The inaugural Asian Kabaddi League (AKL) Women's Chapter 1 will launch on August 1, 2026, offering a professional platform for women kabaddi players from across Asia. The tournament, which runs until August 16, will feature eight regional teams and be telecast in prime time on Sony. Notably, Pakistan and Bangladesh will not participate in this first edition.
Exclusion of Pakistan and Bangladesh
While the league is open to players from Asian countries, organisers confirmed that Pakistan and Bangladesh will not take part in the initial tournament. No specific reason was given for their absence, but the league aims to expand in future editions. The focus remains on providing a high-quality competition for the participating teams.
Format and Broadcast Details
The AKL Women's Chapter 1 will feature eight regional teams, with matches broadcast live on Sony during prime time from August 1 to 16. This marks a significant step for women's kabaddi, as professional leagues have historically prioritised men's events. The tournament is organised in association with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the South East Asian Kabaddi Federation (SEAKF), and the state kabaddi associations of Jharkhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.
Organisers' Vision
Vikram Vijay Chandan, President – Growth & Media, AKL, said the league would bring together top women kabaddi talent from across the continent. "AKL – Women's Chapter 1 is a professional platform that unites the finest women kabaddi players and team heads from across Asia. With Sony as our broadcaster and matches in prime time, we are determined to give women's kabaddi the stage, visibility and respect it deserves," said Chandan.
League Chairman Praveen Shetty welcomed representatives from the participating states and reaffirmed that the league is founded on the belief that talented women players, irrespective of their region, deserve a professional stage to showcase their abilities.
Impact on Women's Kabaddi
International kabaddi player Suman Shokeen called the league a landmark opportunity for women in the sport. "Women players have waited a long time for a professional league of this scale. AKL is a fresh beginning — it gives us a stage to show what we can do and will encourage many more young girls to take up kabaddi," said Shokeen.
The league is expected to transform the landscape of women's kabaddi by offering international competition, professional exposure, and a dedicated platform that has long been missing. With eight regional teams, international participation, and nationwide television coverage in prime time, AKL Women's Chapter 1 is poised to become a significant milestone in the growth of women's kabaddi and provide female athletes with a stage to showcase their talent before a wider audience.
