Ahmedabad to Host Historic First Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026
13 nations and 400+ athletes will descend on Ahmedabad for the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026. Get all the details here.
The sporting landscape of Gujarat is gearing up for a massive milestone as Ahmedabad prepares to host the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026. Scheduled to take place from October 23 to 31, the event will transform the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex into a battlefield of strength and strategy, bringing together 13 nations for nine days of high-octane international competition.
A Massive Scale of Competition
Organised by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and sanctioned by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), this landmark tournament is designed to crown the first-ever Commonwealth champions in both men's and women's categories. The scale of the event is impressive, featuring 23 squads and over 400 elite athletes.
Fans can expect a total of 62 thrilling matches, broken down as follows:
- Men's Category: 39 matches
- Women's Category: 23 matches
The Road to Glory: Teams and Captains
During a recent curtain-raiser press conference, the organizers unveiled the official logo, mascot, anthem, and jerseys. The spotlight remained firmly on the host nation, India, which has named its leadership for the campaign. The Indian men's team will be led by captain Surjeet Singh, supported by vice-captain Naveen Kumar. Meanwhile, Nidhi Sharma will spearhead the women's squad, with Ritu serving as the vice-captain.
Participating Nations
The championship will see a diverse array of talent from across the globe. The 13 participating nations include:
- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
- Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
- Canada, Singapore, Malaysia
- England, Scotland, Australia
Crucial Dates and Themes
The tournament will build momentum throughout the week, culminating in a high-stakes finale. The semifinals for both the men's and women's categories are scheduled for October 30, leading up to the grand finals on October 31.
The event is being held under the inspiring theme: “One Breath. One Raid. One Commonwealth.”
Beyond the Game: A Global Vision
This championship is more than just a tournament; it is a strategic move to elevate kabaddi's status on the world stage. By bringing together Commonwealth nations, the AKFI and IKF hope to strengthen the argument for kabaddi's potential inclusion in the official Commonwealth Games.
Furthermore, with Ahmedabad slated to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, this event serves as a critical litmus test to showcase the city's world-class infrastructure and its capacity to manage large-scale international sporting spectacles.
"It is a proud moment for Indian kabaddi to host the first Commonwealth Championship in Ahmedabad. We look forward to welcoming the participating teams and showcasing the spirit, skill and competitive intensity of the sport on an international stage," said Jitendra Pran Singh Thakur, General Secretary of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India.
Adding to the vision, Tejasvi Gehlot, General Secretary of the International Kabaddi Federation, noted that the event marks a pivotal step in expanding the sport's international presence and providing athletes with a prestigious new platform to display their abilities to a global audience.