The hugely popular South Asian sport of kabaddi is making history from 17th to 23rd March as its World Cup comes to the West Midlands, UK – the first edition to take place outside Asia.

The South Asian sport’s journey to the global stage has been a long time in the making.

Ashok Das, President of World Kabaddi grew up in India before settling in the UK. “We started Kabaddi in the British Army, in universities, and dreamed of the big one: the World Cup. Today the dream is coming true, of hosting the first ever Kabaddi World Cup outside Asia, in the West Midlands,” he said.

The host region has invested from its Commonwealth Games legacy fund for the event.

“The Commonwealth Games was a launchpad for a golden decade of major events. We wanted to deliver events that have purpose and impact,” said Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events for the West Midlands Growth Company.

“We’re a region that is very diverse and we want to make sure that we host events that represent the communities that we want to celebrate and inspire.”

Kabaddi aims for the Games

The ultimate goal for many sports is to get on the programme of a major multi-sport event like the Olympic or Commonwealth Games, and kabaddi is no exception.

“Kabaddi is more than 4,000 years old, and we carry the dream of getting the sport into the Commonwealth and then the Olympic Games,” said Das.

The next Commonwealth Games takes place in Glasgow in 2026 with a streamlined and sustainable format.

“For us to do something positive in 2026 is very important,” said Prem Singh, CEO, British Kabaddi League and founder member of Scottish Kabaddi. “We’re hoping we can bring a little bit of vibrancy with hosting a kabaddi event at the Commonwealth Games, hopefully in partnership with 2026. If that’s not possible, we’ll still be doing something there and inviting teams from the Commonwealth.”

Global growth

The organisers hope this will be the first of many World Cups to take place in new regions. “We’re doing this World Cup to give confidence to other nations that they can also host major events and promote their own communities,” said Singh.

“It’s a giant step for kabaddi kind! We hope to inspire America, Canada and right across the world – that’s one of our major goals. And I wouldn’t be surprised if in next five years a major championship will go to the Arab world.”

World Kabaddi is also developing an East African kabaddi league and a European super league. “Our whole goal is about setting the scene for future development,” said Singh.

“China gave entry to kabaddi in the Asian games in 1992,” said Das. “We are getting more young people from China involved.”

“TV advert to the world”

The media coverage that a major international event brings is vital for hosts and rightsholders alike.

“The media abroad, and also western media, can help us to promote kabaddi across the community,” said Das.

The Pro Kabaddi League final in Pune had a TV audience of 250 million people. “Those numbers are mind-blowing compared to UK audiences,” said Lavery. “We want more people to know about the West Midlands, to visit the West Midlands – this is our TV advert to the world.”

The Paddy Power Kabaddi World Cup 2025  will be screened on BBC iPlayer, Olympic Channel, DD Sports and Willow TV, with talkSPORT and sponsor Paddy Power will also provide coverage.

“Paddy Power coming on board will be lifting kabaddi onto a different level,” said Das, highlighting the betting company’s investments in community programmes.

“It’s not just about the event; it’s about setting up infrastructure in schools, colleges and universities,” said Singh. “It’s going to inspire an awful lot of people and to be the catalyst to hoping that people from South Asian communities will take a greater interest in sport, physical activity and going to watch matches.”

[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.

With over 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around 3,000 of the best athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories that represent 2.5 billion people – one-third of the world’s population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.

The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.

The Games will take place across four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation.

The Glasgow 2026 Games will deliver over £100 million of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150 million of economic value added for the region, with a model that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games. An additional multi-million-pound investment has also been secured for upgrading public sporting facilities, alongside funding for city activation projects across the city. 

With the confirmation that Glasgow will host one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and the biggest sporting event in the United Kingdom in 2026, the branding for the Glasgow Games has also been released. For the first time in the Games’ history, the logo combines the Commonwealth Sport logo with the overall visual identity of the 2026 Games – emphasising the central role of the Commonwealth Games within the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement. 

