The 72nd Women’s Senior National Kabaddi Championship concluded on January 30, 2026, at the Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad. This significant event saw Haryana clinch the title by defeating last year’s champions, Indian Railways, with a narrow score of 39-37 in the final match.
Highlight Performers and Medal Winners
Nikita from Haryana was the star of the final, contributing an impressive 17 points. This victory reinforces Haryana’s dominance in women’s kabaddi. Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu secured bronze medals during this championship.
Championship Overview
The tournament, which ran from January 27 to 30, featured 28 teams competing for the prestigious title. It also played a crucial role as a selection platform for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan. Participating in this championship were 378 players, including several members of the 2025 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup-winning squad.
Tournament Progression
The competition unfolded over several stages, beginning with league matches that determined which teams would progress to the knockout rounds. The quarter-finalists included Indian Railways, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.
Semi-Final Matches
The semi-finals saw intense match-ups. Indian Railways triumphed over Tamil Nadu 46-28, led by Pooja, who scored 11 points. In the second semi-final, Haryana secured a spot in the final by edging past Himachal Pradesh with a score of 35-29, aided by Nikita’s 13 points.
Final Results
The results from the championship, including all matches leading to the finals, reflect the competitive nature of this year’s event:
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 27 | Delhi vs. Jammu & Kashmir | 61-14 |
| Jan 27 | Himachal Pradesh vs. Assam | 49-24 |
| Jan 27 | Haryana vs. Jharkhand | 62-16 |
| Jan 30 | Semi-Final 1: Indian Railways vs. Tamil Nadu | 46-28 |
| Jan 30 | Semi-Final 2: Haryana vs. Himachal Pradesh | 35-29 |
| Jan 30 | Final: Haryana vs. Indian Railways | 39-37 |
This thrilling championship has set the stage for remarkable performances ahead of the Asian Games later this year. As the winners, Haryana has solidified their standing in women’s kabaddi, promising an exciting future for the sport.
