Indian women's kabaddi team returns to rousing reception after World Cup triumph
_vb_64.jpeg)
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
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Rain washes out Super Eights match between New Zealand and Pakistan
Pallekele (Sri Lanka) (PTI): New Zealand and Pakistan shared a point after incessant rain forced the abandonment of the opening T20 World Cup Group 2 Super Eights match here on Saturday.
Amid a slight drizzle, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first.
But the steady droplets soon transformed into relentless pouring, forcing the officials to call off the match without a ball being bowled.
Before the skies opened up, Pakistan made one change to their eleven, bringing in Fakhar Zaman in place of Khawaja Nafay.
New Zealand made three changes with skipper Mitchell Santner back after missing the last match against Canada due to a stomach issue and Lockie Ferguson and Ish Sodhi also found a place in the XI.
But all those calculations and combinations will have to wait for another day, as Pakistan will now face England here on February 24.
New Zealand will make a light travel to Colombo to face home side Sri Lanka on February 25.
The washout has also placed both the Kiwis and Pakistan in a relatively tighter place ahead of their remaining two Super Eights matches.
A similar result in any of the following matches, a possibility considering Sri Lanka’s weather pattern, or a defeat can put their semifinal ambitions in serious jeopardy.