The Glasgow 2026 logo features Glasgow graphic elements inspired by some of the engineering, architectural and natural elements found at the heart of the city. The three elements include representations of the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc, which are all centrally aligned in the Commonwealth Sport celebration mark in the colours of the waterfront – symbolising the meeting point for sport and culture at the heart of the Games. 

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM said, ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.

‘’With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.

‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.

‘’With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026.

‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority the Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform.’’

Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.

“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action.

“The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.”

First Minister John Swinney said, “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland.

“As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration.

“I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together.

“While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said, “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world class sporting events.

"There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I for one can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.

“The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3 million contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “We're thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow for 2026, where Scotland's renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage. “The UK Government has long supported the Games, and we're proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, backing the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a world-class event.

“Together, we are dedicated to creating an unforgettable Games that will inspire athletes, fans and communities across the country for generations.”

Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Aitken said, “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen.

“Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start.

“Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026.

“These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play its part in helping make them a success on their own terms.” 

The Australian state of Victoria has pulled out of hosting the 2026 Games due to financial considerations, leaving the Commonwealth Games Federation with just three years to find an alternative solution.

“This is hugely disappointing for the Commonwealth Sport Movement, for athletes around the Commonwealth and the Organising Committee who are well advanced in their planning and preparation,” the Commonwealth Games Federation said in a statement. 

The Victorian government cited escalating costs as the reason for backing out of its hosting agreement – but the CGF said that the rising costs were down to Victoria’s choice of delivery model.

“The numbers quoted to us today of $6 billion are 50% more than those advised to the Organising Committee board at its meeting in June,” the statement said. 

“These figures are attributed to price escalation primarily due to the unique regional delivery model that Victoria chose for these Games, and in particular relate to village and venue builds and transport infrastructure. 

“Since awarding Victoria the Games, the Government has made decisions to include more sports and an additional regional hub, and changed plans for venues, all of which have added considerable expense, often against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).

“We are disappointed that we were only given eight hours’ notice and that no consideration was given to discussing the situation to jointly find solutions prior to this decision being reached by the Government. 

Up until this point, the Government had advised that sufficient funding was available to deliver the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

“We are taking advice on the options available to us and remain committed to finding a solution for the Games in 2026 that is in the best interest of our athletes and the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.”

The UK city of Birmingham, which stepped in to host the 2022 Games when Durban pulled out five years before the Games, has been mentioned as a possible contingency.

The immediate previous hosts were Gold Coast and Glasgow.

Host City 2023, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, takes place in Glasgow on 20-21 November.

[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] 

The announcement follows a successful exclusive dialogue period between the CGF, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGAus) and Victoria, where an exciting proposal to stage the major multi-sport competition across the State was agreed.

The proposal capitalises on the 2026/30 Strategic Roadmap, which provides renewed flexibility to be innovative and creative in delivering the Games.

In what will be a first ever predominantly regional Commonwealth Games, Victoria 2026 will be staged in March 2026 across multiple cities and regional hubs including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. The Opening Ceremony will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The approach will showcase the best of what the State has to offer and ensure a uniquely Victorian experience for the athletes and spectators.

There will be a phased approach in creating the sports programme for Victoria 2026. An initial 16 sports have been put forward for the Games, with further sports to be added later this year.

The CGF, CGAus and Victoria entered an exclusive dialogue period in February 2022. A CGF and CGAus visit to Victoria took place later that month. This was followed by a Victoria 2026 delegation presenting their 2026 Games Proposal to the CGF Executive Board in Birmingham, England in March 2022. The Proposal has now been approved by the CGF Executive Board, with the Host Contract to be signed in Victoria today.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “The Commonwealth Games Federation is absolutely delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria.

Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government have set out a bold and innovative vision for hosting our major multi-sport event.

In Victoria, we believe we have found the perfect partner for the next stage of our journey.

This is a very special moment for the Commonwealth Sport Family and on behalf of the entire Movement, I would like to congratulate Commonwealth Games Australia and Victoria on their successful Games submission. We now look forward to a bright future as we work together to stage a Commonwealth Games like no other.”

Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said: “It’s a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games – we can’t wait to welcome the world to all of our state.”

