The Indian women’s kabaddi team returned home victorious after winning the 6th Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship held in Tehran. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced a cash reward of Rs 67,50,000 during a felicitation ceremony, recognizing their outstanding achievement. India defended their title by defeating Iran 32-25 in a thrilling final.
Historic Victory and Tournament Recap The championship made its return after an eight-year hiatus, with the last edition also hosted in Iran in 2017. In that tournament, India triumphed over South Korea to secure the trophy. The recent edition saw India placed in Group A alongside Thailand, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. The team showcased dominant performances, securing resounding victories against Bangladesh (64-23), Thailand (76-21), and Malaysia (73-19). Their impressive cumulative score difference of +150 solidified their top position in the group.
In the semi-finals, India overpowered Nepal with a commanding 56-18 win, setting up a high-stakes final against Iran. The title clash proved to be the most challenging encounter of the tournament. However, the Indian squad displayed remarkable resilience and skill, clinching the championship with a hard-fought 32-25 victory. Notably, South Korea remains the only other nation to have won this tournament, having emerged victorious on home soil in 2016.
Commitment to Women’s Sports Development During the felicitation ceremony, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting women’s sports. He announced the launch of a women’s kabaddi league, providing female athletes with increased opportunities similar to their male counterparts.
“We will take all efforts to support our female athletes. In line with the men’s league, we will be starting a women’s kabaddi league to give women more opportunities. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi wants our girls to get equal opportunities in the development of Viksit Bharat,” Mandaviya stated.
He further elaborated on the government’s strategy to involve the corporate sector in the development of sports. “At the Chintan Shivir in Hyderabad, we took a decision to get the corporate sector to adopt one sport and provide the best financial support as well as open academies where athletes get good coaches and quality training. We from the government will do everything to ensure this even for indigenous sports, including kabaddi,” he added.
The Role of Leadership and Training The success of the Indian women’s kabaddi team would not have been possible without the leadership of captain and raider Sonali Shingate. She expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support received from the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs.
“This victory is for every member of our team, which played magnificently to ensure that we returned as champions. The support from the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs has been instrumental in our preparation. Our camp held at SAI Sonepat was crucial to our success. We are also very grateful for the timely support from the Supreme Court for ensuring that our team could prepare for this championship. We are glad we could prove successful with the faith put in us. Now, we are looking forward to the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in Bihar this June,” said an elated Shingate.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Kabaddi in India The government’s push for gender equality in sports, coupled with structured training programs and financial incentives, is expected to elevate women’s kabaddi in India. The introduction of a professional women’s kabaddi league will provide a platform for young and aspiring players to hone their skills and compete at the highest levels.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in Bihar, where India will aim to continue its winning streak. The victory in the Asian Championship has set the tone for the team’s preparations, with expectations soaring for another remarkable performance.
Conclusion The Indian women’s kabaddi team has once again demonstrated excellence, resilience, and determination. Their triumphant victory in the 6th Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship has not only brought pride to the nation but has also set the foundation for further growth in women’s sports. With increased government support, financial incentives, and the promise of a professional league, the future of women’s kabaddi in India looks brighter than ever.
