Nepal UK
Sat, 19 July 2025
KATHMANDU/HYDERABAD – Nepal's national women's kabaddi team embarked on their journey to India this Saturday, 19th July 2025, to compete in the highly anticipated second edition of the Women's Kabaddi World Cup. The tournament, set to unfold in Hyderabad from 3rd to 10th August, marks a significant revival for the sport, returning after a 13-year hiatus.
The inaugural Women's Kabaddi World Cup was held in Patna, India, in 2012. That event saw host nation India claim the championship, with Iran finishing as runner-up, and Japan and Thailand securing third and fourth positions, respectively. The long gap between editions underscores the renewed global interest and commitment to promoting women's kabaddi on an international stage.
Kabaddi, an ancient contact sport originating from South Asia, has been gaining increasing international prominence, particularly since its inclusion in the Asian Games. In Nepal, the sport has steadily grown in popularity, with both men's and women's teams achieving notable successes. The recent establishment of the Nepal Kabaddi League further highlights the sport's formal development within the nation.
Nepal's national women's team arrives at this World Cup as a formidable contender, currently ranked third among 47 Kabaddi nations in Asia. Their impressive continental performances, including a historic bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games, underscore their rising stature and determination to compete at the highest levels. This achievement has significantly contributed to challenging the perception that Nepali women's kabaddi is limited solely to South Asian dominance.
The 14-member Nepali squad is led by captain Manmati Bista, with the delegation also including Head Coach Bishnudatt Bhatt, Assistant Coach Harina Thapa, Manager Sharad Darshandhari, and Referee Ramesh Chandra Ojha. Before the main tournament commences, the team is set to undergo an intensive 12-day training camp in Mor Majra, Haryana, where they will hone their skills through warm-up matches against five local clubs.
Coach Bhatt and Captain Bista have expressed strong confidence in the team's prospects, highlighting their eight months of focused training and a resolute ambition to return home with a coveted medal.
The World Cup features a diverse lineup of competing nations, signalling the sport's expanding global footprint. Alongside Nepal, teams from India, Uganda, Germany, Chinese Taipei, the Netherlands, Zanzibar, Iran, Japan, Poland, Kenya, Argentina, Bangladesh, and Thailand are ready to battle for the title.
At a special farewell ceremony held on Friday, the team received a heartfelt send-off from key sports dignitaries. National Sports Council Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising praised the team's upward trajectory, noting their accomplishments have disproven any limitations previously associated with Nepali women’s kabaddi. National Team Director Deepak Bista offered his best wishes, urging the players to compete with unwavering national pride, representing not just their skills but the aspirations of a nation.
While women's sports in Nepal have historically faced challenges, including limited infrastructure and consistent investment, the dedication and performance of athletes like the national women's kabaddi team continue to break barriers and inspire future generations. Their participation in such a prestigious global event is a testament to their resilience and the growing potential of Nepali women in sports.
This World Cup presents a golden opportunity for Nepal's women to etch their names further in Kabaddi history, building on their impressive Asian standing.
