Ahmedabad, Nov 2026 : Captain Nidhi Sharma led from the front as world champions India defeated Uganda 35-15 in the final to become the first women’s champions of the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
India completed an unbeaten campaign, winning all six matches to claim the historic title. The hosts produced a dominant performance in the final, combining sharp raiding with an organised defence to overcome Uganda and secure the gold medal.
Sakshi was India’s leading raider, scoring nine raid points from 10 attempts, including two bonus points. She collected seven points in the first half, successfully completing all six of her raids.
Anu contributed six raid points, while captain Nidhi Sharma added five, including three bonus points. Defenders Ritu and Suman played a crucial role, registering four tackle points each.
India finished with 20 raid points and 10 tackle points, while also inflicting two All-Outs on Uganda.
India Takes Control in First Half
India led 7-3 with 10 minutes remaining in the first half before widening the gap through a sustained attacking and defensive effort.
The hosts outscored Uganda 15-4 during the remainder of the half, including an All-Out, to establish a commanding 22-7 lead at the break.
India did not lose a single raid in the opening half, while Uganda failed to convert any of its nine tackle attempts. India’s defence, meanwhile, made six successful tackles to restrict Uganda’s scoring opportunities.
Uganda’s Nakayongo Shirat was the main threat, taking responsibility for 24 of the team’s 35 raids and scoring 11 of its 15 points, including three bonus points. The other Ugandan raiders managed only three points between them, while semi-final standout Nalwoga Nahia was restricted to one point.
Zalwango Jemima’s second-half tackle was Uganda’s only successful stop of an Indian raider throughout the match.
Second All-Out Seals India’s Victory
Uganda improved after the interval and edged India 7-6 on raid points in the second half. However, India’s defensive discipline and ability to convert crucial raids ensured that the contest remained firmly in its control.
The decisive moment came with less than 10 minutes remaining, when India inflicted its second All-Out to put the result beyond doubt.
India tackled Uganda’s raiders 10 times during the match and converted three of its four do-or-die raids, underlining its composure in pressure situations.
Sakshi, who finished the championship with 52 points from six matches, said she was delighted to contribute to the team’s victory.
“I’m feeling great that I could score nine raid points and help the team win. The atmosphere in the team is euphoric after winning the gold medal, and everyone is very happy,” she said.
She added that international tournaments were important for the growth of kabaddi and would provide valuable experience to young players. Sakshi also thanked the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) for organising the championship.
India Completes Unbeaten Campaign
India began its campaign with a commanding 73-13 victory over Malaysia before defeating Singapore 32-16, Uganda 41-18 and Nigeria 38-10 to finish at the top of Group A.
The hosts then beat Sri Lanka 39-14 in the semi-final before overcoming Uganda once again in the final.
The inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship provided an international platform for women’s kabaddi and highlighted the growing competitiveness of the sport, with India finishing the tournament as undisputed champions.
