Japan’s number one Jiyunomori Gakuin kabaddi club eyes next generation of kabaddi enthusiasts. The club was created in June 2011 keeping in mind that there were no Kabaddi club below the collegiate level.

"Nobody knew about the sport since it's not popular at all. We were really excited that it would be the first in Japan, and we just went on to make the club," said Mizuki Nakashima, 23, who was one of the founding members of the club.

The Japan Kabaddi Association has been aiming to attract more players to the sport by holding demonstration workshops across the country.