The Indian women’s kabaddi team was felicitated by the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and JioStar on Friday following their triumphant return from Dhaka, Bangladesh, where they clinched the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup on November 24. India defeated Chinese Taipei 35–28 in the final to secure their second consecutive World Cup title, reaffirming their dominance on the global stage.
India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all their group-stage matches before defeating Iran 33–21 in the semi-final. Chinese Taipei, who also progressed unbeaten from their group, entered the final after overcoming hosts Bangladesh 25–18.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ishan Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer, Sports, JioStar, hailed the team’s achievement and its broader impact on women’s sport in the country. “This has been a remarkable year for women’s sports in India, the exceptional dominance of the women’s kabaddi team being another feather in our cap. Their success isn’t just about winning a trophy; it builds a talent pipeline for young girls across the country who now look at this team and say, ‘If they can do it, I can do it too.’”
PKL League Chairman and Business Head of Mashal Sports, Anupam Goswami, emphasised the long-term vision for women’s kabaddi and the importance of sustainable growth. “The federation’s commitment — especially in bringing back the Women’s World Cup after 12 years shows that the sport is moving firmly in the right direction. This World Cup trophy is more than a win; it is a shared responsibility for all of us as we look ahead.”
He further added, “When we think about a Women’s Kabaddi League, rushing it isn’t the answer. We need to build it the right way — with players who truly want to be part of it, with a model that makes commercial sense, and with a structure that can support women’s kabaddi for the long run”.
Head coach V. Tejeswini Bai reflected on the team’s journey and preparation, highlighting the depth of effort behind the success. “This is the third time I’ve been part of a coaching setup that has won a medal, and every single one of them feels incredibly special. I’m proud not just of the result, but of the journey this group has taken… What you’re seeing in this victory is the result of months and months of disciplined preparation.”
Team captain Ritu Negi spoke about resilience and collective strength, particularly in the face of personal challenges. “In the last match I wasn’t able to play much because of my injury, and of course that was frustrating. But our team is bigger than any one player. What matters is that our players stepped up and executed exactly what was needed. Winning the World Cup and seeing the response from across the country—including from the Honourable Prime Minister—makes us feel that our hard work truly represents India.”
Highlighting kabaddi’s growing international footprint, Vibhor Vineet Jain, President of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), spoke about the sport’s evolving competitive landscape. “Kabaddi is no longer limited to the subcontinent. Nations like Chinese Taipei and Iran have transformed the competitive landscape. This diversity is enriching the sport, and we’re operating at every level to ensure kabaddi reaches its highest global pinnacles.”
The felicitation ceremony celebrated not only India’s World Cup triumph but also the growing momentum and institutional support for women’s kabaddi, signalling an exciting and transformative phase ahead for the sport in the country.
