England lose to triumphant India in Kabaddi World Cup

England were beaten in the men's and women's finals of the Kabaddi World Cup in Wolverhampton on Sunday.

It was the first time the competition has been staged outside Asia with events held in venues across the region, attracting a global audience of millions, organisers have said.

Sunday's final at WV Active Aldersley in the city was a sell out with Scotland men's team beating Wales in the battle for bronze.

England's women were unable to overcome defending champions India, losing 57-34, with the men also being beaten by India 44-41, in a closely contested end of the tournament.

Sally Hill, England vice captain, said it had been a special experience on home soil, despite losing.

"I think for Team England women, we're going to keep pushing forwards." she said.

"We've got lots of other tournaments that we're already looking at and want to be part of and it's just to keep building from here and get that experience as well."

She said she had had support from her fiance, family and friends all week which had been a boost.

"All the girls have been able to have the support from their friends and family - and just the awareness it's going to bring for kabaddi in the UK as well."

The tournament, stemming from an ancient Indian sport dating back more than 4,000 years, kicked off on 17 March with England men taking on Hungary at WV Active.

Venues in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry and Walsall hosted almost 50 matches before Sunday's final.

Staging the event in the West Midlands was a "huge moment" for the region, according to tourism officials and it is part of a "momentous" month of sport with three major international tournaments being held in March.

The World Cup is sponsored by Paddy Power and has additional funding of £500,000 from the UK Government's Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund and a higher education sponsorship from the University of Wolverhampton.

Ms Hill said the England team had enjoyed the tournament and "learnt a lot".

"For our first international tournament, to come away with second, or silver, is amazing," she added.

Male and female competitors from across Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas and Europe have taken part in the tournament.

Prem Singh, chief executive officer of the British Kabaddi League, said it had been an ambitious challenge to bring the World Cup to the region but he was pleased they had managed it.

It was broadcast to nine television channels around the world including in India, Malaysia, the US and Africa.

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