The Indian women's kabaddi team has once again cemented its dominance in the sport, securing their second consecutive World Cup title in a thrilling final against Chinese Taipei. The summit clash, held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on November 24, 2025, saw India emerge victorious with a score of 35-28. This win marks a significant milestone as it's the first time the Women's Kabaddi World Cup has been hosted outside of India, with 11 nations participating.
However, the victory wasn't without its challenges. In an unfortunate turn of events, captain Ritu Negi sustained an injury during a crucial moment in the final. Negi, a Arjuna Award winner and a key player for the team, suffered a blow to her right arm while tackling a Chinese Taipei raider. Despite the setback, the Indian team rallied together, maintaining their lead and ultimately clinching the title.
Ritu Negi, born on May 30, 1992, hails from Himachal Pradesh and has been a pivotal figure in Indian kabaddi. She is not only the captain of the World Cup-winning team but also the first woman from her state to represent India at the Asian Games. Her leadership and contribution, even with the injury, have been lauded by coaches and fans alike. She is married to Rohit Gulia, who is also a kabaddi player.
The Indian team's journey to the final was marked by consistent excellence and teamwork. They maintained an undefeated record throughout the tournament, showcasing their tactical and physical superiority. In the group stages, they secured commanding victories over Thailand (65-20) and Bangladesh (43-18), demonstrating their dominance. The semi-final clash against Iran saw them emerge victorious with a 33-21 score, setting the stage for the final showdown with Chinese Taipei. Chinese Taipei also had an unbeaten run in their group and beat hosts Bangladesh 25-18 in the semi-final. Sanju Devi was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
The victory has sparked celebrations across the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating the team for their outstanding performance. He noted that their win would inspire countless youngsters to pursue kabaddi, dreaming bigger and aiming higher. Other leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, have also praised the team's discipline and talent.
Coaches Manpreet Singh and Ajay Thakur have commended the team's belief, teamwork, and relentless hard work. They also highlighted the rapid growth of women's kabaddi on the global stage, with this World Cup featuring teams from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Besides India and Chinese Taipei, teams from Bangladesh, Iran, Uganda, Nepal, Poland, and Kenya, among others, participated.
This win not only reinforces India's supremacy in women's kabaddi but also highlights the growing prominence of the sport worldwide. The team's success is a testament to their dedication, skill, and the unwavering support they receive from the nation.
