Indian women's kabaddi team returns to rousing reception after World Cup triumph
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New Delhi (PTI): The Indian women's kabaddi team arrived to a rousing reception at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Tuesday after clinching the 2025 World Cup title with a 35-28 win over Chinese Taipei in Dhaka.
The players, many returning from injuries, long breaks, and years of waiting for the tournament, called for the long-pending Women's Kabaddi League to be launched at the earliest.
Captain Ritu Negi, who battled an injury during the tournament, said the victory felt deeply special after a 13-year gap between World Cups.
"When the first World Cup was held, India won gold, and this time too, we gave our best. I feel amazing that we won. I had suffered an injury, and I am recovering now. With time, everything will heal.
"After 13 years, nerves were naturally high. It feels wonderful. It's high time we have a women's kabaddi league. We have been hoping for it for a long time, and it should start as soon as possible," Ritu said.
Raider Sonali Shingate, who missed the 2023 Asian Games due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in her right knee, said the comeback felt "inexpressible."
"First of all, thanks to all the fans for supporting us. I am very happy, it's an inexpressible feeling to win the World Cup.
"The last edition happened 13 years ago. I played the Asian Games in 2018, but in 2023 I was dropped at the last moment because of an injury. To overcome that injury, complete rehab, represent the country at the World Cup and return with a win... it is very emotional for me.
"Our next target is the 2026 Asian Games. We made quite a few mistakes in the final, which made it tough, but there's joy in winning a tough match. We are all waiting for the women's kabaddi league."
Assistant coach Priyanka, who won the World Cup as a player in 2012 and as an assistant coach in 2015, said coaching her first senior World Cup team to a title was "a dream moment."
"This was my first time coaching, and it feels great that we won. I won as a player in 2012, and now to contribute as a coach feels very special. I hope I can continue contributing in the years ahead."
Vice-captain Pushpa Rana said the team had been waiting "for years" for this moment.
"We are extremely happy. The last World Cup was held in 2012, and after so many postponements, it finally happened, and we returned with the title.
"I can't fully express this feeling. Our team played with confidence from the first match to the last, and our coaches guided us throughout."
VIDEO | Delhi: The Indian women’s kabaddi team received a warm welcome at IGI Airport after clinching their second consecutive World Cup title.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2025
India secured back-to-back championships with a strong 35–28 victory over Chinese Taipei in the final. The 2025 Women’s Kabaddi World… pic.twitter.com/4KXvjd479Q
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
