Sporting Equals is proud to support the England Kabaddi Association (EKA) through funding from Comic Relief, reinforcing the foundations of Kabaddi and expanding opportunities for communities across England.
This funding has enabled the EKA to enhance its work across the entire pathway — from grassroots participation to performance development. Key priorities include the progression of players, coaches, and officials; increasing engagement among women and young people; and broadening community participation as England prepared for the Kabaddi World Cup 2025.
A central objective of the project is the establishment of a permanent national hub for Kabaddi. This dedicated facility will provide a consistent base for training, competition, and talent development. In parallel, the EKA continues to expand its reach within schools and local clubs.
Youth engagement remains a core focus. During the summer holidays, the EKA delivered a four-week holiday camp in Oldham, attracting an average of 45 young participants each week. The programme combined structured coaching sessions and tournaments with free meals and complimentary playing kits, ensuring the initiative remained fully accessible and inclusive.
Workforce development has been a significant success. The project originally set targets for coach and official education; however, this outcome was exceeded. A total of 67 certified coaches and officials were trained during the year. These newly trained coaches have actively supported youth clubs, holiday camps, and school delivery, contributing to the successful delivery of 25 school Kabaddi programmes.
The project is also accelerating the growth of the women’s game. At the most recent university championships, four women’s teams competed, with one progressing to the final. Alongside competitive opportunities, the EKA continues to invest in developing new coaches and officials, with a clear emphasis on increasing female representation and leadership within the sport.
Kabaddi continues to play a significant role in engaging ethnically diverse communities, particularly those with strong cultural ties to the sport. By delivering inclusive programmes in areas of high need, the EKA is contributing to improved physical wellbeing, enhanced confidence, and stronger community cohesion.
To secure lasting impact, the EKA has implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy centred on membership growth, event delivery, sponsorship development, and future funding opportunities. This approach is designed to establish a resilient and self-sustaining model, ensuring Kabaddi’s continued growth beyond the current funding period.
Sporting Equals and the EKA have collaborated for over two years, delivering major national events and championing equality and inclusion through sport. Supported by Comic Relief funding, this latest initiative represents a significant milestone in building a stronger, more inclusive future for Kabaddi in England.
Connect with the England Kabaddi Association (EKA):
📱 Instagram: @englandkabaddi — Official page for updates, events, and highlights from EKA’s programmes and national teams.
📘 Facebook: @englandkabadd — Official Facebook community for news, photos, and live event coverage.
🔗 LinkedIn: England Kabaddi Association (EKA) — Professional profile with organisational updates and developments.
🌐 Website: https://www.englandkabaddi.co.uk
— EKA’s official site for news, programmes, and contact information.
