Voyage of Ashok Das: The 'Kabaddi Daddy' who took the sport beyond India 

Ashok Das - (1st from Left to Right)
Ashok Das - (1st from Left to Right)

When Birmingham witnessed Kabaddi for the first time

The promotional poster printed on Air India magazine.
The promotional poster printed on Air India magazine.

The history reads that National Kabaddi Association (NKA) formed in 1992 to promote both forms of the game (circular and rectangular). Ashok got married and settled in Birmingham, England. Back in 1993, Kabaddi inaugurated for the first time (U.K.) as International Kabaddi Tournament held in Birmingham from 22nd August to 30th August.

Teams such as Air India Kabaddi Team, Mahindra & Mahindra and other teams of India and Pakistan (6 teams in total) played where the U.K. players saw its demonstration. He met Arun Sawant, the then coach of Air India Kabaddi Team from where he got the spark. A spark that would revolutionize the game in all over the nations of Europe, Ashok was determined.

In collaboration with Arun Sawant, Ashok came back to India to study about Kabaddi techniques and created video documentaries on it. He created a series on 'Kabaddi History & Techniques' and diverted his knowledge to the Englishmen who adapted the game sincerely.

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Edited by Amar Anand
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