddi in Europe. Wales also impressed many with their fighting spirit and strong performances in both the group stages and quarter-finals.