13 Nations Set for Inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad, No Participation From Pak
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Already preparing to host Commonwealth Games 2030, Ahmedabad will host the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 from October 23 to 31 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, featuring over 400 athletes across 13 countries competing for the men's and women's titles.
Organised by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) with approval from the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), the nine-day tournament comprises 62 matches in total, 39 men's and 23 women's games.
The semi-finals take place on 30 October, culminating in the finals on 31 October to crown the first Commonwealth champions in both divisions.
Pakistan Out as 13 Countries Lock Horns
Participation dropped from an expected 14 nations down to 13 after the Pakistan government refused permission for its team to travel.
Confirming the development, AKFI General Secretary Jitendra Pran Singh Thakur stated, "We had expected 14 countries to participate in the championship, including Pakistan. However, the Pakistan government denied permission for its team to participate. As a result, 13 countries will compete in the tournament."
The competing line-up features India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Uganda, England, Scotland, and Australia.
Unveiling Team India's Kit, Mascot, and Tournament Theme
At the official curtain-raiser event, organisers launched Team India's championship jersey alongside the team captain, official logo, and mascot. The tournament will operate under the official theme, "One Breath. One Raid. One Commonwealth", highlighting the rapid action of the sport alongside cross-national sportsmanship.
Fans can buy match tickets online via ThumpN for live attendance at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, whilst television and streaming audiences can watch live broadcasts across Star Sports and JioHotstar.
Bid to Push Kabaddi into the 2030 Commonwealth Games
The tournament arrives as Ahmedabad prepares to host the centennial edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030. Sports administrators view the event as an avenue to expand kabaddi's global footprint.
Thakur highlighted that hosting the inaugural edition marks a proud moment for Indian kabaddi to showcase competitive skill on a global platform. IKF General Secretary Tejasvi Gehlot noted that the championship offers Commonwealth athletes a fresh stage to demonstrate their talent.
"As the host nation, India has the option to include two sports of its choice," Gehlot noted. "We are hopeful that kabaddi will be one of the sports included in the 2030 Commonwealth Games."
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