Growing up, you would see Kabaddi being played at the local mela, and catch glimpses of it on TV. At first it nothing more than just a spectator sport for me, but as grew old er I learnt It was more than just a game — it was a living link for our parents and grandparents back their community and culture. Now when I look kabaddi its new link back to my dad.
When he arrived in the UK, Kabaddi became a way for him to stay connected to his roots. In those early years, long before any formal structures or national organisations existed, my dad helped set up Bedford Kabaddi. He managed the team, while he and his friends would play against other local teams from neighbouring towns. These matches weren’t just competitions — they were celebrations of culture, resilience, and community spirit.
Sadly, I lost my dad at 18, before I could hear all his stories firsthand. Everything I know about his involvement — the matches played, the friendships formed — comes from old photos and the memories shared by his friends even to this day I’m still learning about. Through those glimpses, I now understand how important the sport was to him, and to our community. 19 years later, I am fortunate enough to be carrying that legacy forward through my work with Sporting Equals helping to bring the Kabaddi World Cup to the UK feels like bringing his story full circle — a tribute to him, and to everyone who kept the sport alive on these shores.