“The Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria is great for jobs, hospitality and our economy.”

Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games on five occasions, with Victoria playing host to the Melbourne 2006 Games; widely considered one of the most successful editions of the event in history. The country has also staged the Games in Sydney in 1938, Perth in 1962, Brisbane in 1982 and most recently Gold Coast in 2018. Victoria has also hosted the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo in 2004."

Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said: “Commonwealth Games Australia is thrilled to welcome the athletes of the Commonwealth back to Australia and we look forward to working with both the CGF and the Victorian Government to bring the Games to life across Victoria in 2026.”

“A home Games will provide immeasurable benefits for our Member sports and will inspire our athletes in what will be a unique and exciting Games”.

The 2026 Games will be the 23rd edition of the major multi-sport competition, which first began in Hamilton, Canada in 1930.

Victoria is a world-leading major events and tourism destination. The State has a strong track record for staging high profile sporting competitions including The Australian Open tennis grand slam, the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup. Victoria also regularly hosts elite cricket, golf and Australian Rules Football competition.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be staged in Birmingham, England from 28 July – 8 August.

[Source: Commonwealth Sport] The CGF has been in discussions with multiple countries across the Commonwealth regarding hosting the 2026 Games, with negotiations accelerating following the launch of the 2026/30 Strategic Roadmap in October 2021. The Roadmap provides future hosts and sports with the renewed flexibility to be innovative and creative in delivering the Games.

Following ongoing discussions, the CGF, the Victorian Government and CGAus have signed a Heads of Agreement to formally enter an exclusive dialogue period to agree the parameters for a 2026 Commonwealth Games, to be hosted in the State in South-Eastern Australia.

Premier Daniel Andrews and the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula have confirmed that, if awarded, the 2026 Commonwealth Games would be hosted across the State.

The Government and CGAus will now develop Victoria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games Submission. It will focus on a new way to host the Games, showing how events could be held in multiple locations across regional Victoria to showcase the best of what the State has to offer and ensure a uniquely Victorian experience for the athletes and spectators. The CGF will assess this submission prior to any decision being made to award the Games to Victoria.

Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games on five occasions, with Victoria playing host to the Melbourne 2006 Games; widely considered one of the most successful editions of the event in history.

The country has also staged the Games in Sydney in 1938, Perth in 1962, Brisbane in 1982 and most recently Gold Coast in 2018. The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be staged in Birmingham, England from 28 July – 8 August.

Victoria is a world leading major events and tourism destination. The State has a strong track record for staging high profile sporting competition including The Australian Open tennis grand slam, the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup. Victoria also regularly hosts elite cricket, golf and Australian Rules Football competition. 

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: “We are pleased to have entered into an exclusive dialogue with Victoria and Commonwealth Games Australia to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Following months of positive discussions, it is clear that Victoria has an exciting vision for a future Games which will provide many benefits for the community whilst leaving a significant legacy for the state.

This vision is aligned with our 2026/30 Strategic Roadmap, which has proved to be a catalyst for positive and exciting conversations on how our event will look in four years’ time.

Victoria is one of the world’s greatest sporting States and there is no doubt it has the venues, infrastructure, and people to stage a world class edition of the Games.

We are very excited to be working closely with Victoria and Commonwealth Games Australia to explore the potential staging of the event in the State.”

Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said: “Victoria is Australia’s sporting state, and, if awarded, the 2026 Commonwealth Games would demonstrate to the world a new way to deliver the competition. We would hope to have the majority of events in our regional cities – to display the best of Victoria, create jobs and housing and infrastructure that will deliver for the long term.”

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said: “Bringing the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria will showcase our state globally, deliver major economic benefits and support jobs across our great state.”

Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said: “Hosting Great Games is a key pillar in the Commonwealth Games Australia strategic plan and given our window for hosting the Games is 2026, we are thrilled to join the CGF in exclusive dialogue with Victoria to host the Commonwealth Games once again.

A home Games provides immeasurable benefits for our Member sports and athletes and we look forward to working with both the CGF and the Victorian Government to bring a final Games plan to life.”