British-Bangladeshi Anisa Khan Named Captain of England Women’s Kabaddi Team

Staff Report | PNN

British-Bangladeshi young woman Anisa Khan has been appointed captain of the United Kingdom’s national women’s kabaddi team. She will lead England at the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, which is scheduled to begin on October 23 in Ahmedabad, India. Her achievement has drawn renewed attention to her Bangladeshi roots, as she has established a presence in business and entertainment alongside her sporting career.

Anisa announced her appointment as captain on social media. Her father, British businessman Yaawar Khan, subsequently confirmed the news to the media. Being entrusted with the captaincy at an international competition is being viewed as a significant milestone in Anisa’s sporting career.

Anisa Khan works as a consultant and is also known as the founder of the food brand Bombay Pizza. She graduated from the London School of Economics (LSE) in the United Kingdom. Beyond her business career, she has established a presence on British television. She reached the final of BBC One’s popular reality show The Apprentice, finishing as the runner-up.

Anisa began playing kabaddi in 2017 while she was at university. Through regular training and strong performances, she eventually secured a place in England’s national women’s team. She also represented England at the 2024 European Beach Kabaddi Championship. Her appointment as captain has now brought additional responsibilities.

Anisa’s family roots trace back to the village of Akua in Rajnagar upazila of Moulvibazar district, in Bangladesh’s Sylhet Division. Her father, Yaawar Khan, left Bangladesh for the United Kingdom in 1973. He began his professional career there through the restaurant business before later achieving success in the property sector.

Yaawar Khan is also known as the founder of the Asian Curry Awards in the United Kingdom. Anisa is the youngest of four siblings.

The Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship is scheduled to begin in Ahmedabad on October 23. National teams from 14 countries, including Bangladesh and England, are expected to participate in the competition. Anisa will take the field as captain of the English team.

Kabaddi enthusiasts are now waiting to see how England’s women’s team performs under the leadership of the British-Bangladeshi athlete. Her achievement has also become a source of pride for expatriate Bangladeshis, highlighting the growing presence of people of Bangladeshi heritage in international sport.