Kabaddi Scotland is a registered Scottish charity (OSCR SC052319) that uses sport as a vehicle for social change. While the organisation plays a key role in developing competitive Kabaddi through initiatives such as the British Kabaddi League (BKL), its work extends far beyond the pitch. Kabaddi Scotland was designed and built by the community, for the community, with a clear mission to bring people together, celebrate cultural diversity and create opportunities for communities that are often underrepresented in sport.
As an Associate Member of Sporting Equals, Kabaddi Scotland has demonstrated a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. The organisation actively works to engage and empower diverse communities, particularly people of British Asian heritage, while tackling wider community challenges linked to health, wellbeing and social isolation. Sporting Equals has worked in partnership with Kabaddi Scotland to deliver key initiatives, including the British Kabaddi League and the Race and Racism Conference in Scotland in 2024, reinforcing a shared commitment to challenging racism and promoting inclusive practice across sport.
The Comic Relief funding will enable Kabaddi Scotland to deliver a structured programme of activity that aligns closely with Sporting Equals’ vision of using sport to create lasting social impact. A core element of the programme is the development of six new women’s Kabaddi clubs across Scotland, addressing gender inequality in sport and creating accessible, inclusive environments for women to participate and lead. In addition, four national “come-and-try” Kabaddi sessions will be delivered in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling and Dundee, helping to remove barriers to participation and introduce new communities to the sport.
Community engagement and capacity building sit at the heart of this investment. Kabaddi Scotland will work alongside community partners including Active Life and Groundswell to promote physical activity through coaching-led Kabaddi sessions. The programme will also deliver a Level One Basic Kabaddi Coaching Course, with the aim of training ten new community coaches from diverse backgrounds, supporting long-term sustainability and local leadership.
The funding will further support the creation of a Scottish Universities Kabaddi League, encouraging universities to work closely with local diverse communities and embed social responsibility within student sport. Alongside this, Kabaddi Scotland will partner with Glasgow Life to deliver a Schools Kabaddi Engagement Project, working with six local schools to deliver workshops that promote physical activity, teamwork and cultural understanding.
Sporting Equals recognises that diverse communities have historically been overlooked within sustainable sports engagement strategies. This programme provides an opportunity for service providers, governing bodies and communities to work together in partnership and trial new approaches within the Scottish sporting landscape. Through strong existing relationships with Sportscotland, Glasgow Life, Scottish Badminton and community organisations, Kabaddi Scotland is well placed to build on this funding and create a template for future projects that promote sport, mental health and wellbeing.
Sporting Equals is delighted to support Kabaddi Scotland as an Associate Member and looks forward to seeing the lasting impact this Comic Relief–funded programme will have in strengthening communities, increasing physical activity and advancing equality across Scotland.
