Commonwealth Kabaddi Final: India and Uganda Set for Epic Clash
India and Uganda set up a thrilling final in the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 after dominant and nail-biting semi-final wins.
The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad as Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 semi-finals concluded on Friday. India Women have stormed into the final with a commanding performance, while Uganda Women secured their spot after a heart-stopping encounter against Kenya.
India's Dominant Charge to the Final
The Indian women's team left no room for doubt in their semi-final clash against Sri Lanka, delivering a masterclass in kabaddi to win 39-14. India took control of the game from the opening whistle, establishing a massive 24-7 lead by the end of the first half.
The victory was a collective effort, though a few players stood out:
- Sakshi led the charge with 11 points, combining eight raid points with three crucial tackles.
- Captain Nidhi Sharma was equally lethal, contributing 10 points from 12 raids, including two bonus points.
- The defense was anchored by Ritu, who secured four tackle points, while Suman added three more.
India's overall dominance was reflected in their statistics, scoring 21 raid points and 12 tackle points, while inflicting three All-Outs on the Sri Lankan side. In contrast, Sri Lanka struggled to find their rhythm, managing only eight successful raids throughout the match. Diluxshana was their top performer with six points, and Priyavarna managed a Super Tackle, but it wasn't enough to stop the Indian juggernaut.
Uganda Edges Kenya in Last-Minute Thriller
While India's path was smooth, Uganda had to fight tooth and nail to overcome Kenya in a match that went down to the wire. In a gripping contest, Uganda eventually emerged victorious with a 23-21 win.
Uganda held a 12-9 lead at halftime and seemed to be in control with a 18-12 lead remaining with seven minutes on the clock. However, Kenya mounted a fierce comeback. Lavenda Odhiambo became the catalyst for Kenya, scoring 16 raid points—11 of which came after the break—including six bonus points. Lizzeanne Owino supported her with two tackle points.
Despite Kenya outscoring Uganda 9-5 in the final seven minutes, Uganda's tactical discipline saved the day. The Ugandan side relied on a perfect record in do-or-die raids (5/5) and a critical first-half All-Out to maintain their slim lead. Key contributors for Uganda included:
- Nakayongo Shirat and Nalwoga Nahia, who both scored eight points. Nahia provided a massive boost after coming off the bench in the second half.
- Captain Nalubega Olivia, who contributed three tackle points.
The Final Showdown: Rematch Time
The final on October 31 will be a rematch of the group stage, where India previously dominated Uganda with a 41-18 victory. However, the Ugandan team's resilience in the semi-finals suggests they will be a tougher opponent this time around.
Speaking after her team's victory, India captain Nidhi Sharma expressed her excitement but remained cautious about the upcoming clash.
"I'm very happy; it feels really good to have reached the final. We have played Uganda before, but they will change their strategy because it's the second time we're facing them, so it will be a good match,"she stated.
The women's final is scheduled to take place on October 31 at 7:30 PM IST.