Bangladeshi-origin Anisa named England women’s kabaddi captain
Anisa Khan, a British-Bangladeshi businesswoman, has been appointed captain of the England women’s national kabaddi team ahead of the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, which begins in Ahmedabad, India, on October 23.
Anisa, whose family hails from Moulvibazar in Bangladesh, announced her appointment on social media on Friday.
“I’m officially Captain of the England Women’s Kabaddi Team,” Anisa wrote on social media, expressing her pride at leading the team at the upcoming championship.
“I joined my university kabaddi society in 2017 as a complete beginner. I never imagined trying a new sport would lead me here,” she added.
Anisa said she would travel to India next week to lead the England team at the tournament, which will feature 14 countries, including Bangladesh.
Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Anisa began playing kabaddi at university before earning a place in the England women’s national team. She was part of England’s squad at the 2024 European Beach Kabaddi Championship.
She graduated from the London School of Economics (LSE) with a degree in economic development and later worked at international consultancy firm Accenture. She also founded Bombay Pizza during the Covid-19 pandemic while pursuing her interest in entrepreneurship.
She gained wider recognition in the UK in 2025 through her appearance on BBC One’s business reality show The Apprentice. Anisa finished as runner-up in the competition for a £250,000 investment from British businessman Lord Alan Sugar.
Despite her professional commitments, Anisa continued playing kabaddi, describing the sport as a constant presence throughout her career.
“Life has taken me in so many directions, but kabaddi has been there through all of it,” she wrote.
Anisa’s family roots lie in Akua village in Rajnagar upazila of Moulvibazar district. Her father moved from Bangladesh to the UK in 1973 and went on to establish businesses in the restaurant and property sectors. He is also the founder of the Asian Curry Awards.