The Asian Kabbadi Championship is a Kabaddi tournament that was first held in 1980. Over the years, it has been held 9 times on and off for the men’s team, the latest being 2023 in South Korea. India has been a defending champion for the title by winning every single year except 2003 when Iran won.
Similarly, the women’s tournament has been held 5 times, the most recent being 8 years ago in 2017. Living up to the nation’s name in the sport, the women’s team also defended the title except in 2016 when South Korea won. The reason for it not being held for such a long time is unknown, however, the upcoming season is scheduled in 2025 following the Kabaddi World Cup which is set to take place in March.
The Asian Kabaddi Championship 2025 will be held in Iran from 20 June to 25 February 2025. The previous edition held in 2017 was won by India against South Korea by 42-20, marking their 4th title in the series. The final game was led by Mhatre with Sakshi Mumari, Kavita, Sayali Jadhav and Payel Chowdhury at the beginning of the match.
National kabaddi players, Priyanka and Pooja forged a plea to secure their participation after which the Supreme Court of India intervened in the matter. The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) faced disaffiliation from the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) on July 2 of the previous year, preventing both men’s and women’s teams from participating in international events.
This led to uncertainty over their participation in the upcoming Asian Kabaddi Championship 2025 who are strong contenders of the title having won 4 times previously. On Thursday 7 February, the Supreme Court ensured the transfer of charge to an elected body. The IFK has also written a letter stating that it would restore the AKFI’s affiliation and ensure the Indian team’s participation in the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2025.
Possible List of Players Ft. Asian Kabaddi Championship 2025
AKFI has announced a list of possible players for upcoming kabaddi tournaments, the selection process will be based on the individual performance of the players at the 71st Senior National Kabaddi Championship which will take place from 20 to 23 February 2025. Players who get selected will represent India in all upcoming tournaments.
The players selected for the camp are: Amrapali, Amulya Patil, Anshu Devi, Athmeeya, Bhavna, Dhanalaxmi, Dimple, Gayatri, Harjeet, Indu Kumari, Jyoti, Manisha Bara, Manisha Kumari, Neha, Nidhi Sharma, Nisha, Parachi, Pavitra, Pooja, Pushpa Rana, Rajarani, Rajni, Ritika, Ritu, Ritu Kumari, Sakshi Sharma, Saloni Gajmal, Sayapriya, Sheela Laxmi, Simran Kamboj, Surashree Pakira, and Tanvi Lukta.
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