The city of Ahmedabad is set to host the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship from October 23-31, bringing together 13 countries for nine days of intense kabaddi action.
The tournament, organised by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) with the approval of the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), will feature over 400 players competing across 62 matches.
Key Takeaways
- The Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship will be held in Ahmedabad from October 23-31
- 13 countries and over 400 players will participate in the tournament
- The championship aims to promote kabaddi and make a case for its inclusion in the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games
Who is participating in the championship
The participating nations include India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Uganda, England, Scotland, and Australia.
What the championship means for kabaddi
The championship has the overarching ambition of breaking into the Olympic roster in mind, as it seeks to push the popularity of the sport to fresh markets.
The organisers hope this tournament will make a case for the sportโs inclusion in the Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
India's teams and captains
Indiaโs menโs team will be captained by Surjeet Singh, with Naveen Kumar as vice-captain, while Nidhi Sharma will lead the womenโs team, with Ritu serving as vice-captain.
By the numbers
- 13 countries participating
- 400 players competing
- 62 matches to be played
- 39 games in the menโs competition
- 23 games in the womenโs edition
Ahmedabad's preparations for the championship
With Ahmedabad set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, the tournament also offers an opportunity to showcase the cityโs capacity to host international sporting events and introduce kabaddi to a wider global audience.
Tejasvi Gehlot, General Secretary, International Kabaddi Federation, said, โThe inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship marks an important step in expanding kabaddiโs international presence.
Bringing national teams from across the Commonwealth together will give athletes a new platform to showcase their abilities and introduce the sport to a wider global audience.โ
Schedule and format
The semifinals in both categories will take place on October 30, followed by the finals on October 31.
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Impact on Indian sports
The championship is expected to have a significant impact on Indian sports, as it will provide a platform for Indian athletes to compete against international teams and gain experience.
What to expect from the championship
The championship promises to be an exciting event, with top teams from around the world competing for the title.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship is a significant event that will bring together 13 countries and over 400 players for nine days of intense kabaddi action.
Future of Kabaddi in India
The success of the championship will also depend on the support of the Indian government and the sports federation, as well as the enthusiasm of the Indian fans.
Commonwealth Games 2030
Ahmedabadโs hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030 will be a major opportunity for the city to showcase its capabilities and for kabaddi to gain more recognition.
Kabaddi's Olympic Ambitions
The International Kabaddi Federation has been working towards getting kabaddi included in the Olympic Games, and the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship is a step in that direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship?
The Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship is a kabaddi tournament featuring 13 countries and over 400 players, held in Ahmedabad from October 23-31.
Who is participating in the championship?
The participating nations include India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Uganda, England, Scotland, and Australia.
What is the significance of the championship?
The championship aims to promote kabaddi and make a case for its inclusion in the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games, while also providing a platform for Indian athletes to compete against international teams.
