Grassroots Development
Building a direct, sustainable pathway for athletes in the North West to transition from university and amateur kabaddi into the semi-professional ranks.
Our Story Built on excellence.
Built on excellence.
Driven by community.
From an unprecedented undefeated university season to the national semi-professional stage — this is the Manchester Giants story.
The origin story
Elite pedigree, North West roots
Manchester Giants Kabaddi was born from a culture of absolute excellence and a deep-rooted passion for the sport in the North West. The franchise is spearheaded by a deeply experienced international athlete — a World Cup bronze medalist and European Championship silver medalist.
The foundation of the Giants is built directly upon the historic, unprecedented success of the University of Manchester Kabaddi team. Under our founder’s leadership as President and Captain, the university team achieved an undefeated season, sweeping every tournament in their path — a feat never before accomplished. Now, that same elite, winning culture is being elevated to the national stage in the UK’s premier semi-professional league.
You can meet our founder, coaching and medical staff on the Team page (coming soon).
Sport meets medical science
An elite understanding of the athlete
What truly sets the Manchester Giants apart is our leadership’s unique background. Founded by a University of Manchester medical student, the club operates with an elite understanding of sports performance, human physiology and athlete welfare.
This medical foundation ensures the franchise doesn’t just focus on winning matches — we heavily prioritise injury prevention, physical rehabilitation, and the long-term health of every athlete who pulls on the shirt.
Our mission
Much more than elite competition
Operating as a Community Interest Company, Manchester Giants Kabaddi is a vehicle for social impact. We’re dedicated to three things above all.
Community Health
Leveraging the physical nature of kabaddi and our medical foundation to promote active lifestyles, teamwork and physical wellbeing across Greater Manchester.
Cultural Empowerment
Serving as a prominent pillar for the South Asian community in the North West — elevating a traditional sport to a nationally broadcast platform, while welcoming diverse communities into the fold.
Local promotion, global growth
A bridge between Manchester and the world
We act as a vital bridge between local community engagement and the global sports stage — driving high-density engagement here in Manchester, while serving as an ambassador for kabaddi’s rapid international rise as a mainstream athletic discipline.
New to the sport?
What is kabaddi?
One of the world’s oldest contact sports — fast, tactical and full of drama. Here’s the game in under a minute.
The aim
One “raider” crosses into the opposing half, tries to tag as many defenders as possible, and return to their own half — all in a single breath.
The defence
Seven defenders work as a unit to grapple and stop the raider before they get back. Stop them, and the raider is out.
Scoring
Tag a defender and make it back = points for the raid. Tackle the raider = a point for the defence. Send all opponents out and you win bonus “all out” points.
The format
Two teams, two halves, fast turnarounds and constant momentum swings — it’s strategic, explosive and gripping to watch.
Catch it live on the inaugural Premier League Kabaddi season — broadcast on BBC iPlayer & the South Asian Network.