Wolverhampton Coach Brings Kabaddi World Cup to UK for First Time

A Wolverhampton wrestling coach who fed thousands during the pandemic and brought an ancient sport's biggest tournament to the UK has received an honorary fellowship from the University of Wolverhampton.

Ranjit Singh has spent decades using sport to transform lives in his hometown. As head coach of Wolverhampton Wrestling Club, he's nurtured athletes who went on to compete in the Commonwealth Games while championing autism awareness and supporting neurodiverse individuals.

But his community work went far beyond the wrestling mat. When COVID-19 hit, Singh transformed his wrestling club into a foodbank and personally hand-delivered 10,000 pieces of protective equipment to key workers and care homes across the city.

Last year, Singh achieved something that seemed impossible. He brought the Kabaddi World Cup to Wolverhampton for its first tournament outside Asia, with seven women and four men from his club competing in the ancient sport that dates back more than 4,000 years.

The club itself is a family legacy. Singh's father and uncle started it decades ago after moving from India, continuing their traditional wrestling practice as "the only home feeling they were getting" in a new country.

Singh took over when his father retired and expanded the mission. The club has produced numerous national champions and broken gender barriers by actively supporting female athletes in traditionally male-dominated sports.

Why This Inspires

Singh's philosophy is simple but powerful. "Giving back is my biggest reward," he told BBC Radio WM, explaining that this culture of service runs through everything the club does.

He believes the discipline and character-building of wrestling should be taught in schools. "It's the confidence, the socializing and people become more humble, the kids become more respectful and you see a massive change in their behavior at home," he said.

For Singh, watching that transformation happen is the real prize. "For us that's rewarding because we can see what we are doing is working."

The Wolverhampton Wrestling Club has become more than a training ground. It's a place where tradition meets progress, where athletes of all genders and abilities find their strength, and where community needs are met with action rather than words.