Introduction

Competing in the West Midlands, this year's Kabaddi World Cup-2025 is entered into the record books: it is for the first time in this illustrious tournament's history that it is being staged outside Asia. From March 17 to March 23, it, therefore, became the subject of all who were keen to see what the host country, England, would be able to do against the tradition of Indian dominance in this sport.

India's Unbroken Record

India's hegemony- and that's no exaggeration Kabaddi is well and truly known. Both the men's and women's teams won the 2019 World Cup held in Malaysia by thoroughly defeating Iraq (57-27) and Taiwan (47-29), respectively. The women's team went further by recently clinching the Asian Kabaddi Championship, this time against Iran. Kabaddi hails back more than 5,000 years ago from India, and it is very much a part of the rich heritage of this nation, only after IPL cricket in viewership.

England's Developing Dreams

It's a shot in the arm for England's aspirations. The men's team opened its World Cup account with a staggering 101-25 win over Hungary. Captain Hardeep Singh stated that India is the sole team they are worried about. As things stand, England is quite a formidable contender at home, especially given the timely withdrawals of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Cameroon due to visa issues.

Structure and Progress of the Tournament

The men's event consists of ten nations competing against one another in two groups. England was placed in Group A, while India topped Group B after a massive initial win over Italy by 64-22. The top four teams in each group advance to the knock-out quarters. 

Clash of the Titans

Assuming they both sustain their form, a face-off against England in all likelihood poses a challenge bound to be electrifying. In such a case, it would be as much a demonstration of all that England has done to improve in the sport as it would be a hallmark moment in kabaddi history.