India scripted history at the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, with both the men’s and women’s teams winning gold medals on October 31. The Indian men’s team defeated Sri Lanka 54-20 in the final, while the women’s team secured a convincing 35-15 victory over Uganda.
Both teams remained unbeaten throughout the competition, becoming the first-ever Commonwealth Kabaddi champions in their respective categories. The nine-day tournament brought together 23 teams representing 13 Commonwealth nations, marking an important milestone in the international growth of the sport.
Men Dominate Final
The Indian men’s team delivered a commanding performance against Sri Lanka, maintaining control throughout the final. India established an early 15-8 lead before extending its advantage to 30-10 by half-time. The team continued its attacking dominance in the second half, eventually securing a comprehensive 54-20 victory. Raider Aditya Shinde emerged as India’s leading scorer with 10 raid points, followed by Bharat Hooda with eight.
Pankaj Mohite contributed six points, while vice-captain Naveen Kumar added five. In defence, Yogesh Dahiya produced an outstanding performance, securing five successful tackles from five attempts to register a High 5. India inflicted four All-Outs during the match without conceding one to Sri Lanka.
Speaking after the victory, Aditya Shinde credited the Ahmedabad crowd for motivating the players and supporting the team throughout the competition. He expressed happiness over the growing popularity of kabaddi and hoped spectators would continue supporting the team in upcoming competitions.
Sri Lanka struggled to find opportunities against India’s organised defence and attacking combinations, with Maduwantha among its notable performers, contributing six tackle points. However, the team could not overcome India’s sustained pressure.
Women Complete Double
Earlier, the Indian women’s team secured the championship’s first gold medal for the country after defeating Uganda 35-15 in the final. Led by captain Nidhi Sharma, India controlled the match through disciplined defending and effective raiding. The team established a 7-3 early lead before extending its advantage to 22-7 at half-time. India eventually maintained its dominance to secure a 20-point victory.
Sakshi emerged as the leading performer with nine raid points from 10 raids, including seven in the first half. Anu contributed six raid points, while captain Nidhi Sharma added five. Defenders Ritu and Suman also played important roles, securing four tackle points each.
Uganda attempted to fight back in the second half, even outscoring India 7-6 in raid points during that period. However, India’s defensive strength and a second All-Out ensured that the result remained firmly in its favour.
Uganda’s Nakayongo Shirat was among the team’s notable performers, contributing 11 points, but the side struggled to break through India’s defensive formation. Following the victory, Sakshi highlighted the importance of international competitions in helping young players gain experience and improving the standard of kabaddi globally.
Unbeaten Campaign
Both Indian teams entered the finals after impressive performances in the group stages and semi-finals. The men’s team won all six of its group-stage matches, defeating England, Uganda, Malaysia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Sri Lanka. India then secured a place in the final with a 56-27 victory over Bangladesh in the semi-final on October 30. Its final victory over Sri Lanka completed an eight-match unbeaten campaign.
The women’s team also maintained a perfect record, winning all six matches. India began its campaign with a 73-13 victory over Malaysia, followed by wins against Singapore, Uganda and Nigeria in the group stage.
After finishing at the top of its group, the team defeated Sri Lanka 39-14 in the semi-final before overcoming Uganda in the title clash. The consistent performances of both teams reflected India’s strength in raiding and defending, with several players making important contributions throughout the competition.
International Kabaddi Push
The inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship was held from October 23 to 31 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The competition featured 13 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams representing 13 Commonwealth nations, with more than 400 athletes participating across 62 matches. Countries taking part included India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Uganda, England, Scotland and Australia.
Organised by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), with the approval of the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), the championship aimed to provide a wider international platform for the traditional Indian sport.
Ahead of the tournament, AKFI General Secretary Jitendra Pran Singh Thakur described hosting the inaugural championship in Ahmedabad as a proud moment for Indian kabaddi. IKF General Secretary Tejasvi Gehlot also highlighted the competition’s importance in expanding the sport’s international presence and creating opportunities for athletes from different Commonwealth nations.
Ahmedabad’s Sporting Ambitions
The championship also carries significance for Ahmedabad, which is scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Hosting an international kabaddi competition provides the city with an opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure and organisational capabilities while introducing the sport to a wider international audience.
The tournament could also strengthen efforts to secure greater international recognition for kabaddi and encourage its inclusion in future multi-sport competitions. For Indian athletes, greater international exposure would mean more opportunities to compete against teams from different countries and help raise the overall standard of the sport.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s historic double triumph is a moment of pride not only for Indian sport but also for the growing international community of kabaddi players. While the victories of the men’s and women’s teams deserve celebration, the participation of countries such as Uganda, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Bangladesh highlights the potential of traditional sports to build connections across cultures.
Kabaddi’s journey from a deeply rooted Indian sport to an international competition demonstrates how sporting platforms can encourage cultural exchange, mutual respect and healthy competition. The women’s team’s achievement is equally important in recognising the growing contribution of women to Indian sport and inspiring the next generation of athletes. As kabaddi seeks a wider global audience, its future should be shaped by greater opportunities, inclusive participation and stronger international cooperation.
Can tournaments like the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship help traditional Indian sports earn a permanent place on the global sporting stage?
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