India made a statement on the opening day of the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, with both the men’s and women’s teams registering convincing wins on Saturday. The men defeated Uganda 44-30, while the women overpowered Singapore 32-16 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, giving the hosts a perfect start in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
It was the kind of start Indian kabaddi fans have come to expect, but it was far from a walkover. Uganda matched India raid for raid in the men’s game, and Singapore refused to fade away in the women’s contest. In the end, India’s superior defence and big-match composure made the difference in both matches.
Men: Patare leads the charge against Uganda
The men’s match set the tone for the day. Shivam Patare was the star of the show, scoring eight points through six touch points and two bonus points to lead India’s raiding department. Naveen Kumar and Bharat chipped in with six raid points each, while Aditya Shinde added four as India kept the scoreboard ticking over.
India finished with 27 raid points, 11 tackle points and six all-out points. The defence, though, was where the match was truly won. Ajit Pawar led the tackling effort with three points, while Nitesh, Yogesh Dahiya and Deepak S contributed two each. India completed 11 successful tackles compared to just three by Uganda, a gap that told the story of the contest.
Uganda deserve credit for their raiding. Mulaire Daglas was their standout performer with nine raid points, while Okidi Carnold and Sengendo Jimmy scored five each. Remarkably, Uganda matched India’s tally of 27 raid points. What they could not match was India’s defensive organisation, and once India began inflicting all-outs, the result was never really in doubt.
Women: Sakshi stars in commanding win over Singapore
The women’s team was even more dominant. Sakshi led the raiding with six points, while Renuka and Anu contributed four each and Nidhi Sharma added three as India raced to a 32-16 victory.
The numbers underline the control India enjoyed. The women registered 19 raid points, nine tackle points and four all-out points. Suman anchored the defence with four tackle points, Muskan Sharma added two, and Riya Kumari, Sabahi Gadhavi and Ritu chipped in with one each. Singapore, for all their effort in attack, failed to register a single successful tackle against the Indian side.
Arthi Selvan led Singapore’s scoring, but the gap in defensive quality between the two sides was stark. Every time Singapore threatened to build momentum, India’s defence shut the door.
What the opening day tells us
The first day of this inaugural championship offered a useful snapshot of where world kabaddi stands:
- India’s defence remains the gold standard. Both teams won their matches in the tackle department, not just in attack.
- The chasing pack is improving. Uganda matching India for raid points shows how far the sport has travelled beyond its traditional base.
- Depth matters. India did not rely on one star; points came from across the squad in both matches.
- Home support counts. Playing in Ahmedabad, the hosts fed off the crowd in the tight moments.
Other nations also opened their accounts on Saturday, with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Singapore’s men’s team among the winners, setting up an intriguing group stage over the coming days.
What happens next: Sunday’s fixtures
The action continues on Sunday, October 25, and the schedule could hardly be better for Indian fans. The women’s team faces Uganda at 6:45 PM IST, while the men’s team takes on Malaysia at 8:30 PM IST, both at the same venue in Ahmedabad.
Two more wins would put both Indian teams firmly on course for the knockout rounds and keep the home crowd dreaming of a double triumph at this first-ever Commonwealth championship. Uganda’s women and Malaysia’s men will have watched Saturday’s matches closely, though, and neither will arrive without a plan.
For now, though, India can enjoy a job well done. Two matches, two wins, and a clear message sent to the rest of the field: the hosts have come to Ahmedabad to win this.
FAQs
Where is the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 being held?
The inaugural edition is being played at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
What were India’s results on the opening day?
India’s men beat Uganda 44-30 and the women defeated Singapore 32-16 on Saturday, October 24.
Who were India’s top scorers?
Shivam Patare led the men with eight points, while Sakshi topped the women’s scoring with six points.
When do India play next?
On Sunday, October 25, the women face Uganda at 6:45 PM IST and the men play Malaysia at 8:30 PM IST.
Is this the first Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship?
Yes, the 2026 edition in Ahmedabad is the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship.
Stay tuned for more updates from Ahmedabad as India’s campaign continues.
