Anisa Khan: British-Bangladeshi Entrepreneur Set to Lead England’s Women’s Kabaddi Team

Anisa Khan, a British-Bangladeshi entrepreneur with family roots in Moulvibazar, Bangladesh, is preparing to take on a new challenge on the international sporting stage after being appointed captain of England’s women’s national kabaddi team for the upcoming Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad, India.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone in a journey that combines business achievement, professional experience and a passion for sport. For the British-Bangladeshi community, her rise to national team leadership is also a source of pride, highlighting the growing presence of people with Bangladeshi heritage across diverse fields in the United Kingdom.

From Moulvibazar Roots to the British Sporting Arena

Khan’s family background is closely connected to Akua village in Rajnagar upazila of Moulvibazar district in Bangladesh’s Sylhet region. Her father, Yaor Khan, moved to the United Kingdom in 1973 and subsequently established himself as a successful businessman.

Although she grew up and built her professional career in Britain, Khan’s family heritage remains an important part of her story. Her appointment as captain brings international attention to a family whose roots trace back to northeastern Bangladesh.

A Career Spanning Business, Television and Sport

Beyond her sporting ambitions, Khan has established a diverse professional profile. She studied at the London School of Economics and has worked as a consultant and food entrepreneur. She is also the founder of Bombay Pizza, a food brand in the United Kingdom.

Her public profile expanded further through her appearance on BBC One’s business reality programme The Apprentice, where she reached the final and finished as runner-up.

Her career demonstrates how professional ambition can extend across different industries, with sport representing another important dimension of her personal and professional journey.

From University Interest to National Team Leadership

Khan began playing kabaddi in 2017 while she was at university. What started as a sporting interest gradually developed into a sustained commitment to the traditional contact sport, which demands agility, tactical awareness, physical strength and close coordination among teammates.

Her appointment as captain of England’s women’s national kabaddi team represents the culmination of years of dedication. The role will place her in a position of responsibility as she leads her teammates through the challenges of international competition.

The Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad is expected to provide an important platform for the team to demonstrate its preparation, discipline and competitive ability.

A Proud Moment for the British-Bangladeshi Community

News of Khan’s appointment has drawn congratulations from members of the Greater Sylhet community in the United Kingdom. Community representatives praised her achievement and described it as an inspiring example of perseverance and commitment.

Among those expressing their congratulations were community leaders, academics, businesspeople and members of the organization’s regional and local branches. They wished Khan success in her new role and called for continued support as she prepares for the championship.

Her achievement carries significance beyond the sporting arena, offering encouragement to young people of Bangladeshi heritage who aspire to pursue opportunities in sports, business and other competitive fields.

Leadership and the Road Ahead

As England prepares for the championship, Khan will face the challenge of balancing individual performance with team leadership. Kabaddi requires players to combine speed, strategy and teamwork, making the captain’s role crucial in maintaining coordination and composure during high-pressure encounters.

Her experience in business and professional life may also offer valuable lessons in preparation, decision-making and working toward shared goals.

Khan’s appointment is a reminder that sporting success can emerge from unexpected career paths. From university-level participation to leading a national team, her journey reflects the value of sustained commitment and the willingness to pursue a passion alongside other professional responsibilities.

As she prepares to represent England in Ahmedabad, supporters from Britain and the Bangladeshi diaspora will be watching with interest, hoping that her leadership brings further success and inspires the next generation of kabaddi players.