HISTORY

European Kabaddi Federation – A Legacy of Pioneering Growth

Founded on the vision of expanding Kabaddi beyond its Asian roots, the European Kabaddi Federation (EKF) traces its origins to the establishment of the first Kabaddi Association in England – the inaugural national body outside Asia.

JOURNEY WAS STARTED

In 2005, Ashok Das journeyed to Bergamo, Italy, with the mission to introduce Kabaddi to the continent. There, he partnered with Mr Parminder Sharma, who embraced the challenge despite limited funds and awareness. Together, they formed the Italy Kabaddi Association, laying the groundwork for a broader European movement.

2005

2007

European Kabaddi Federation in Bergamo

Building on this momentum, Ashok Das officially launched the European Kabaddi Federation in Bergamo, Italy, in 2007. The federation’s primary objective was to propagate Kabaddi across Europe and host a flagship tournament.

European Kabaddi Championships

The inaugural European Kabaddi Championships materialized in Italy in 2008, marking the first-ever continental Kabaddi competition held outside Asia. Participating nations included England, Italy, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Austria, and Canada, competing in both rectangular and circle formats.

2008

2010

Subsequent editions expanded further

Poland (2010), Denmark (2012), England (2014), Glasgow (2016), Cyprus (2018), and the 5th European Championship (2020) –After all hosted in Italy, featuring men’s and women’s divisions.

Through perseverance, strategic partnerships, and relentless promotion, the European Kabaddi Federation has transformed Kabaddi from a niche sport into a celebrated European event, fostering unity and growth across the continent.