Women’s Kabaddi World Cup Returns After 13 Years, Set to Kick Off in Dhaka with 12 Teams Battling for Glory

The Women’s Kabaddi World Cup is making a long-awaited return this month, with Dhaka, Bangladesh, set to host the second edition from November 17 to 24. Twelve teams from around the world will compete for the coveted title, marking the tournament’s revival after a 13-year hiatus.

This will be the first Women’s Kabaddi World Cup to be held outside India. The event, initially planned for Rajgir and later Hyderabad, was eventually shifted to Dhaka, underscoring Bangladesh’s growing presence in the sport. The inaugural edition took place in 2012, where India claimed the championship with a 25–19 win over Iran in the final.

Defending champions India have announced a strong 14-member squad, led once again by Asian Games gold medal-winning captain Ritu Negi. Pushpa Rana has been named vice-captain, while Asian Kabaddi Championship-winning skipper Sonali Shingate returns to the national setup as a player. The squad also includes seasoned performers such as Pooja Narwal, Bhavna Thakur, Sakshi Sharma, Pooja Kajla, Champa Thakur, Mini Narwal, Ritu Sheoran, Ritu Mitharwal, Sanju Devi, Dhanalakshmi, and Anu Kumari.

India’s campaign will be guided by experienced coaches Tejaswini Bai and Kavita Selvaraj, both known for their tactical acumen and leadership on and off the mat. With a blend of youth and experience, the team enters the tournament as the clear favorite to defend its title.

Hosts Bangladesh will look to capitalize on home support as they chase their maiden World Cup triumph. Iran, who finished runners-up in 2012, are determined to go one better this time. The competition will also see participation from Chinese Taipei, Nepal, Thailand, Kenya, Uganda, Zanzibar, Argentina, Poland, and Germany, showcasing the sport’s expanding global reach.

The week-long event promises high-intensity matches and renewed rivalries, as teams from different continents compete for kabaddi’s most prestigious women’s title. With powerhouses like India and Iran leading the charge, and emerging teams aiming to make their mark, the 2025 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup is expected to deliver a thrilling showcase of athleticism, strategy, and teamwork in Dhaka.