Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025: A Global Celebration of Kabaddi in Rajgir, Bihar
Event Details
- Dates: June 1–10, 2025
- Location: Rajgir, Bihar, India
- Organizers: International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI)
- Teams: 14 (including teams from Africa and Latin America)
Bihar’s Kabaddi Legacy
Bihar is no stranger to hosting this marquee event, having successfully staged the inaugural Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in 2012 at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna. Rajgir, known for its cultural and historical significance, will now host the second edition, reinforcing Bihar’s growing stature as a hub for kabaddi.
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Kabaddi: A Sport Steeped in History
Kabaddi, one of the world’s oldest sports with a 4,000-year legacy, has deep roots in Indian tradition. Once showcased as an exhibition sport at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, kabaddi has evolved into a fiercely competitive global game, blending athleticism, strategy, and teamwork.
Participating Teams
The 2025 edition will feature a diverse lineup of 14 teams, reflecting kabaddi’s growing international appeal:
- Asia: India (defending champions), Islamic Republic of Iran, Bangladesh, Japan, Thailand, Nepal
- Europe: Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Germany
- Africa: Uganda, Kenya
- Latin America: Argentina
This global representation, particularly the inclusion of African and Latin American teams, underscores kabaddi’s expanding footprint.
Tournament Format
While the exact format for 2025 is yet to be announced, the first edition in 2012 featured 16 teams competing in a round-robin group stage followed by knockout rounds, with 31 matches played over four days. Fans can expect a similar high-intensity structure, with details to be confirmed closer to the event.
India’s Dominance
India enters as the defending champions, having clinched the inaugural title in 2012 with a 25-19 victory over Iran in the final. Japan and Thailand secured joint-third place after their semi-final losses. The Indian women’s team, fresh off their fifth consecutive Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship title in March 2025 (defeating Iran 32-25 in Tehran), is poised to assert their supremacy on home soil.
Significance of the Event
The Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 is more than a tournament; it’s a celebration of kabaddi’s global rise and a platform to empower women in sports. With teams from diverse continents, the event will showcase the sport’s universal appeal and foster cross-cultural connections.
Looking Ahead
As Rajgir prepares to host this landmark event, anticipation is building for a thrilling display of skill, grit, and passion. Will India defend their crown, or will an emerging nation like Uganda or Argentina cause an upset? The Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 is set to answer these questions and cement kabaddi’s place on the global stage.
