The Asian Kabaddi League (AKL) has announced the launch of its first-ever women's edition, the AKL Women's Chapter 1, scheduled to take place from August 1 to 16, 2026. The tournament will be broadcast live in prime time on Sony, marking a significant milestone for women's kabaddi in Asia. However, the inaugural edition will not feature teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh, despite the league being open to players from across the continent.
Eight Regional Teams to Compete
The league will comprise eight regional teams representing various Indian states, including Jharkhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh. The tournament is organized in association with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the South East Asian Kabaddi Federation (SEAKF), and the state kabaddi associations of the participating regions. Representatives from these federations and associations were felicitated during the launch ceremony.
Exclusion of Pakistan and Bangladesh
While the league is open to players from Asian countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh have been excluded from the first edition. The organizers have not provided specific reasons for their absence, but the decision underscores the selective nature of the tournament's initial lineup. The league aims to provide a professional platform for women kabaddi players, offering international competition and exposure that has long been lacking in the sport.
Vision and Leadership
Speaking at the launch, Vikram Vijay Chandan, President of Growth & Media at AKL, emphasized the league's commitment to elevating women's kabaddi. “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 scheduled during 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 hailed the league as a landmark opportunity for women in the sport. “Women players have been waiting for a professional league of this scale for a long time. AKL is a fresh beginning. It gives us a stage to show what we can do and will inspire many more young girls to take up kabaddi,” said Shokeen.
The league is designed exclusively for women athletes, unlike most professional kabaddi competitions that focus primarily on men's events. Organizers say the league aims to provide equal opportunities, encourage international participation, and inspire young girls to take up the sport.
Broadcast and Coverage
All matches will be telecast live on Sony during prime time, ensuring maximum visibility for the players and the sport. The 16-day tournament is expected to attract a wide audience across India and beyond, giving women's kabaddi the exposure it needs to grow.
Future Prospects
With eight regional teams, international participation, and nationwide television coverage, AKL Women's Chapter 1 is poised to become a significant milestone in the growth of women's kabaddi. The league provides a professional stage for female athletes to showcase their talent before a wider audience, potentially paving the way for more inclusive and widespread participation in the sport across Asia.
