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 heritage.
Built on heritage.
Driven by community.
From a record-breaking undefeated university season to the national semi-professional stage — this is the Manchester Giants story.
The origin story
Where the Giants began
Manchester Giants Kabaddi grew out of a deep-rooted passion for the sport in the North West. It was founded by Surya Muthu, who has competed at the very top of the game — a World Cup bronze and a European Championship silver.
The club is built directly on the success of the University of Manchester Kabaddi team. As its former President and Captain, Surya led the side to an undefeated season, sweeping every tournament they entered — and it’s that same winning culture we’re bringing to the national stage.
You can meet our founder, coaching and support staff on the Team page.
Beyond the scoreboard
Players looked after, properly
We take the parts that don’t show on the scoreboard seriously — proper coaching, conditioning and recovery, with a real duty of care for everyone who pulls on the shirt.
It means we don’t just chase wins. We prioritise injury prevention, fitness and the long-term health of our players.
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, social nature of kabaddi 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.