Kabaddi—a sport deeply rooted in South Asia—may not be the first game that comes to mind when thinking about British sports. However, for Richard Callicott, it became an integral part of his professional career. From his work in Birmingham’s sports scene to orchestrating international events, Richard’s journey with Kabaddi is a fascinating tale of passion, dedication, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Early Involvement in Sports
Richard’s background in sports was extensive even before Kabaddi entered the picture. As the Director of Sport at the National Indoor Arena and Head of Sport in Birmingham, he was actively involved in multiple disciplines, including badminton and volleyball. His experience working in inner-city areas like Aston and Handsworth gave him a deeper understanding of grassroots sports development and community engagement.
The Introduction to Kabaddi
Kabaddi, a traditionally South Asian sport, caught Richard’s attention, and he soon found himself immersed in its world. His work led him be involved with Endboard Productions where he first encountered the sport and he later worked on a Kabaddi-focused project for the channel. This exposure laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the sport. Richard worked tirelessly on this with Sunandon and Jugesh Walia from Endboard and Makhdom Chisti who played a really important role in making the TV series in the 1990s a success.
Bringing Kabaddi to the UK
Recognizing the potential of Kabaddi in the UK, Richard played a pivotal role in organizing competitive events. He helped in securing funding from the National Foundation for Sport, leveraging football pools money to support the initiative. His efforts led to the creation of a steering group, and soon, and local authorities helped the teams to promote their games.
Richard was actively involved in recruitment of teams, travelling to India to secure 4 teams and then to Pakistan for an additional two teams.
Kabaddi on the International Stage
By the mid-1990s, Richard’s Kabaddi journey had taken an international turn. With sponsorships coming in including The Daily Jang (One of the leading newspapers in Pakistan), media coverage from Sky and Channel 4, and thousands of attendees, the sport saw unprecedented growth. Training programs for referees, discussions on the future of Kabaddi in the UK, and even surplus funds from successful events helped establish a sustainable Kabaddi structure.
Richard also played a key role in highlighting the cultural significance of the sport, working alongside figures from the Pakistani, Indian, and British communities to promote inclusivity.
Legacy and Impact
Today, Richard’s efforts have left a lasting impact on Kabaddi in the UK. What started as a traditional South Asian sport has now found a place within British sporting culture, with growing participation and recognition. His journey showcases how sports can bridge cultural divides, bring communities together, and create opportunities beyond their native regions.
Richard was able to attend the Kabaddi World Cup stating ‘I have nothing but praise for what they’ve done’ in reference to the work of Ashok Das and Prem Singh to host the first World Cup outside of Asia.
Callicott’s involvement in Kabaddi is a testament to the power of sports in fostering international collaboration. His dedication not only helped elevate the sport but also paved the way for future generations to experience and embrace Kabaddi in the UK and beyond.
