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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SIT formed to probe second sexual assault case against expelled Cong MLA Mamkootathil
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe a second case of sexual assault against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, police officials said on Friday.
The SIT will be led by G Poonguzhali, Assistant Inspector General at the Police Headquarters.
The team also includes a DSP rank officer and sub-inspectors, officials added.
The second sexual assault complaint was received by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which it forwarded to the state police chief.
ALSO READ: Cong expels rape-accused MLA Mamkootathil from party's primary membership
Following this, the Crime Branch registered a case and launched an investigation.
Crime Branch officials said the email complaint contained only the sender's email ID and no other contact details.
As part of the probe, they have sent a reply email requesting that the complainant contact them and provide her statement.
The complainant has alleged that she was sexually assaulted under the false promise of marriage, a Crime Branch official said.
However, details such as the location and date of the alleged incident are not currently available to the police.
The SIT will attempt to trace the sender of the email and record her statement, which is crucial for further investigation, the officer said.
Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress party on Thursday after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail petition in another rape case.
Police said he is currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway in Kerala and neighbouring states.
