Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship begins in Ahmedabad; India women face Malaysia, men take on England

Ahmedabad, October 22, 2026. The first Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship will begin on Friday at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, with India opening its campaign against Malaysia in the women’s competition and England in the men’s event. The nine-day tournament will run from October 23 to 31 and feature 23 teams from 13 nations across 62 matches, including 39 men’s fixtures and 23 women’s fixtures. For India, the event is significant both as hosts and as part of Ahmedabad’s preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. On the opening day, India’s women’s team, led by Nidhi Sharma, will face Malaysia at 6:45 PM. The men’s side, captained by Surjeet Singh, will take on England at 8:30 PM. The day will begin with Kenya facing Singapore in a men’s Group B match at 11:00 AM. The double-header involving the Indian teams is expected to draw strong local interest. The men’s competition has 13 teams divided into two groups. India is in Group A with Nigeria, Malaysia, Uganda, England, Tanzania and Sri Lanka. Group B comprises Bangladesh, Kenya, Canada, Australia, Scotland and Singapore. India’s 14-member men’s squad includes vice-captain Naveen Kumar, Sachin Tanwar, Pankaj Mohite, Bharat Hooda, Shubham Shinde and Parvesh Bhainswal. After facing England, India will meet Uganda on October 24, Malaysia on October 25, Nigeria on October 26, Tanzania on October 27 and Sri Lanka on October 29. The women’s competition features 10 teams in two groups of five. India shares Group A with Singapore, Nigeria, Uganda and Malaysia. Group B includes Bangladesh, Kenya, England, Scotland and Sri Lanka. Ritu will serve as vice-captain of the Indian women’s team, which also features Muskan Sharma, Riya Kumari, Simran Kamboj and Karthika Ramesh. After Malaysia, India will meet Singapore on October 24, Uganda on October 25 and Nigeria on October 26. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals on October 30. The women’s and men’s finals are scheduled for October 31. The tournament is organised by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India with approval from the International Kabaddi Federation. India’s men’s team will need to handle a busy group schedule. England will provide a physically demanding opening test, while Sri Lanka are traditionally technical and disciplined. Nigeria and Uganda can challenge with pace and strength, and Malaysia and Tanzania cannot be taken lightly. India will need to find rhythm early and manage recovery during consecutive matches. In the women’s event, Malaysia will be India’s first opponent. Singapore and Uganda follow, before a group finale against Nigeria. India will aim to top Group A and enter the semifinals in strong form. Nidhi Sharma and Ritu will have to balance aggression with control, while younger players will need to adapt quickly to international pressure. Ahmedabad’s hosting of the championship comes as the city prepares for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The event is seen as a showcase for kabaddi’s global growth and for India’s ability to stage major international competitions. With home support behind them, both Indian teams will carry expectations as they begin their campaigns on Friday.